Open AccessAggravating effect of natural sand dust on male reproductive function in mice
Author(s) -
Yoshida Seiichi,
Hiyoshi Kyoko,
Ichinose Takamichi,
Nishikawa Masataka,
Takano Hirohisa,
Sugawara Isamu,
Takeda Ken
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
reproductive medicine and biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.005
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 1447-0578
pISSN - 1445-5781
DOI - 10.1007/s12522-009-0027-8
Subject(s) - reproductive system , physiology , testosterone (patch) , sperm , reproduction , spermatogenesis , zoology , andrology , biology , medicine , endocrinology , ecology
Purpose Although adverse health effects of environment (such as cadmium, pesticides, diesel exhaust, etc.) on the male reproductive system have been suggested, there is little experimental evidence of such an effect of atmospheric sand dust. In the present study, the effects of sand dust (mineral particles) were investigated on the male reproductive system of mice. Methods Two types of sand dusts (Asian sand dust and Arizona sand dust) were intratracheally administered (0.1 mg/mouse 4 times every other week) to ICR male mice and then male reproductive organ weight, daily sperm production (DSP), histological analysis and serum testosterone level were measured. Results Histological examination showed that interstitial edema was produced by both sand dust types, and partial vacuolation of the seminiferous tubules was detected in the exposed mice. Moreover, exposure to these natural sand dusts significantly decreased DSP. On the other hand, there was no significant differences in serum testosterone concentration. Conclusions These results suggest that natural sand dust‐exposure produced adverse effects on mouse male reproductive function.