Abstract
The effects of a single dose of TCDD on the testis were studied in rats. The animals were treated (subcutaneously) once with TCDD doses of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 μg/kg body weight. Doses of 3.0 or 5.0 μg TCDD/kg reduced the number of spermatids/testis significantly (60% of the controls). Electron microscopic inspection revealed that both doses led to a dissolution on the germinal epithelium. Altered germ cells at all developmental stages occurred in all testes evaluated. Doses of 0.5 or 1.0 μg TCDD/kg did not induce any effects in the testis; therefore, under these experimental conditions of single exposure to rats the dose of 1.0 μg TCDD/kg can be considered as NOAEL.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Allen JR, Carsten LA (1967) Light and electron microscopic observations inMacaca mulatto monkeys fed toxic fat. Am J Vet Res 28: 1513–1526
Amendola G, Baraa D, Blosser R, Lafleur L, McBribe A et al. (1989) The occurrence and fate of PCDDs and PCDFs in five bleached Kraft pulp and paper mills. Chemosphere 18 [1–6]: 1181–1188
Bergmann M (1987) Photoperiod and testicular function in Phodopus sungorus. In: Beck F, Hild W, Kriz W, Ortmann R, Pauly JE, Schiebler TH (eds) Advances in anatomy, embryology and cell biology, 105. Springer Verlag, Heidelberg, Berlin, New York
Buser HR, Bosshard HP (1978) Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and benzenes in the ashes of a municipal and industrial incinerator. Mitt Gebiete Lebensmittelunters Hyg 69: 191–199
Carlstedt-Duke JMB (1979) Tissue distribution of the receptor for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in the rat. Cancer Res 39: 3172–3176
Centers for Disease Control Vietnam-Experience Study (1988) Health status of Vietnam Veterans II, Physical health. JAMA 259 [18]: 2708–2714
Chahoud I, Krowke R, Schimmel A, Merker HJ, Neubert D (1989) Reproductive toxicity and pharmacokinetics of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. 1. Effects of high doses on the fertility of male rats. Arch Toxicol 63: 432–439
Foster PMD (1988) Testicular organization and biochemical function. In: Lamb JC, Foster PMD (eds) Physiology and toxicology of male reproduction. Academic Press, New York, pp 7–34
Hagenmaier H, Wiesmüller T, Golor G, Krowke R, Helge H, Neubert D (1990) Transfer of various polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs and PCDFs) via placenta and through milk in marmoset monkeys. Arch Toxicol 64: 601–615
Karnovsky MJ (1967) A formaldehyde — glutaraldehyde fixative of high osmolality for use in electron microscopy. J Cell Biol 35: 213
Khera KS, Ruddick JA (1973) Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins: perinatal effects and dominat lethal test in Wistar rats. In: Blair EH (ed) Chlorodioxins origins and fate. Adv Chemistry Ser 120, Am Chem Soc, Washington DC, pp 70–84
Kociba RJ, Keeler PA, Park CN, Gehring PJ (1976) 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD): results of a 13-week oral toxicity study in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 35: 553–574
Krowke R, Chahoud I, Baumann-Wilschke I, Neubert D (1989) Pharmacokinetics and biological activity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin: 2. Pharmacokinetics in rats using a loading-dose/maintenance-dose regime with high doses. Arch Toxicol 63: 356–360
Lamb JC, Marks TA, Gladen BC, Allen JW, Moore JA (1981) Male fertility, sister chromatid exchange, and germ cell toxicity following exposure to mixtures of chlorinated phenoxy acids containing 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. J Toxicol Environ Health 8: 825–834
Malby TA, Moore RW, Bjerke DL, Peterson RE (1991) The male reproductive system is highly sensitive to in utero and lactational TCDD exposure. In: Banbury Report 35: Biological basis for risk assessment of dioxins and related compounds. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, pp 69–78
McConnell EE, Moore JA, Haseman JK, Harris MW (1978) The comparative toxicity of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins in mice and guinea pigs. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 44: 335–356
Nistal M, Paniagua R (1984) Infertility in adult males with retractile testes. Fertil Steril 41: 395–403
Nistal M, Paniagua R, Regadera J, Santamaria L (1984) Obstruction of the tubuli recti and ductuli efferentes by dilated veins in the testes of men with varicocele and its possible role in causing atrophy of the seminiferous tubules. Int J Androl 7: 309–323
Poiger H, Schlatter C (1986) Pharmacokinetics of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in man. Chemosphere 15 [9–12]: 1489–1494
Reynolds SE (1963) The use of lead citrate as an electron opaque stain in electron microscopy. J Cell Biol 17: 208–212
Rose JQ, Ramsey JC, Wentzler TH, Hummel RA, Gehring PJ (1976) The fate of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin following single and repeated oral doses to the rat. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 36: 209–226
Rune GM, de Souza Ph, Krowke R, Merker HJ, Neubert D (1991a) Morphological and histochemical pattern of response after administration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Histol Histopath 6: 459–467
Rune GM, de Souza Ph, Krowke R, Merker HJ, Neubert D (1991b) Morphological and histochemical effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodi-benzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on marmoset testes. Arch Androl 26: 139–150
Waites GMH, Gladwell RT (1982) Physiological significance of fluid secretion in the testis and blood testis barrier. Physiol Rev 62: 624–671
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chahoud, I., Hartmann, J., Rune, G.M. et al. Reproductive toxicity and toxicokinetics of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Arch Toxicol 66, 567–572 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01973387
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01973387