Adverse effects of methylene blue on human sperm motility, components of human reproductive tract fluids, and mouse embryo cleavage.
Because methylene blue exhibits germicidal, oxidation, and reduction properties, the authors asked whether this agent causes adverse effects on gametes, embryos, and/or secretions of the reproductive tract. Time- and dose-dependent inhibition of human sperm motility by methylene blue was observed, as was growth inhibition of 2-cell mouse embryos. Furthermore, the presence of methylene blue in uterine, fallopian tube, and peritoneal fluids altered protein mobility in polyacrylamide gels, and yielded apparent values of follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol up to 260% of actual values (P less than 0.05). These data suggest that the presence of methylene blue in reproductive tract fluids may provide a false impression of their biochemical and biophysical compositions, and that the use of methylene blue as a chromopertubation agent be conducted with appropriate awareness.
Coddington
C C
CC
United States Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia.
Anderson
T L
TL
Accetta
C R
CR
Swanson
J
J
Kruger
T
T
Hodgen
G D
GD
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000032:analysis; D004589:Electrophoresis, Disc; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000032:analysis; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D051379:Mice; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects*
D011506:Proteins; D004958:Estradiol; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D008751:Methylene Blue