Toxic effects of Microcystis cell extracts on the reproductive system of male mice.
In this paper, the reproductive toxicity of male mice treated with Microcystis aeruginosa cell extracts containing microcystins was examined. In contrast to the control group, male mice exposed intraperitoneally to 3.33 or 6.67 microg microcystins/kg body weight for 14 days had decreased mean body weight, and the mean absolute weight of the testes and epididymides was decreased. However, the mean relative weight of the testes increased compared to the controls. In addition, histological examination of microcystin-treated mice indicated that the testes were damaged and the space between the seminiferous tubules was more pronounced compared to control mice. The quality of mature sperm in the seminiferous tubules was also decreased in treated mice compared with the control group. Further studies showed that motility and viability of the sperm from microcystin-treated mice were reduced, but no significant difference was found in the concentration and abnormality of the sperm from treated mice compared to the control. This study indicated that microcystins had numerous toxic effects on the reproductive system of male mice.
Ding
Xiao-Sheng
XS
College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xin Xiang 453007, PR China.
Li
Xiao-Yu
XY
Duan
Hong-Ying
HY
Chung
Ik-Kyo
IK
Lee
Jin-Ae
JA
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002457:Cell Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D052998:Microcystins / Q000633:toxicity*; D046931:Microcystis / Q000737:chemistry*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D002457:Cell Extracts; D052998:Microcystins