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The effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on mouse spermatogenesis

  • Gamete Biology
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on mouse spermatogenesis.

Methods

Thirty two adult male NMRI mice were used. Experimental Groups (ZNP-1-ZNP-3) received one of the following treatments daily for 35 days: 5, 50 and 300 mg/kg zinc oxide nanoparticles respectively. Control group received only distilled water. Epididymal sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, morphometric analysis and spermatogenesis assessments were performed for evaluation of the zinc oxide nanoparticles effects on testis.

Results

Epididymal sperm parameters including sperm number, motility and percentage of abnormality were significantly changed in 50 and 300 mg/kg zinc oxide nanoparticles treated mice (p < 0.01). Histopathological criteria such as epithelial vacuolization, sloughing of germ and detachment were significantly increased in 50 and 300 mg/kg zinc oxide nanoparticles treated mice (p < 0.001). 300 mg/kg zinc oxide nanoparticles induced formation of multinucleated giant cells in the germinal epithelium. 50 and 300 mg/kg zinc oxide nanoparticles also caused a significant decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter, seminiferous epithelium height and maturation arrest (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Zinc oxide nanoparticles act as testicular toxicant and further studies are needed to establish its mechanism of action upon spermatogenesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi, University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

    Ali Reza Talebi & Mahnaz Moridian

  2. Cell & Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box: 61335, Ahvaz, Iran

    Layasadat Khorsandi

Authors
  1. Ali Reza Talebi
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  2. Layasadat Khorsandi
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  3. Mahnaz Moridian
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Correspondence to Layasadat Khorsandi.

Additional information

Capsule Zinc oxide nanoparticles exert significant toxic effects on the mouse spermatogenesis.

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Talebi, A.R., Khorsandi, L. & Moridian, M. The effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on mouse spermatogenesis. J Assist Reprod Genet 30, 1203–1209 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-0078-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-0078-y

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