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Published on: October 13, 2018
Toxic effects of T-2 toxin on reproductive system in male mice
Jian Ying Yang1, Yong Fa Zhang, Ai Min Liang
1College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luo Yang, Henan 471003, China.
Abstract:
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of T-2 toxin on semen quality, fertility and serum testosterone concentration in mice. Adult male mice were mated with sexually mature untreated female mice after being exposed to intraperitoneal injection of T-2 toxin at 0, 5, 10 or 15 mg/kg body weight daily for 7 successive days. Semen quality, serum testosterone concentration and fertility of treated mice were assessed. The results showed that the number of abnormal spermatozoa increased significantly and a significant decrease in spermatozoa with integrated acrosome was observed in males treated with T-2 toxin at all doses, As well, the amount of live spermatozoa decreased significantly in mice treated with 10 and 15 mg/kg body weight T-2 toxin. Low pregnancy rate and high fetal resorption rate were observed when females were mated with T-2 toxin-exposed males. Testicular and cauda epididymal sperm counts, efficiency of sperm production and serum testosterone concentration were significantly reduced in mice treated with T-2 toxin at all doses in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, these findings indicated that T-2 toxin presented toxic effects on reproductive system of adult male mice.
Insights
T-2 toxin exposure significantly harms male mouse reproductive health, reducing sperm quality, testosterone levels, and fertility. This mycotoxin negatively impacts sperm count, viability, and increases abnormalities, leading to lower pregnancy rates.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Science
Background:
- T-2 toxin is a harmful mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species.
- Exposure to mycotoxins can negatively impact animal health and productivity.
- Understanding the reproductive toxicity of T-2 toxin is crucial for animal welfare and food safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of T-2 toxin on semen quality in male mice.
- To assess the impact of T-2 toxin on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
- To evaluate the influence of T-2 toxin on serum testosterone levels.
Main Methods:
- Adult male mice were administered daily intraperitoneal injections of T-2 toxin (0, 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg) for seven days.
- Semen quality parameters, including sperm count, viability, and morphology, were analyzed.
- Fertility was assessed by mating treated males with untreated females, and serum testosterone concentrations were measured.
Main Results:
- T-2 toxin exposure led to a significant increase in abnormal spermatozoa and a decrease in viable sperm.
- Fertility was impaired, evidenced by low pregnancy rates and high fetal resorption rates.
- Dose-dependent reductions in testicular and epididymal sperm counts, sperm production efficiency, and serum testosterone were observed.
Conclusions:
- T-2 toxin exhibits significant reproductive toxicity in male mice.
- The mycotoxin negatively affects sperm parameters, fertility, and hormonal balance.
- These findings highlight the potential risks of T-2 toxin to male reproductive health.
