The use of ex vivo ovary culture for assessment of alterations in steroidogenesis following neonatal exposure to poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide methyl ether or titanium dioxide nanoparticles in Wistar rats

Abstract

Objectives. Rapid development and widespread application of different types of nanoparticles (NPs) may result in increased exposure of humans and animals to NPs. Recently, reproductive toxicity due to NP exposure has become a major component of risk assessment. Current data have suggested that NPs may pose adverse effects on male and female reproductive health by altering normal testis and ovarian structure, and sex hormone levels. To detect possible alterations in steroidogenesis in adult and infantile rats following neonatal exposure to polymeric poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide methyl ether (PEG-b-PLA) or titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs, whole ovary cultures were used.

Keywords

• polymeric nanoparticles
• peg-b-pla
• titanium dioxide
• ovary
• progesterone
• estradiol
• reproductive toxicity