Dibutyltin dichloride exposure affects mouse oocyte quality by inducing spindle defects and mitochondria dysfunction
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Updated: Oct 3, 2025
Meiotic Spindle Assessment in Mouse Oocytes by siRNA-mediated Silencing
Published on: October 11, 2015
Yajuan Lu1, Hanyu Tang1, Xia Wang2
1Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
Dibutyltin dichloride (DBTCl) is a widespread environmental pollutant that is frequently employed as a light and heat sustainer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics and is a teratogen in vivo. Nevertheless, its destructiveness in mammalian oocytes remains unclear. This study highlighted the consequences of DBTCl vulnerability on mouse oocyte. Our results revealed that exposure to 5.0 mg/kg/day of DBTCl for ten days reduced the number of mature follicles and oocytes in the ovaries and inhibited the meiotic maturation of oocytes. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis indicated that DBTCl exposure interfered with the expression of more than 400 genes in oocytes, including those involved in multiple biological pathways. Specifically, DBTCl exposure impaired spindle assembly and chromosome alignment. In addition, DBTCl exposure caused mitochondrial dysfunction, which led to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced apoptosis. In summary, our study illustrates that mitochondrial dysfunction and redox perturbation are the major causes of the reduced quality of oocytes exposed to DBTCl.
Insights
Dibutyltin dichloride (DBTCl), a PVC plastic stabilizer, harms mouse oocytes by disrupting meiosis, causing mitochondrial dysfunction, and increasing oxidative stress. This environmental pollutant significantly reduces ovarian health and oocyte quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Reproductive biology
- Cellular toxicology
Background:
- Dibutyltin dichloride (DBTCl) is a common environmental pollutant and stabilizer for PVC plastics.
- DBTCl is a known teratogen, but its effects on mammalian oocytes are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detrimental effects of Dibutyltin dichloride (DBTCl) exposure on mouse oocyte quality and function.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DBTCl-induced oocyte damage.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to DBTCl (5.0 mg/kg/day) for ten days.
- Ovarian and oocyte assessments were performed.
- Single-cell transcriptomic analysis was utilized to identify gene expression changes.
- Mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and apoptosis were evaluated.
Main Results:
- DBTCl exposure reduced the number of mature follicles and oocytes.
- Meiotic maturation of oocytes was inhibited, with impaired spindle assembly and chromosome alignment.
- DBTCl disrupted gene expression in over 400 genes within oocytes.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction, increased ROS accumulation, and induced apoptosis were observed.
Conclusions:
- DBTCl exposure significantly compromises mouse oocyte quality and reproductive potential.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance are key mechanisms driving DBTCl toxicity in oocytes.
- These findings highlight the reproductive risks associated with DBTCl environmental contamination.
