In vitro effects of Uranium on human fetal germ cells.
Uranium (U) is found in the environment and its use in industrial or military activities has led to concerns about its potential toxicity. The reprotoxicity of this heavy metal has been established in adult animals; however, no studies have examined its effect on human fetal gonads. Using an organ culture system, we investigated the effects of uranyl acetate on human gonads during the first trimester of gestation (7-12 weeks), which is a critical step in the development of a functional reproductive system. In human fetal ovaries, 0.05 mM U significantly decreased germ cell density by increasing their apoptosis rate. In human fetal testes, 0.1mM U similarly reduced the number of germ cells. The human fetal germ cells are more sensitive to U than mouse germ cells in the same experimental conditions. This is the first evidence that U may impair the development of the human gonads.
Laboratory of Differentiation and Radiobiology of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiations, CEA - DSV/iRCM/SCSR, F-92265 Fontenay aux Roses, France.
Gaëlle
G
Angenard
Vincent
V
Muczynski
Hervé
H
Coffigny
Clotilde
C
Duquenne
René
R
Frydman
René
R
Habert
Gabriel
G
Livera
Virginie
V
Rouiller-Fabre
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000378:metabolism; D002452:Cell Count; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000633:toxicity*; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology; D010063:Ovum / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology
D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C005460:uranyl acetate; C505407:CASP3 protein, human; D053148:Caspase 3