Aim: Exposure to the ubiquitous endocrine disrupter Bisphenol A (BPA) has
been associated, in pregnancy, with low birth weight. The aim of our study is
the identification of the damage caused by Bisphenol A on placental tissue
through the evaluation of its effects on micro-vessel density and apoptosis. Methods:
After fertilization, we exposed 3 female rats to oral BPA, by means of a free
access to a beverage solution containing 100 μg/L of BPA. Three female rats
were used as controls. Placentas underwent histological examination and
immunohistochemistry for von Willebr and factor (F-VIII) and caspase-9. Results:
Sixty-seven fetuses have been produced, 30 from control rats and 37 from
exposed rats. Exposed fetuses showed a lower longitudinal/transverse diameter ratio
than controls (2.57 ± 0.29 vs. 2.78 ± 0.38, p < 0.05). Also, exposed fetuses
showed a significant reduction in the number of placental vessels per field
(124.86 ± 19.15 vs. 143.54 ± 22.09, p < 0.05). On the other hand, apoptosis
is not increased by exposure, as shown by caspase-9 levels. Conclusion:
Exposure to BPA during pregnancy may affect placental vascularization, and this
phenomenon may explain the lower birth weight reported. However, our results do
not show the increase in apoptosis observed in
vitro.
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