Airway exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles and quartz and effects on sperm counts and testosterone levels in male mice

This study aimed to investigate whether also airway exposure would affect sperm counts in male mice. Mature C57BL/6 J mice were intratracheally instilled with 63 µg of rutile nanosized TiO2, once weekly for seven weeks. Respirable α-quartz (SRM1878a) was included at a similar dose level as a positive control for pulmonary inflammation. BALF cell composition showed neutrophil granulocyte influx as indication of pulmonary inflammation in animals exposed to TiO2 NP and α-quartz, but none of the particle exposures affected weight of testes or the epididymis, sperm counts or plasma testosterone when assessed at termination of the study.
Source: Reproductive Toxicology - Category: Toxicology Source Type: research