Effects of maternal inhalation of carbon black nanoparticles on reproductive and fertility parameters in a four-generation study of male mice
- DOI
- Language of the publication
- English
- Date
- 2019-03-18
- Type
- Article
- Author(s)
- Skovmand, Astrid
- Jensen, Alexander C Ø
- Maurice, Clotilde
- Marchetti, Francesco
- Lauvås, Anna J.
- Koponen, Ismo K.
- Jensen, Keld A.
- Goericke-Pesch, Sandra
- Vogel, Ulla
- Hougaard, Karin S.
- Publisher
- BMC
Abstract
Background: Previous findings indicate that in utero exposure to nanoparticles may affect the reproductive system in male offspring. Effects such as decreased sperm counts and testicular structural changes in F1 males have been reported following maternal airway exposure to carbon black during gestation. In addition, a previous study in our laboratory suggested that the effects of in utero exposure of nanoparticles may span further than the first generation, as sperm content per gram of testis was significantly lowered in F2 males. In the present study we assessed male fertility parameters following in utero inhalation exposure to carbon black in four generations of mice. Results: Filter measurements demonstrated that the time-mated females were exposed to a mean total suspended particle mass concentration of 4.79 ± 1.86 or 33.87 ± 14.77 mg/m3 for the low and high exposure, respectively. The control exposure was below the detection limit (LOD 0.08 mg/m3). Exposure did not affect gestation and litter parameters in any generation. No significant changes were observed in body and reproductive organ weights, epididymal sperm parameters, daily sperm production, plasma testosterone or fertility. Conclusion: In utero exposure to carbon black nanoparticles, at occupationally relevant exposure levels, via maternal whole body inhalation did not affect male-specific reproductive, fertility and litter parameters in four generations of mice.
Plain language summary
Health Canada is responsible for the assessment and management of health risks associated with exposure to nanomaterials which consist of very small particles that are less than 100 nanometers in size (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter). Nanomaterials are increasingly being used in many commercial products. Inhalation of nanoparticles has been shown to induce several immunological responses and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Less is known about the effects of exposure to nanoparticles during pregnancy for the health of the developing fetus. Previous studies have shown that in utero exposure to nanoparticles may reduce sperm count in the male offspring. These studies delivered the nanoparticles directly into the lungs of the animals. In this study, Health Canada, together with scientists for the Danish government, investigated the effects on maternal inhalation, the most relevant route of exposure in humans, of carbon black nanoparticles on reproductive and fertility parameters in four generations of male mice. Carbon black is one of the most widely produced nanoparticles and is commonly used as a color pigment in paints and inks for printers. The results of this study showed that maternal inhalation of carbon black nanoparticles at occupationally relevant doses did not affect reproductive fertility parameters in male mice exposed in utero and in three subsequent generations. This information increases our understanding of the relationship between levels of exposure and potential effects of nanoparticles and contribute to the management of the health risk of nanomaterials.
Subject
- Health,
- Health and safety