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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Mouse Oocyte In Vitro Maturation, Fertilization, and Culture of Preimplantation Embryos
Published on: May 29, 2026
Mancozeb exposure in vivo impairs mouse oocyte fertilizability
Gianna Rossi1, Roberto Buccione, Massimiliano Baldassarre
1Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Università degli Studi di L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
Abstract:
Mancozeb is known to alter reproductive performance in exposed animals, but its specific mechanism of action is still unclear. We investigated whether in female mice of the F1 generation, mancozeb could affect oocyte ability to undergo complete meiotic maturation and fertilization. Female mice were treated with 50 and 500 mg/kg of mancozeb (or vehicle in the controls) from gestational day 2 to postnatal day 20. Results demonstrated that only at the highest dose, mancozeb induced a significant decrease in the number of ovulated eggs. Moreover, at this dose mancozeb caused a significant decrease of fertilizability related to a reduction of the formation of male and female pronuclei.
Insights
Mancozeb exposure in female mice reduced egg ovulation and fertilization rates, particularly at higher doses. This fungicide
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Developmental toxicology
- Environmental health
Background:
- Mancozeb is a widely used fungicide.
- Previous studies suggest mancozeb impacts animal reproductive performance.
- The precise mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of mancozeb on female offspring (F1 generation) reproductive capabilities.
- To assess mancozeb's impact on oocyte meiotic maturation and fertilization in mice.
Main Methods:
- Female mice (F1 generation) were exposed to mancozeb (50 and 500 mg/kg) or vehicle from gestational day 2 to postnatal day 20.
- Oocyte ovulation and fertilization rates were evaluated.
- Pronuclear formation was assessed to determine fertilization success.
Main Results:
- Mancozeb exposure at 500 mg/kg significantly decreased the number of ovulated eggs.
- The highest dose of mancozeb significantly reduced oocyte fertilizability.
- Fertilization impairment was associated with reduced male and female pronuclei formation.
Conclusions:
- Mancozeb, at high doses, negatively affects key reproductive parameters in female mice.
- The fungicide interferes with oocyte ovulation and the subsequent fertilization process.
- These findings highlight potential risks of mancozeb exposure to female reproductive health.
