The Effect of Sodium Perchlorate on Testi and Ovary Development
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
12-4-2022 2:00 PM
End Date
12-4-2022 3:30 PM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Michael Minicozzi
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Perchlorate is an aquatic contaminant that has been known to affect thyroid function in vertebrate animals, as well as humans. Perchlorate is commonly used in rocket propellants, fireworks, road flares, and many other commercial uses. The widespread use of perchlorate has led to individuals of industrialized countries to be constantly exposed to this chemical. Studies in fish have shown that perchlorate inhibits reproductive function in both male and female stickleback without disrupting normal thyroid function. Because of these effects, we hypothesized that perchlorate exposure will cause reproductive abnormalities in mice (Mus musculus). The present study exposed mice after weaning (37 days post birth) to two environmentally relevant concentrations of sodium perchlorate and a control (10ppm, 100ppm, and 0ppm) in their drinking water for 49 days. Mice were euthanized and gonads were dissected, preserved in formalin, embedded in paraffin wax, section and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Testis sections were photographed and analyzed for Leydig cell nucleus area, circumference of seminiferous tubule and lumen, the presence of germinal vacuolation and disorganization of tubule morphology. Ovaries were qualitatively assessed for ovarian follicle count of each stage of maturation. Perchlorate exposed mice had smaller Leydig cell nuclei and a higher proportion of vacuolation and disorganization in seminiferous tubules while ovarian follicle count increased for secondary, late antral and overall total. These data are consistent with findings from stickleback studies with the increase in ovarian maturity. These findings are concerning because mice are more closely related and a better model for what may be occurring in humans exposed to similar concentrations.
The Effect of Sodium Perchlorate on Testi and Ovary Development
CSU Ballroom
Perchlorate is an aquatic contaminant that has been known to affect thyroid function in vertebrate animals, as well as humans. Perchlorate is commonly used in rocket propellants, fireworks, road flares, and many other commercial uses. The widespread use of perchlorate has led to individuals of industrialized countries to be constantly exposed to this chemical. Studies in fish have shown that perchlorate inhibits reproductive function in both male and female stickleback without disrupting normal thyroid function. Because of these effects, we hypothesized that perchlorate exposure will cause reproductive abnormalities in mice (Mus musculus). The present study exposed mice after weaning (37 days post birth) to two environmentally relevant concentrations of sodium perchlorate and a control (10ppm, 100ppm, and 0ppm) in their drinking water for 49 days. Mice were euthanized and gonads were dissected, preserved in formalin, embedded in paraffin wax, section and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Testis sections were photographed and analyzed for Leydig cell nucleus area, circumference of seminiferous tubule and lumen, the presence of germinal vacuolation and disorganization of tubule morphology. Ovaries were qualitatively assessed for ovarian follicle count of each stage of maturation. Perchlorate exposed mice had smaller Leydig cell nuclei and a higher proportion of vacuolation and disorganization in seminiferous tubules while ovarian follicle count increased for secondary, late antral and overall total. These data are consistent with findings from stickleback studies with the increase in ovarian maturity. These findings are concerning because mice are more closely related and a better model for what may be occurring in humans exposed to similar concentrations.
Recommended Citation
Bouten, Kyle. "The Effect of Sodium Perchlorate on Testi and Ovary Development." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 12, 2022.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2022/poster-session-02/17
