The changes of heavy metal and metallothionein distribution in testis induced by cadmium exposure |
| |
Authors: | Takahiko Kusakabe Katsuyuki Nakajima Keiji Suzuki Kyoumi Nakazato Hisashi Takada Takahiro Satoh Masakazu Oikawa Kenji Kobayashi Hiroshi Koyama Kazuo Arakawa Takeaki Nagamine |
| |
Institution: | (1) School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Shouwa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8514, Japan;(2) 21st Century COE Program, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 3-39-22 Shouwa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan;(3) Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Takasaki Advanced Radiation Research Institute, 233 Watanuki-machi, Takasaki, Gunma 370-1292, Japan;(4) Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, 3-39-22 Shouwa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan |
| |
Abstract: | Cadmium (Cd) is known to cause various disorders in the testis, and metallothionein (MT) is known as a protein, which has
a detoxification function for heavy metals. However, the changes of Fe, Cu, and Zn distribution in the testis induced by Cd
exposure have not been well examined. Moreover, only a few studies have been reported on the localization of MT after Cd exposure.
In this study, we have investigated the changes of Fe, Cu, and Zn distribution in Cd-exposed testis by a newly developed in
air micro-Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) method. Also, we examined the distribution of MT expression in testis. In
the testis of Cd-treated rats with significant increases of lipid peroxidation, the sertoli cell tight junction was damaged
by Cd exposure, resulting from disintegration of the blood testis barrier (BTB). Evaluation by in air micro-PIXE method revealed
that Cd and Fe distribution were increased in the interstitial tissues and seminiferous tubules. The histological findings
indicated that the testicular tissue damage was advanced, which may have been caused by Fe flowing into seminiferous tubules
followed by disintegration of the BTB. As a result, Fe was considered to enhance the tissue damage caused by Cd exposure.
MT was detected in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and Sertoli’s cells in the testis of Cd-treated rats, but was not detected
in interstitial tissues. These results suggested that MT was induced by Cd in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and Sertoli’s
cells, and was involved in the resistance to tissue damage induced by Cd. |
| |
Keywords: | Metallothionein (MT) In air micro-Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) Cadmium (Cd) Testis Iron (Fe) |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|