Subchronic exposure to lead acetate inhibits spermatogenesis and downregulates the expression of Ddx3y in testis of mice

Abstract

Male mice were given drinking water alone or containing 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5g/L Pb acetate for 60 days. After the treatment, the concentrations of Pb were determined in the serum and testis of mice by ICP-MS. The gene transcription of Usp9y, Ddx3y and Uty and their protein levels in the testis were examined by real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The sperm quality, spermatogenesis, and histological alteration of the testis and epididymis were observed by microscope. The probability of impregnating female mice by lead-exposed male was evaluated. It was shown that the concentrations of Pb in serum and testis of mice significantly increased in the groups exposed to Pb in a dose-dependent manner. The male fertility significantly decreased in the groups exposed to 1.0 and 1.5g/L Pb acetate. Moreover, exposure to Pb also inhibited spermatogenesis and sperm development, and significantly downregulated expressions of Ddx3y gene expression in testis of mice, but Usp9y and Uty expressions unaffected.