N-hexane alters the maturation of oocytes and induces apoptosis in mice

Biomed Environ Sci. 2013 Sep;26(9):735-41. doi: 10.3967/0895-3988.2013.09.004.

Abstract

Objective: This study was aimed to determine the effects of n-hexane on the maturation of mouse oocytes.

Methods: Cell culture was used to observe the maturation of mouse oocytes and CLSM was employed to determine their apoptosis.

Results: Germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and extrusion of the first polar body in mouse oocytes were significantly inhibited by n-hexane. After fertilization, the number of eggs in the mouse was significantly reduced by n-hexane. Mitochondrial membrane potentials (ΔΨm) were altered in mouse oocytes that were leading to apoptosis of the oocytes.

Conclusion: N-hexane might have affected the maturation of oocytes, causing alteration of ΔΨm and leading to apoptosis which maybe one of the most important mechanisms.

Keywords: Fertilization; Maturation; Mitochondrial membrane potential; N-hexane.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Female
  • Fertilization / drug effects*
  • Hexanes / toxicity*
  • Male
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Oocytes / drug effects*
  • Oocytes / growth & development

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Hexanes
  • n-hexane