Long-term exposure of the male mouse to lead: effects of fertility

Journal Article · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Environ. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-9351(86)80142-6· OSTI ID:6997737

Johansson, L; Wide, M

Sexually mature male mice, exposed to lead in the drinking water for 3 months, attained a mean blood level of 32 ..mu..g/100 ml. In control mice, given deionized water, blood lead levels were <0.5 ..mu..g/100 ml. At the end of the exposure period, each male was caged with three untreated females. On Day 17 after mating, the frequency of pregnant females and the number of fetuses and resorptions were recorded. Females without implantations were significantly more numerous in the group that had been mated with the lead-exposed males. The frequencies of resorptions and fetal malformations were similar in the two groups. The two groups of males were compared with respect to body weight, plasma level of testosterone, number of epididymal sperms, and weight of reproductive organs. No statistically significant differences were found. Increased tissue concentrations of lead were noted for all the male reproductive organs, as well as the hypothalamus. It cannot be decided at present whether the decrease in the number of pregnant females was due to a reduction in the ability of spermatozoa from the lead-exposed males to fertilize or to a preimplantation loss of fertilized ova.

• Research Organization: Uppsala Univ., Sweden
• OSTI ID: 6997737
• Journal Information: Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 41:2; ISSN ENVRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism &amp; Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
CHRONIC EXPOSURE
DISTRIBUTION
ELEMENTS
FERTILITY
FERTILIZATION
LEAD
MALES
MAMMALS
METALS
MICE
ORAL ADMINISTRATION
REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS
RODENTS
TISSUE DISTRIBUTION
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES