Abstract:

Objective: To explore the effect of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) on cell growth and progesterone biosynthesis
in R2C mouse leydig cells. Methods: R2C cells were exposed to 0.5, 1, 2, 4 mmol/L, and 6 mmol/L 1,3-DCP for 48 h, different
concentrations (IC25, IC50 and IC75) of 1,3-DCP were elected by MTT assay. R2C cells were stimulated by three concentrations
for 4 h or 24 h, respectively. The damage of DNA in R2C cells was investigated by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE).
Progesterone level in supernatant of cell culture medium was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results: 1,3-DCP could
inhibit cell growth, and IC25, IC50 and IC75 values were (1.161 ± 0.046), (1.897 ± 0.018) mmol/L and (3.100 ± 0.040) mmol/L.
In comparison with the control group, the damage of DNA were obviously higher in three concentrations of 1,3-DCP for 4 h,
and the progesterone level were also obviously lower in three concentrations of 1,3-DCP for 4 h or 24 h. Conclusion: 1,3-DCP
can directly affect cell growth and the progesterone synthesis of R2C cells.

Key words: 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol, leydig cell, progesterone, cell growth, mechanism