Effect of methylmercury on germ cell apoptosis in male mice

  Objective   To study the apoptosis effect and mechanisms of MeHg on germ cells in male mice.

  Methods   TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry assay were used to examine the apoptosis effect and the expression of apoptosis genes of germ cells in male mice.

  Results   MeHg could increase the apoptosis ratio of germ cells.With the increase of dose of MeHg, the apoptosis ratio of 1/50 ID₅₀, 1/10 ID₅₀ groups were significantly higher than that in control group(P < 0.05).Furthermore, the expression of Fas, Fas-L, caspase-3 in 1/100 ID₅₀ group were enhanced, there was a significant difference between 1/100 ID₅₀ and control group(P < 0.05), while in other groups were weakened with the increase of dose of MeHg.

  Conclusion   MeHg can induce the apoptosis of germ cells in male mice.