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Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Using Mouse Oocytes to Assess Human Gene Function During Meiosis I
Published on: April 10, 2018
Induced Aneugenic Effects in Mouse Oocytes In Vivo
K L Pligina1, A K Zhanataev2, A V Kulakova2
1V. V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia. kira-pligina@rambler.ru.
Abstract:
Aneugenic effects of the chemicals with antitumor activity were studied in mouse oocytes in vivo by cytogenetic analysis. In control mice, no oocytes with numerical chromosome aberrations were found. Colchicine (0.2-4 mg/kg), paclitaxel (2.5-7.5 mg/kg), and etoposide (10-60 mg/kg) produced a significant dose-dependent aneugenic effects (induction of up to 25% aneuploid oocytes) and increased the yield of oocytes arrested in the meiotic MI stage and with premature separation of sister chromatid. Paclitaxel induced up to 20% polyploid chromosomes. Doxorubicin (2.5 mg/kg), melphalan (10 mg/kg), and cisplatin (5-10 mg/kg) exhibited weak aneugenic activity (induction of up to 5% aneuploid oocytes). Cyclophosphamide (10-80 mg/kg) had minor effect on the studied parameters. Methotrexate (25-200 mg/kg) exhibited no aneugenic activity, but significantly increased the level of polyploid cells. The observed aneugenic effects included hypo- and hyperploidy in various proportions or hypoploidy, but no solely hyperhaploidy.
Insights
This study investigated the aneugenic effects of antitumor chemicals in mouse oocytes. Colchicine, paclitaxel, and etoposide showed significant dose-dependent effects, while others had weaker or no aneugenic activity.
Area of Science:
- Cytogenetics
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Antitumor agents are crucial in cancer treatment.
- Understanding their potential reproductive toxicity is vital.
- Aneugenic effects, or chromosome number abnormalities, are a key concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo aneugenic potential of several antitumor chemicals.
- To assess the impact of these agents on mouse oocyte chromosomes.
- To establish dose-dependent relationships for observed effects.
Main Methods:
- In vivo cytogenetic analysis of mouse oocytes.
- Treatment with various antitumor agents at specified doses.
- Microscopic examination for numerical chromosome aberrations, meiotic arrest, and sister chromatid separation.
Main Results:
- Colchicine, paclitaxel, and etoposide induced significant, dose-dependent aneuploidy (up to 25%) and meiotic abnormalities.
- Paclitaxel also caused polyploidy (up to 20%).
- Doxorubicin, melphalan, and cisplatin showed weak aneugenic activity (up to 5%), while cyclophosphamide had minor effects. Methotrexate increased polyploidy but was not aneugenic.
Conclusions:
- Several potent antitumor drugs exhibit significant aneugenic effects in mouse oocytes.
- The study highlights the need for careful consideration of reproductive risks associated with these chemotherapeutics.
- Differential aneugenic potentials were observed among the tested agents, informing risk assessment.
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