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Effects of Fluoride on Surface Structure of Primary Culture Leydig Cells in Mouse
1Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China.
Abstract:
Fluoride (F) is known to induce reproduction toxicity, and the elucidation of its underlying mechanisms is an ongoing research. These findings aim to provide deeper insights into roles of soduim fluoride (NaF) in testis damage, which could contribute to a better understanding of fluoride-induced male reproductive toxicity. The Leydig cells were administrated by 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L NaF for 24 h, respectively. Scanning electron microscope was used to identify the change of surface structure in the Leydig cells. The results showed that fluoride exposure of high-dose induced bulged balloon in the membrane of the Leydig cell. We speculated that high doses of NaF inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in Leydig cells. This is the first time that we have reported that fluoride impaired cytomembrane and cytoskeleton of the Leydig cells in vitro treated with different doses of fluoride for 24 h by using a scanning electron microscope. Damage to the cytoskeleton and cytomembrane may be one of the reasons of male reproductive toxicity induced by fluoride.
Insights
Sodium fluoride (NaF) exposure damages male reproductive cells. High doses of NaF in vitro alter Leydig cell structure, potentially causing male reproductive toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Fluoride is a known reproductive toxicant.
- Mechanisms of fluoride-induced male reproductive toxicity require further investigation.
- Sodium fluoride (NaF) is a common source of fluoride exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of NaF on Leydig cells in vitro.
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying NaF-induced testicular damage.
- To understand the role of NaF in male reproductive toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Leydig cells were treated with varying concentrations of NaF (0, 5, 10, 20 mg/L) for 24 hours.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to visualize cellular structural changes.
- Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed (speculated).
Main Results:
- High-dose NaF exposure induced significant structural alterations in Leydig cells.
- Bulging balloon-like structures were observed on the Leydig cell membrane.
- Fluoride exposure impaired the cytomembrane and cytoskeleton of Leydig cells.
Conclusions:
- NaF exposure in vitro affects Leydig cell morphology and integrity.
- Damage to the cytomembrane and cytoskeleton may contribute to fluoride-induced male reproductive toxicity.
- This study provides novel insights into the in vitro effects of fluoride on testicular cells.
