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Updated: Jul 22, 2025
Culture and Co-Culture of Mouse Ovaries and Ovarian Follicles
Published on: March 17, 2015
Effects of microcystin-LR on mammalian ovaries
Flavia C F Dos Santos1, Charles S da Costa1, Jones B Graceli1
1Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil.
Abstract:
The ovaries play critical roles in regulating oocyte maturation and sex steroid hormone production and thus are critical for female reproduction. Ovarian function relies on hormone receptors and signaling pathways, making the ovaries potential targets for environmental factors, such as microcystins (MCs). MCs are a diverse group of cyanobacterial toxins generally found in eutrophic water or algal blooms. Here, we review relevant research on the associations between MC exposure and ovarian dysfunction, including their effects on ovarian morphology, folliculogenesis, steroid production, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and fertility. This review covers the most recent in vitro and in vivo studies in mammals. We also discuss important gaps in the literature. Overall, current evidence indicates that MC exposure causes impairments in ovarian function, but further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which MCs affect ovarian function and other female endocrine functions.
Insights
Microcystins (MCs), toxins from cyanobacteria, can impair ovarian function. Exposure affects oocyte maturation, hormone production, and fertility, highlighting risks to female reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Ovarian function is crucial for female reproduction, involving oocyte maturation and hormone production.
- Ovaries are susceptible to environmental toxins like microcystins (MCs) due to reliance on hormone receptors and signaling pathways.
- Microcystins are cyanobacterial toxins commonly found in eutrophic waters and algal blooms.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current in vitro and in vivo research on the effects of MC exposure on mammalian ovarian function.
- It examines impacts on ovarian morphology, folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and fertility.
- The review also identifies critical gaps in the existing literature.
Key Points:
- MC exposure is linked to ovarian dysfunction, affecting key reproductive processes.
- Evidence suggests MCs disrupt ovarian morphology, steroid production, and cellular stress pathways.
- Impaired folliculogenesis, increased apoptosis, and altered autophagy are observed following MC exposure.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence strongly indicates that MC exposure leads to significant impairments in ovarian function.
- Further research is essential to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which MCs induce ovarian dysfunction and affect female endocrine health.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for assessing reproductive risks associated with environmental MC contamination.
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