Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats
Published on: October 13, 2018
Evaluation of Mn exposure in the male reproductive system and its relationship with reproductive dysfunction in mice
Tugstênio L Souza1, Amândia R Batschauer1, Patricia Manuitt Brito2
1Laboratory of Embryotoxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Abstract:
Manganese (Mn) is essential for animal development and homeostasis. However, anthropogenic activities increase the concentration of Mn in the environment and lead to increased risk of exposure to high doses of the metal. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of high doses of Mn on the male reproductive system of swiss mice. The 22-day old mice were randomly sorted into four groups and exposed to 0 (control), 15, 30 and 60 mg of MnCl2/kg/day, via daily gavages for 45 days. After the exposure, the mice were euthanized and sperm, hormonal and oxidative stress endpoints were evaluated in the testis, seminal vesicle and hypothalamus. Exposure to Mn promoted weight reduction of androgen-dependent organs, as well as alteration of the levels of fecal androgenic metabolites. Sperm parameters were drastically affected in all treated groups and the antioxidants tested (catalase and glutathione-disulfide reductase activities, and non-protein thiols content) decreased in the testis. However, only a few endpoints were altered in the seminal vesicle. For the hypothalamus, there was a reduction in acetylcholinesterase activity, suggesting a neurotoxic potential of Mn. In conclusion, Mn may affect the hypothalamic-gonadal axis by impairing the development of androgen-dependent organs, testicular redox status and Leydig cell maturation.
Insights
High manganese (Mn) exposure negatively impacts the male reproductive system in mice. This study found that MnCl2 exposure reduced organ weights, impaired sperm quality, and altered hormone levels, suggesting reproductive toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Neurotoxicology
Background:
- Manganese (Mn) is vital for biological functions, but environmental contamination increases exposure risks.
- High-dose Mn exposure can disrupt homeostasis and pose health concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of high manganese chloride (MnCl2) doses on the male reproductive system of Swiss mice.
- To evaluate impacts on sperm parameters, hormonal balance, and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Swiss mice were exposed to 0, 15, 30, or 60 mg MnCl2/kg/day via gavage for 45 days.
- Evaluated endpoints included organ weights, fecal androgen metabolites, sperm parameters, testicular and seminal vesicle oxidative stress markers, and hypothalamic acetylcholinesterase activity.
Main Results:
- MnCl2 exposure reduced androgen-dependent organ weights and altered fecal androgen metabolite levels.
- Sperm parameters were significantly impaired across all MnCl2-treated groups.
- Testicular antioxidant activities (catalase, glutathione-disulfide reductase, non-protein thiols) decreased, while hypothalamic acetylcholinesterase activity was reduced, indicating neurotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- High-dose manganese exposure adversely affects the male reproductive system in mice.
- Mn may disrupt the hypothalamic-gonadal axis, impairing androgen-dependent organ development, testicular redox balance, and Leydig cell maturation.
