Introduction: The potential embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects ofpolychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) have been reported only in rabbits,rats, mice, mink and gerbils. No data are available concerning the effectsof PCBs (in particular, Aroclor 1254) on ovine reproduction andoffspring growth rate and the ultrastructural modifications of blastocystsdue to exposure to these toxic compounds. The aim of this studywas to analyze ultrastructural anomalies induced in ovine blastocystsby different concentrations of PCB (Aroclor 1254).Materials and Methods: Ovine blastocysts were fixed in 2.5%glutaraldehyde, post-fixed in OsO4, dehydrated, rinsed in propyleneoxide and embedded in epoxy resin. Semi-thin and ultrathin sectionswere stained with toluidine blue and uranyl acetate and lead citrate,respectively.Results: All treated blastocysts were characterized by increased lipiddroplets, severe cytoplasmic vacuolation (single membrane-boundvacuoles and empty lacunae containing whorled membrane, granularosmiophilic material or laminated membranes), marked mitochondrialswelling with loss of cristae and pyknosis, and a few autolysosomescontaining mitochondrial remnants.Conclusions: Embryos treated with PCBs show severe ultrastructuralmodifications not dependent on PCB concentration and correlatedto the progressive increase of cell mortality rate indicated bystudies in vitro. These results contribute to knowledge of the harmfuleffects of these compounds on reproduction and embryonal growthrate.[...]
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
Introduction: The potential embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects ofpolychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) have been reported only in rabbits,rats, mice, mink and gerbils. No data are available concerning the effectsof PCBs (in particular, Aroclor 1254) on ovine reproduction andoffspring growth rate and the ultrastructural modifications of blastocystsdue to exposure to these toxic compounds. The aim of this studywas to analyze ultrastructural anomalies induced in ovine blastocystsby different concentrations of PCB (Aroclor 1254).Materials and Methods: Ovine blastocysts were fixed in 2.5%glutaraldehyde, post-fixed in OsO4, dehydrated, rinsed in propyleneoxide and embedded in epoxy resin. Semi-thin and ultrathin sectionswere stained with toluidine blue and uranyl acetate and lead citrate,respectively.Results: All treated blastocysts were characterized by increased lipiddroplets, severe cytoplasmic vacuolation (single membrane-boundvacuoles and empty lacunae containing whorled membrane, granularosmiophilic material or laminated membranes), marked mitochondrialswelling with loss of cristae and pyknosis, and a few autolysosomescontaining mitochondrial remnants.Conclusions: Embryos treated with PCBs show severe ultrastructuralmodifications not dependent on PCB concentration and correlatedto the progressive increase of cell mortality rate indicated bystudies in vitro. These results contribute to knowledge of the harmfuleffects of these compounds on reproduction and embryonal growthrate.[...]I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
