title: The use of in vitro methods for assessing reproductive toxicity. Dichlorophenols.
abstract: Environmental levels of dichlorophenols (DCPs) appear to be increasing. A paucity of knowledge exists concerning the impact of these agents on human health, including reproductive effects. Mice are being exposed to various DCPs to determine their toxic potential. In addition, the mouse in vitro fertilization method was used to evaluate the potential reproductive effects of a series of DCPs. This method is a preliminary reproductive screening procedure. In vitro penetration was depressed by 2,5-DCP, 3,4-DCP and 3,5-DCP. None of the agents affected sperm motility. Acridine orange fluorescent microscopy revealed that 3,4-DCP and 3,5-DCP disrupted the sperm acrosome; this could result in depressed penetration.
mesh_terms: D000177:Acrosome / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D002733:Chlorophenols / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions / Q000187:drug effects; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D002733:Chlorophenols