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The effect of n-hexane on the gonad toxicity of female mice
Jin Liu1, Hui Ling Huang, Fen Pang
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian, China.
Objective:
To investigate the toxic effects of n-hexane on the Ganod of female mice.
Methods:
n-Hexane was administered to four groups of mice by inhalation at doses of 0, 3.0, 15.1, and 75.8 mL/m3 respectivelyfor five weeks. Each group consisted of 10 mice, of which half were injected in first with 10 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) on the 33rd days, and then with 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) 48 hrs later. After the treatment, mouse sera were sampled and ovulating hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays (ECLIA). In each group, the right ovaries of the non-super-ovulated mice were stained with hematoxylin and eosin while ovaries on the left side were prepared with the TUNEL method in order to detect apoptotic cells.
Results:
The duration of the diestrus stage decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the 75.8 mL/m3 group. All super-ovulated mice in each treatment group produced fewer eggs than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The number of follicles in ovaries in the 75.8 mL/m3 group was smaller compared with the control group (P < 0.05).The serum P4 levels in each treatment group were lower than those in the control group (F = 6.196, P < 0.01). The cell apoptotic rate in the 75.8 mL/m3 group was higher (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
n-Hexane may have directly mediated via alterations hormone secretion and promoted granulosal cell apoptotic, which may be one of the important mechanisms for n-hexane induced mouse ovary impairment.
Insights
Exposure to n-hexane, a common industrial solvent, impairs female mouse reproductive health by disrupting hormone levels and increasing ovarian cell apoptosis. This study reveals potential mechanisms behind n-hexane
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- n-Hexane is a widely used industrial solvent.
- Occupational exposure to n-hexane may pose risks to reproductive health.
- The specific toxic effects of n-hexane on the female reproductive system require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of n-hexane on the ovaries of female mice.
- To determine the impact of n-hexane exposure on reproductive hormone levels.
- To assess the role of apoptosis in n-hexane-induced ovarian damage.
Main Methods:
- Female mice were exposed to varying concentrations of n-hexane via inhalation for five weeks.
- Hormone levels (LH, FSH, E2, P4) were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassays.
- Ovarian tissue was analyzed for follicle count and apoptotic cells using hematoxylin and eosin staining and the TUNEL method.
Main Results:
- n-Hexane exposure significantly reduced the duration of the diestrus stage and the number of eggs produced in super-ovulated mice.
- A decrease in ovarian follicle count and serum progesterone levels was observed with increasing n-hexane concentration.
- The rate of granulosa cell apoptosis in ovarian tissue was significantly higher in mice exposed to the highest concentration of n-hexane.
Conclusions:
- n-Hexane exposure negatively impacts female mouse reproductive function.
- Alterations in hormone secretion and promotion of granulosa cell apoptosis are key mechanisms underlying n-hexane-induced ovarian impairment.
- These findings highlight the potential reproductive risks associated with n-hexane exposure.
