Structural and Functional Analysis of the Spermatogenic Epithelium in Rats Exposed to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

We studied immunohistochemical and morphometric characteristics of the spermatogenic epithelium in rats against the background of peroral administration of nanoparticles containing titanium dioxide. Substantial degenerative changes in the spermatogenic epithelium were revealed: thinning, disorganization of layers, and detachment of sperm cells from the basement membrane. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed reduced proliferative activity and differentiation potential of epithelial cells, which was confirmed by changes in the expression of Ki-67 and c-kit markers. Our data attest to unfavorable effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the structural and functional characteristics of the reproductive system in male rats leading to spermatogenesis disturbances.