IntroductionThe potential embryotoxic and foetotoxic effects of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) have been reported only in rabbit, rat, mouse, mink and gerbil. No data are available concern- ing the effects of PCBs (in particular, Aroclor 1254) on ovine reproduction and offspring growth rate and the ultrastructural modifications of blastocysts due to exposure to these toxic compounds. The aim of this study was the analysis of ultrastructural anomalies in- duced in ovine blastocysts by PCB (Aroclor 1254) at different concentrations.Materials and methodsThe ovine blastocysts were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde, post-fixed in OsO4, dehydrated, rinsed in propylene oxide and embedded in epoxy resin. Semi-thin and ultrathin sections were stained with toluidine blue and uranyl acetate and lead citrate, respectively.ResultsAll treated blastocysts were characterized by increased lipid droplets, severe cytoplas- mic vaculation (single membrane-bound vacuoles and empty lacunae, containing whorled membrane, granular osmiophilic material or laminated membranes), marked mitochondrial swelling with loss of cristae and pyknosis, and a few autolysosomes con- taining mitochondrial remnants.ConclusionEmbryos treated with PCBs show severe ultrastructural modifications not dependent on PCB concentration and correlated to the progressive increase of cell mortality rate indicated by in vitro studies. These results contribute to the knowledge of harmful ef- fects of these compounds on reproduction and embryonal growth rate.[...]
Exposure of ovine blastocysts to polychlorobiphenyl (Aroclor 1254): ultrastructural modifications and embryotoxicity.
PALMIERI, CHIARA;PTAK, Grazyna;LOI, Pasqualino;DELLA SALDA, Leonardo
2009-01-01
Abstract
IntroductionThe potential embryotoxic and foetotoxic effects of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) have been reported only in rabbit, rat, mouse, mink and gerbil. No data are available concern- ing the effects of PCBs (in particular, Aroclor 1254) on ovine reproduction and offspring growth rate and the ultrastructural modifications of blastocysts due to exposure to these toxic compounds. The aim of this study was the analysis of ultrastructural anomalies in- duced in ovine blastocysts by PCB (Aroclor 1254) at different concentrations.Materials and methodsThe ovine blastocysts were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde, post-fixed in OsO4, dehydrated, rinsed in propylene oxide and embedded in epoxy resin. Semi-thin and ultrathin sections were stained with toluidine blue and uranyl acetate and lead citrate, respectively.ResultsAll treated blastocysts were characterized by increased lipid droplets, severe cytoplas- mic vaculation (single membrane-bound vacuoles and empty lacunae, containing whorled membrane, granular osmiophilic material or laminated membranes), marked mitochondrial swelling with loss of cristae and pyknosis, and a few autolysosomes con- taining mitochondrial remnants.ConclusionEmbryos treated with PCBs show severe ultrastructural modifications not dependent on PCB concentration and correlated to the progressive increase of cell mortality rate indicated by in vitro studies. These results contribute to the knowledge of harmful ef- fects of these compounds on reproduction and embryonal growth rate.[...]I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
