Ultrastructural analysis of testes from mice fed on genetically modified soybean

Autor: L Vecchio, B Cisterna, M Malatesta, TE Martin, M Biggiogera
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2009
Předmět:
Zdroj: European Journal of Histochemistry, Vol 48, Iss 4 (2009)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1121-760X
2038-8306
DOI: 10.4081/920
Popis: We have considered the possible effects of a diet containing genetically modified (GM) soybean on mouse testis. This organ, in fact, is a well known bioindicator and it has already been utilized, for instance, to monitor pollution by heavy metals. In this preliminary study, we have focussed our attention on Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes by means of immunoelectron microscopy. Our results point out that the immunolabelling for Sm antigen, hnRNPs, SC35 and RNA Polymerase II is decreased in 2 and 5 month-old GM-fed mice, and is restored to normal at 8 months. In GM-fed mice of all ages considered, the number of perichromatin granules is higher and the nuclear pore density lower. Moreover, we found enlargements in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in GM-fed mice Sertoli cells. A possible role played by traces of the herbicide to which the soybean is resistant is discussed.
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