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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Reproductive toxicity and gender differences induced by cadmium telluride quantum dots in an invertebrate model
Si-Qi Yan1,2, Rui Xing1,2, Yan-Feng Zhou3
1School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
Abstract:
Sexual glands are key sites affected by nanotoxicity, but there is no sensitive assay for measuring reproductive toxicity in animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe-QDs) on gonads in a model organism, Bombyx mori. After dorsal vein injection of 0.32 nmol of CdTe-QDs per individual, the QDs passed through the outer membranes of gonads via the generation of ROS in the membranes of spermatocysts and ovarioles, as well as internal germ cells, thereby inducing early germ cell death or malformations via complex mechanisms related to apoptosis and autophagy through mitochondrial and lysosomal pathways. Histological observations of the gonads and quantitative analyses of germ cell development showed that the reproductive toxicity was characterized by obvious male sensitivity. Exposure to QDs in the early stage of males had severe adverse effects on the quantity and quality of sperm, which was the main reason for the occurrence of unfertilized eggs. Ala- or Gly-conjugated QDs could reduce the nanotoxicity of CdTe-QDs during germ cell development and fertilization of their offspring. The results demonstrate that males are preferable models for evaluating the reproductive toxicity of QDs in combined in vivo/in vitro investigations.
Insights
Cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe-QDs) cause reproductive toxicity in male silkworms by damaging sperm. Conjugated CdTe-QDs show reduced nanotoxicity, suggesting males are ideal for testing QD reproductive risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Sexual glands are vulnerable to nanotoxicity.
- A sensitive assay for animal reproductive toxicity is lacking.
- Cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe-QDs) are widely used nanomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of CdTe-QDs on gonads in Bombyx mori.
- To evaluate the potential of Bombyx mori as a model organism for reproductive toxicity assessment.
- To explore strategies for mitigating CdTe-QD nanotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Dorsal vein injection of CdTe-QDs into Bombyx mori.
- Histological examination of gonads.
- Quantitative analysis of germ cell development.
- Assessment of sperm quantity and quality.
- In vivo/in vitro combined investigations.
Main Results:
- CdTe-QDs induced reproductive toxicity via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and autophagy.
- Male Bombyx mori exhibited higher sensitivity to CdTe-QD exposure.
- Early-stage male exposure severely impacted sperm quantity and quality, leading to unfertilized eggs.
- Ala- or Gly-conjugated CdTe-QDs reduced nanotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Males are sensitive models for evaluating QD reproductive toxicity.
- CdTe-QDs induce reproductive harm through complex cellular pathways.
- Surface modification of QDs can mitigate their reproductive toxicity.
