Related Experiment Videos
Antispermatogenic effects of ethyl methanesulfonate and benzo[a]pyrene in PD4 Lakeview hamsters
Abstract:
Mammalian sperm seems to provide an excellent cell type for monitoring mutagenic and other toxicological damage to the germinal tissue. Studies with mice indicated that most agents known for their mutagenic activity in vivo produced marked elevations in sperm abnormalities. To determine whether this response is typical of other species, groups of inbred Lakeview hamsters were exposed to ethyl methane-sulfonate (EMS) and benzo[a]pyrene (BP) in five daily subacute ip doses ranging from 5 to 125 mg/kg and 2 to 50 mg/kg, respectively. Percentage of abnormal sperm, testis weight, and body weight were monitored at wk 1, 4, and 10 after treatment. EMS exposures increased the frequency of sperm abnormalities and reduced sperm numbers and testis weights. Body weights were also affected. BP exposures did not induce sperm abnormalities; however, there were marked reductions in sperm number and testis weight. These findings are in agreement with results of EMS studies in the mouse; however, BP exposure did induce sperm abnormalities in the mouse.
Insights
Ethyl methane-sulfonate (EMS) increased sperm abnormalities and reduced testis weight in hamsters, similar to mouse studies. Benzo[a]pyrene (BP) did not cause sperm abnormalities in hamsters, unlike in mice.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive biology
- Mammalian genetics
Background:
- Mammalian sperm are effective indicators of mutagenic and toxicological damage to germinal tissues.
- Previous mouse studies showed mutagenic agents typically increase sperm abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if hamsters exhibit similar responses to mutagenic agents as mice.
- To evaluate the effects of ethyl methane-sulfonate (EMS) and benzo[a]pyrene (BP) on hamster sperm and reproductive tissues.
Main Methods:
- Inbred Lakeview hamsters received daily subacute intraperitoneal doses of EMS or BP.
- Sperm abnormality percentages, testis weights, and body weights were assessed at 1, 4, and 10 weeks post-treatment.
Main Results:
- EMS exposure led to increased sperm abnormalities, reduced sperm counts, and decreased testis weights in hamsters.
- BP exposure did not induce sperm abnormalities in hamsters but significantly reduced sperm counts and testis weights.
- Hamster responses to EMS aligned with mouse studies, but BP's effects differed between species.
Conclusions:
- Hamster sperm can serve as a biomarker for detecting germinal tissue damage from certain toxicants like EMS.
- Species-specific differences exist in the response to toxicants such as benzo[a]pyrene, highlighting the need for comparative toxicological studies.