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Updated: Oct 9, 2026
Transgenic Rodent Assay for Quantifying Male Germ Cell Mutant Frequency
Published on: August 6, 2014
Low doses of pulsed ultrasound and chromosomal abnormalities in male mouse germ cells
Abstract:
Male mice were exposed to pulsed ultrasound (intensity less than 1 mW, frequency 3.5 MHz) for 30 min or to sham treatment. After 30 h, 11, 12 or 13 days, the testes were cytologically and histologically examined (using squash preparations, air-drying and sections). The resulting damage was studied at diakinesis-metaphase I and II, spermatogonial metaphase and anaphase. The investigation by air-drying did not show any significant increase in chromosome damage, 30 h, 11, 12 and 13 days after treatment (spermatogonial and spermatocytic metaphases). There was, however, a significant increase of the frequency of aneuploid cells detected at metaphase II. Investigations by squash techniques or sections did not reveal adverse effects on the spindles at spermatogonial and spermatocytic anaphases. We suggest that the reduction of fertility previously observed in our clinic could be explained by an increase of aneuploidy if germ cells are exposed to ultrasound during diakinesis of the first meiotic division.
Insights
Pulsed ultrasound exposure in male mice did not increase chromosome damage but significantly raised aneuploid cells, suggesting a link to reduced fertility. This ultrasound effect may impact germ cells during meiosis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ultrasound is widely used in medical diagnostics and therapies.
- Potential effects of ultrasound on male reproductive health require further investigation.
- Previous clinical observations suggested reduced fertility possibly linked to ultrasound exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytological and histological effects of pulsed ultrasound on male mouse testes.
- To determine if ultrasound exposure causes chromosome damage or affects meiotic spindles.
- To explore the potential mechanism linking ultrasound exposure to reduced fertility.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were exposed to pulsed ultrasound (3.5 MHz, <1 mW) or sham treatment.
- Testes were examined cytologically and histologically at 30 hours, 11, 12, and 13 days post-exposure.
- Damage was assessed at various meiotic and spermatogonial stages using squash preparations, air-drying, and tissue sections.
Main Results:
- Air-drying methods showed no significant increase in chromosome damage in spermatogonia or spermatocytes.
- A significant increase in aneuploid cells was detected at metaphase II.
- Squash techniques and tissue sections revealed no adverse effects on spindles during spermatogonial and spermatocytic anaphases.
Conclusions:
- Pulsed ultrasound exposure can increase aneuploidy in germ cells.
- The observed increase in aneuploidy may explain the reduction in fertility previously noted in clinical settings.
- Ultrasound exposure during diakinesis of the first meiotic division is a potential cause of germ cell aneuploidy and subsequent fertility reduction.
