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Cr(V) involvement in the toxicity pathway of testicular damage
M L Pereira1, T M Santos, R Pires das Neves
1Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal. lpereira@bio.ua.pt
Aim:
The functional integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in male mice exposed to Cr(V) was studied in order to clarify the mechanism underlying testicular injury.
Methods:
Adult male mice were subcutaneously injected repeated doses of 8.02 micromol (0.5 ml) of Cr/mouse.day for 5 days. Animals receiving a similar volume of bis(hydroxyethyl)-aminotris(hydroxymethyl)methane buffer (BT) were used as controls. The animals were sacrificed on day 6 and small fragments of seminiferous tubules, approximately 8-10 mm length, were incised and sutured at both ends. They were exposed in vitro to horseradish peroxidase-containing culture medium for 10 minutes. Tissues were then fixed and processed for ultrastructural studies.
Results:
Controls and Cr(V)-treated group resulted in the uptake of the tracer by Sertoli cells. However, the major finding consisted in the permeability of the BTB only in the Cr(V)-group, as evidenced by the presence of the tracer within the junctions between the neighbouring Sertoli cells.
Conclusion:
The BTB is disrupted in mice submitted to Cr(V). The permeability of the BTB is a crucial feature to be investigated for the understanding of lesions within the seminiferous tubule.
Insights
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(V)) exposure disrupts the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in male mice. This breakdown in BTB integrity is a key factor in testicular injury mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is critical for maintaining testicular function and protecting germ cells.
- Understanding the impact of environmental toxicants on BTB integrity is crucial for male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in male mice exposed to hexavalent chromium (Cr(V)).
- To elucidate the mechanism by which Cr(V) exposure causes testicular injury.
Main Methods:
- Adult male mice were administered repeated subcutaneous doses of Cr(V) for 5 days.
- Seminiferous tubule fragments were isolated and exposed in vitro to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) tracer.
- Ultrastructural studies were performed to assess HRP localization and BTB permeability.
Main Results:
- Sertoli cells in both control and Cr(V)-treated groups took up the HRP tracer.
- Significant permeability of the BTB was observed exclusively in the Cr(V)-exposed group.
- HRP tracer was detected within the intercellular junctions of Sertoli cells in Cr(V)-treated mice, indicating barrier disruption.
Conclusions:
- Hexavalent chromium (Cr(V)) exposure leads to the disruption of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in male mice.
- BTB permeability is a critical factor in the development of testicular lesions following Cr(V) exposure.
- Further investigation into BTB permeability is essential for understanding Cr(V)-induced testicular damage.