Changes in Ovarian and Uterine Morphology and Estrous Cycle in CD-1 Mice After Vanadium Inhalation.

Vanadium is a metal present in particulate matter and its reprotoxic effects have been demonstrated in males and pregnant females in animal models. However, the effects of this metal on the reproductive organs of nonpregnant females have not been sufficiently studied. In a vanadium inhalation model in nonpregnant female mice, we found anestrous and estrous cycle irregularity, as well as low serum concentrations of 17β-estradiol and progesterone.

Prepubertal male rats with high rates of germ-cell apoptosis present exacerbated rates of germ-cell apoptosis after serotonin depletion.

Male germ-cell apoptosis occurs naturally and can be increased by exposure to drugs and toxic chemicals. Individuals may have different rates of apoptosis and are likely to also exhibit differential sensitivity to outside influences. Previously, we reported that p-chloroamphetamine (pCA), a substance that inhibits serotonin synthesis, induced germ-cell apoptosis in prepubertal male rats.