In utero and lactational exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces a reduction in epididymal and ejaculated sperm number in rhesus monkeys.
A long-term developmental toxicity study of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure was performed in rhesus monkeys and the effect on male reproductive organs was determined in the second generation. Dams received 0, 30 or 300 ng/kg TCDD subcutaneously on Day 20 of gestation, and then 5% of the initial dose was injected every 30 days until Day 90 after delivery. The offspring were maintained until reaching sexual maturity, and evaluated by semen analysis, and histopathology of the testes and epididymides. Ejaculated sperm concentration was severely reduced at 300 ng/kg, and sperm viability and activity were dose-proportionally reduced, although effects on spermatogenesis were slight. Histomorphometry revealed markedly reduced area of the ductus epididymis accompanying decreased reserved sperm in the 30 and 300 ng/kg groups. In conclusion, in utero and lactational exposure to TCDD induced a reduction of sperm quality in rhesus monkeys.
Arima
Akihiro
A
Drug Safety Research Laboratories, Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories Ltd. (SNBL), Kagoshima 891-1394, Japan. arima-akihiro@snbl.co.jp
Kato
Hirohito
H
Ooshima
Yojiro
Y
Tateishi
Taishi
T
Inoue
Ayumi
A
Muneoka
Atsunobu
A
Ihara
Toshio
T
Kamimura
Shunichi
S
Fukusato
Toshio
T
Kubota
Shunichiro
S
Sumida
Hiroshi
H
Yasuda
Mineo
M
D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008297:Male; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D008892:Milk / Q000737:chemistry; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012741:Sexual Maturation / Q000187:drug effects; D013076:Sperm Count / Q000379:methods; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*
D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins