In vitro administration of sodium arsenite in mouse prepubertal testis induces germ cell loss and apoptosis. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anwar, Naureen; Qureshi, Irfan Zia; Spears, Norah; Lopes, Federica
• Is Part Of: Toxicology in vitro. Volume 67(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Sodium arsenite -- In vitro -- Prepubertal mouse -- Testis -- Toxicity; Toxicity testing -- In vitro -- Periodicals; Toxicology -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.104924
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-2333

Abstract

Abstract: High levels of arsenic contamination in drinking water pose serious health risks in numerous countries. The documentation reporting arsenic toxicity on reproduction and development is increasing, with evidence of arsenic inducing fertility and developmental issues. Nonetheless, the impact of arsenic exposure on the development of the male reproductive system is not fully elucidated. In the present study, we have investigated the direct effects of arsenic on prepubertal mouse testis using an in vitro testicular organ culture system. Culture medium was supplemented with a range of concentrations of sodium arsenite, examining effects of low (0.5 and 1 μM) and high (10, 50, 100 μM) concentrations, in cultures of post-natal day 5 CD1 mouse testis . In vitro exposure of low arsenic concentrations (0.5 or 1 μM) for 6 days did not cause any change in the testicular morphology, germ cells density, or apoptotic marker cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) expression. In contrast, exposure of prepubertal testis to high arsenic concentrations (10, 50 or 100 μM) induced drastic changes: severe destruction of testicular morphology, with loss of seminiferous tubule integrity; a dose-dependent decrease in germ cell density, and a hundred-fold increase in CC3 expression after 50 μM arsenic exposure. In conclusion, high arsenic treatment induced a dose-dependent induction of apoptosis and germ cell loss in prepubertal mouse testis. Highlights: Arsenic contamination in drinking and irrigation water is an escalating health issues for many populations. Our in vitro study shows that sodium arsenite impairs normal development of prepubertal testis. Mouse testis fragments exposed to high concentrations of sodium arsenite has germ cells loss. Sodium arsenite at high concentrations induces apoptosis in the mouse testis.