title: Intrauterine exposure to diesel exhaust diminishes adult ovarian reserve.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze ovarian and uterine morphologic changes resulting from intrauterine and postnatal exposure to diesel exhaust.
  
  
  METHODS
  Crossover study. Experimental groups: intrauterine and postnatal clean air exposure; intrauterine exposure to diesel only; postnatal exposure to diesel only; and intrauterine and postnatal exposure to diesel.
  
  
  METHODS
  Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution.
  
  
  METHODS
  Swiss mice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mice exposed to diesel exhaust with doses that correspond to the daily average PM₂.₅ levels (fine particles in the ambient air 2.5 μm or less in size) reported by the World Health Organization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Morphometric analyses of the ovaries and uterus were performed to define the relative area occupied by follicles, corpus luteum, and stroma and the proportionate area of glands, epithelial layer, and stroma within the uterine endometrium.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant reduction in the proportion of primordial follicles was observed in intrauterine-exposed animals, those exposed during the postnatal period, and in animals exposed during both phases. Primary follicle proportion was reduced in animals exposed during pregnancy. No significant changes were detected in uterine morphology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intrauterine exposure to acceptable levels of diesel exhaust compromises the reproductive potential of female mice, diminishing ovarian reserve when sexual maturity is achieved. This effect could increase the risk of premature menopause. The findings raise concern about current environmental guidelines for diesel exposure, warranting more careful examination of this issue in humans by regulatory authorities.
authors: Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution, Department of Pathology, and Laboratory of Experimental Therapeutics, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil. karolyn@hemocord.com.br
authors: Karolyn Sassi
authors: KS
authors: Ogliari
authors: Ana Julia de Faria Coimbra
authors: AJ
authors: Lichtenfels
authors: Mary Rosa Rodrigues
authors: MR
authors: de Marchi
authors: Alice Teixeira
authors: AT
authors: Ferreira
authors: Marisa
authors: M
authors: Dolhnikoff
authors: Paulo Hilario Nascimento
authors: PH
authors: Saldiva
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001335:Vehicle Emissions / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D052638:Particulate Matter; D001335:Vehicle Emissions