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

Several types of engineered nanoparticles (ENP) have been shown to adversely affect male reproduction in rodent studies, but the airway route of exposure has been little investigated. This precludes adequate risk assessment of ENP exposure in occupational settings. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO NP) have been shown to affect total sperm count in adult male mice after intravenous and oral administration.

Epoxy composite dusts with and without carbon nanotubes cause similar pulmonary responses, but differences in liver histology in mice following pulmonary deposition.

Background: The toxicity of dusts from mechanical abrasion of multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) epoxy nanocomposites is unknown. We compared the toxic effects of dusts generated by sanding of epoxy composites with and without CNT. The used CNT type was included for comparison.

Daily sperm production: application in studies of prenatal exposure to nanoparticles in mice.

We investigated the influence of maternal airway exposure to nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (TiO₂, UV-Titan) and carbon black (CB, Printex90), on male reproductive function in the two following generations. Time-mated C57BL/6J mice were exposed by inhalation to UV-Titan, or by intratracheal instillation with Printex90. Body and testicle weight, sperm content per g testicular parenchyma and daily sperm production (DSP) were assessed.