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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Comprehensive Assessment of Germline Chemical Toxicity Using the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: February 22, 2015
Dominant lethal effects of nocodazole in germ cells of male mice
Abstract:
The ability of the anticancer drug, nocodazole, to induce dominant lethal mutations in male germ cells was investigated by the in vivo dominant lethal test. Mice were treated with single doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg nocodazole. These males were mated at weekly intervals to virgin females for 6 weeks. Nocodazole clearly induced dominant lethal mutations in the early spermatid stage with the highest tested dose. Mice treated with 60 mg/kg nocodazole showed an additional peak of dominant lethal induction in mature spermatozoa during the first week matings after treatment. The percentage sperm count and sperm motility were significantly decreased after treatment of males with 30 and 60 mg/kg nocodazole. Moreover, the middle and highest doses of nocodazole significantly increased the percentage of abnormal sperm. Our study provides evidence that nocodazole is a germ cell mutagen. Marked alteration in the spermiogram analysis after nocodazole treatment possibly confirms that nocodazole has a significant effect on sperm maturation and development during storage and transit. The demonstrated mutagenicity profile of nocodazole may support further development of effective chemotherapy with less mutagenicity. Moreover, the cancer patients and medical personnel exposed to this drug chemotherapy may stand a higher risk for abnormal reproductive outcomes.
Insights
The anticancer drug nocodazole induces dominant lethal mutations in male germ cells, affecting sperm count and motility. This highlights potential reproductive risks for cancer patients and medical personnel undergoing nocodazole chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Genetics
Background:
- Nocodazole is an anticancer drug used in chemotherapy.
- Evaluating the mutagenic potential of chemotherapeutic agents is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ability of nocodazole to induce dominant lethal mutations in male germ cells.
- To assess the effects of nocodazole on sperm parameters and reproductive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- In vivo dominant lethal test in mice.
- Mice were treated with varying doses of nocodazole (15, 30, 60 mg/kg).
- Sperm count, motility, and abnormality were analyzed; males were mated weekly for 6 weeks.
Main Results:
- Nocodazole induced dominant lethal mutations, particularly in early spermatids and mature spermatozoa at higher doses.
- Significant decreases in sperm count and motility were observed with 30 and 60 mg/kg doses.
- Increased percentage of abnormal sperm was noted at middle and highest doses.
Conclusions:
- Nocodazole is confirmed as a germ cell mutagen.
- Nocodazole significantly impacts sperm maturation and development.
- Potential reproductive risks exist for individuals exposed to nocodazole.
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