Anti-Müllerian hormone participates in ovarian granulosa cell damage due to cadmium exposure by negatively regulating stem cell factor

Cadmium is involved in female gonadal toxicity. Although many studies concur in suggesting a significant influence on female reproduction, the mechanisms of action are still needed to study. This study was designed to examine the characteristics of 0, 5, 10, and 20 μM cadmium toxicity in granulosa cells culture for 12 h, and the subsequent effect of cadmium exposure on AMH production and formation. Here we demonstrate that the viability of granulosa cells cadmium exposed was decreased, and the apoptosis was increased. Intriguingly, After exposure to cadmium the SCF was decreased and the AMH was increased in granulosa cells. This study may demonstrate that AMH signaling is involved in Cd action through SCF activation. The signaling pathways may play a role in the reproductive effects caused by environmental and occupational exposures to Cd. These results further confirm the functional significance of AMH signaling in mediating the intraovarian actions of Cd.