Naslov
Effects of organophosphate chlormephos on development and function of testes and brain

Autori
Čeh, Katerina ; Ježek, Davor ; Zuzek, Monika C. ; Cebulj-Kadunc, Nina ; Majdic, Gregor

Izvornik
Slovenian veterinary research (1580-4003) 49 (2012), 1; 41-49

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
mice; testis; brain; organophosphorus; daily sperm production; electron microscopy; apoptosis; anxiety-like behavior

Sažetak
Summary: Several chemicals, known as endocrine disrupting chemicals have the capacity to interfere with hormone action in the mammalian body. The aim of our study was to establish whether long term exposure to low doses of organophosphorus compound Chlormephos affects the development and function of reproductive tract and endocrine parts of the brain. Adult male and female mice were exposed to 3.5μg/ml and 0.35μg/ml of Chlormephos in the drinking water during mating, pregnancy and lactation until weaning of the offspring. Testes development was studied in the offspring of exposed mice by monitoring daily sperm production, number of apoptotic cells and spermatogenesis. Immunoexpression of antimüllerian hormone and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was assessed qualitatively in testes from 9 and 19 days old offspring, respectively. No statistically significant differences (or qualitative differences in assessment of immunoexpression) were found in any of the observed parameters, suggesting that low dose of Chlormephos does not act as an endocrine disruptor in reproductive tract. To examine whether exposure to low doses of Chlormephos affect brain development, offspring of the exposed mice were tested for anxiety like behaviour in the elevated plus maze. Mice exposed neonatally to the higher dose of Chlormephos spent significantly less time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze in comparison to mice from control group, suggesting an increase in the anxiety like behaviour. Ultrastructural analyses did not reveal any changes in brain ultrastructure, in particular in blood-brain barrier which has been reported before to be a target for organophosphorous compounds.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

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