Timing and recovery of postweaning exposure to diethylstilbestrol on early pregnancy in CD-1 mice

Exposure timing could play an important role in the effects of estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDCs) on early pregnancy. This study examined the sensitivity of different exposure periods from weaning to gestation day 4.5 (D4.5) to 50 ppb diethylstilbestrol (DES, a test EEDC) diet on embryo implantation and potential recovery upon temporary cessation of DES exposure in CD-1 mice. Peripubertal (3–5 weeks old) DES exposure reduced the numbers of corpora lutea and implantation sites. Postpubertal (5–7 weeks old) DES exposure did not have significant effects on early pregnancy. Postmating (D0.5–D4.5) DES exposure affected postovulation events leading to impaired embryo implantation. A 5-day premating rest from 5-week DES exposure (3–8 weeks old) resulted in recovery of early pregnancy rate. These data demonstrate that peripubertal and postmating periods are sensitive windows to endocrine disruption of early pregnancy and temporary cessation of exposure could partially alleviate adverse effects of DES on early pregnancy.