Binding of ethylene oxide in spermiogenic germ cell stages of the mouse after low-level inhalation exposure

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Environ. Mutagen.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/em.2850100202· OSTI ID:5335536

Sega, G A; Owens, J G

Mice received inhalation exposures of /sup 3/H-labeled ethylene oxide (EtO) gas at levels from 0.65 to 3.2 parts per million-hours (ppm-hr), which are below the exposure limits currently allowed for humans. Subsequently, spermatozoa were recovered from the reproductive tracts of the animals over a two-week period and assayed for the amount of bound EtO. A strong increase in the level of EtO binding occurred in late spermatid stages; these stages are also genetically sensitive to the action of EtO. Alkylation of the DNA within the sperm accounted for a very small fraction of the total sperm head alkylation, averaging about 20 DNA alkylations per sperm per ppm-hr of exposure over the two-week period. However, alkylation of protamine, a protein unique to sperm cells, was found to be correlated with total sperm head alkylation and accounted for nearly all of the EtO binding. Protamine alkylation appears to be a significant cause of EtO-induced genetic damage in spermiogenic cells of the mammal.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
• OSTI ID: 5335536
• Journal Information: Environ. Mutagen.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Mutagen.; (United States) Vol. 10:2; ISSN ENMUD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALKENES
ALKYLATION
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COAGULANTS
DNA
DRUGS
ETHYLENE
GAMETES
GENETIC EFFECTS
GERM CELLS
HEMATOLOGIC AGENTS
HEPARIN ANTAGONISTS
HYDROCARBONS
INHALATION
INTAKE
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
MAMMALS
MICE
NUCLEIC ACIDS
NUCLEOPROTEINS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PROTAMINES
PROTEINS
RODENTS
SPERMATOZOA
TRITIUM COMPOUNDS
VERTEBRATES