Effects of Fetal Exposure to PM2.5 on the Reproductive System and the Immune System in Male Offspring

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26281033
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Environmental impact assessment
• Research Institution: Oita University of Nursing and Health Sciences
• Principal Investigator: Yoshida Seiichi 大分県立看護科学大学, 看護学部, 准教授 (40360060)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 嵐谷 奎一 産業医科大学, その他部局等, 名誉教授 (10141748)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: PM2.5 / 次世代影響 / 胎仔期曝露 / 雄性生殖系 / 免疫系

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, to investigate the effects of PM2.5 over the central and eastern China on the male reproductive system and immune system in the next generation, we administered PM2.5 intratracheally to pregnant mice. We found decreased daily sperm production (DSP) and seminiferous tubule degeneration in male offspring exposed to PM2.5 during the fetal period. Moreover, postnatal intratracheal administration of OVA to offspring exposed to PM2.5 in utero caused significant increases in the numbers of inflammatory cells. Our findings show that fetal exposure to PM2.5 that humans breathe has an effect male reproductive function and aggravated the sensitized immune system in male offspring.

Free Research Field

環境影響評価