Effects of lead on expressions of TGFβ1 and Caspase-3 in mice testes

  Objective   To ex plore the effects of ex pressions of TGFβ₁, Caspase-3 in mice testes at different concentrations and time of lead acetate, and further to elucidate the toxic mechanism.

  Methods   Forty five mice were randomly divided into blank control group and 0.2%, 0.4% lead acetate exposed group(Fifteen mice in each group).Five mice in each group were put to death at two, four and six weeks respectively and then testes were separated from mice.Expressions of TGFβ₁, Caspase3 were detected by immunohistochemistry.

  Results   The levels of TGFβ₁ and Caspase-3 were significantly higher in the lead exposed groups than those in the control groups(P < 0.05).Furthermore, the levels increased along with the time of lead exposed increased(P < 0.05).But there were no significant difference between 0.2% and 0.4% lead exposed groups(P > 0.05).

  Conclusion   Lead acetate increases the expressions of TGFβ₁ and Caspase-3, which induces apoptosis of germ cells.