Ultrastructural analysis of testes from mice fed on genetically modified soybean

Journal or Publishing Institution: European Journal of Histochemistry

Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15718213

Author(s): Vecchio, L., Cisterna, B., Malatesta, M., Martin, T.E. and Biggiogera, M.

Article Type: Peer Reviewed Study

Abstract:

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.

Keywords: GM soy, Glyphosate tolerant soybean, GTS 40-3-2, Mice, Rodent, Morphological, Immuno-cytochemical, Testes, Feeding, Sertoli cells, Smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Roundup Ready soya, GMO soybeans, Transgenic, Genetically Engineered, Mouse, Rodents

Citation:

Vecchio, L., Cisterna, B., Malatesta, M., Martin, T.E. and Biggiogera, M., 2009. Ultrastructural analysis of testes from mice fed on genetically modified soybean. European Journal of Histochemistry, 48(4), pp.449-454.

Category:

• Health effects

Record ID: 806