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Microcystins cause embryonic toxicity in mice
Yan-Zhen Bu1, Xiao-Yu Li, Bang-Jun Zhang
1College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, ShiJiaZhuang 050016, PR China.
Abstract:
Microcystins produced by freshwater cyanobacteria are potent hepatotoxins and can cause animal intoxications and human illnesses. In the present study, the effects of microcystins on the embryonic development of Kunming mice were determined using cell extracts of Microcystis aeruginosa from the Nanwan reservoir, China. Forty-eight pregnant mice were divided into four groups of 12 mice. Pregnant mice in three experimental groups were injected intraperitoneally with cell extracts at doses equivalent to 3, 6, or 12 microg microcystins/kg body weight daily from gestational days 6-15, while the mice in the control group were injected on the same schedule with sterilized saline. Mice were killed on the 18th day of gestation and embryonic and fetal developmental indexes checked. The fetal mice were also examined for anomalies of external, skeletal, and internal organs. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in body weight gain of pregnant mice in the 12 microg/kg dose group when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Differences in mean body weight, body length, and tail length of the fetuses were also found in these two groups (p<0.05). However, no significant difference in these characteristics was detected in the 6 or 3 microg/kg dose groups when compared to the control group (p>0.05). Four fetuses in the 6 microg/kg body dose group were found to have a curving tail. Additionally, petechial hemorrhage and hydropic degeneration were observed in the livers of fetuses in the 6 and 12 microg/kg experimental groups. These results suggested that microcystins had both maternal and embryonic toxicity in mice.
Insights
Microcystins from cyanobacteria cause toxicity in mice. High doses led to reduced maternal weight gain and fetal developmental issues, including liver damage and birth defects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Freshwater cyanobacteria produce microcystins, potent hepatotoxins implicated in animal and human health issues.
- Microcystins are a class of cyclic peptides known for their toxicity to the liver.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of microcystins on the embryonic and fetal development of Kunming mice.
- To determine the dose-dependent toxicity of microcystin exposure during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant Kunming mice were exposed to varying doses (3, 6, 12 microg/kg) of Microcystis aeruginosa cell extracts via intraperitoneal injection from gestational days 6-15.
- Control groups received sterile saline injections.
- On day 18 of gestation, mice were euthanized, and fetal developmental indexes, external anomalies, and internal organ examinations were conducted.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in maternal body weight gain was observed in the 12 microg/kg microcystin dose group.
- Fetuses exposed to 6 and 12 microg/kg microcystins exhibited significant differences in body weight, body length, and tail length compared to controls.
- Adverse fetal effects included a curving tail, petechial hemorrhage, and hydropic degeneration in the liver, particularly in the higher dose groups.
Conclusions:
- Microcystins demonstrate both maternal and embryonic toxicity in mice.
- Exposure to microcystins during critical developmental periods can lead to significant adverse effects on fetal development and organ health.
- These findings highlight the potential risks of microcystin exposure from cyanobacteria blooms to reproductive health.
