Toxicity of Mercuric Chloride at Lower Dosage Exposure on Reproductive Function of Male Mice / 环境与健康杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the toxic effects of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) on the productive function of male mice with lower dosage exposune. Methods 4 week-aged male ICR mice were randomly divided into 3 exposure groups, and control group. The 3 exposure groups were treated with doses of 0.25, 0.50, 1.00 mg/kg HgCl2 by peritoneal injection respectively, one time per 3 days, 10 times in total. After exposure to HgCl2 for 50 days, the male mice were mated with female mice non-exposed to HgCl2 in a ratio 1∶2. The pregnant rate, number of pups whelped per group, body weight of offspring, testis index, sperm count, sperm motility rate, abnormal sperm rate were observed. Results The pregnant rates were 100%, 100%, 83.33% and 66.67% for control group, 0.25 mg/kg group, 0.50 mg/kg group and 1.00 mg/kg group respectively during 1-week conception, 100%, 100%, 83.33% and 75% for above corresponding groups respectively during 3-weeks conception respectively. The pregnant rate of 1.00 mg/kg group was significantly lower than that of control during 1-week conception (P