WVU :: School of Medicine :: Physiology and Pharmacology

Department of Physiology and Pharmacology

Eisuke Murono

Adjunct Associate Professor (NIOSH)

Ph.D., 1973, Rutgers University, New Jersey, Zoology/Physiology
Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Michigan, Reproductive Endocrinology

Phone: 304-285-6145
Email: eem8@cdc.gov

Research Interests

The examination of the potential effects of occupational chemicals (industrial surfactants or plasticizers and pesticides) in altering male reproductive functions, especially testicular Leydig and Sertoli cell functions. Using the rat as the experimental model and both in vitro and in vivo exposures, studies are being conducted to determine whether there are age-specific differences in the sensitivity of the testis to these chemicals. The specific mechanism (s) by which each chemical alters Leydig or Sertoli cell functions is being evaluated.

Description of Research

Currently, the direct effects of occupational chemicals on LH receptor levels, cAMP formation, testosterone biosynthesis and the expression of steroidogenic enzymes by cultured Leydig cells from neonatal, immature and adult rats are being evaluated. In addition, the direct effects of these chemicals in altering the expression (both protein and mRNA levels) of key Sertoli cell regulatory proteins (estrogen receptor µ and b , androgen receptor, FSH receptor, cAMP response-element binding protein (CREB), inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) and others) being examined.

Recent Publications

Murono E P, R C Derk, and J H de Leon. Biphasic effects of octylphenol on testosterone biosynthesis by cultured Leydig cells from neonatal rats. Reprod Toxicol 13:451-462, 1999.

Murono E P, R C Derk, and J H de Leon. Octylphenol inhibits testosterone biosynthesis by cultured precursor and immature leydig cells from rat testes. Reprod Toxicol 14:275-288, 2000.

Murono E P, R C Derk, J H de Leon. Differential effects of octylphenol, 17 Beta-estradiol, endosulfan or bisphenol A on the steroidogenic competence of cultured adult rat Leydig cells. Reprod Toxicol In press, 2001.