Effects of intragastric administration of La₂O₃ nanoparticles on mouse testes

Abstract

Lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used in photoelectric and catalytic applications. However, their exposure and reproductive toxicity is unknown. In this study, the effect of the intragastric administration of two different-sized La₂O₃ particles in the testes of mice for 60 days was investigated. Although the body weight of mice treated or not treated with La₂O₃ NPs was not different and La₂O₃ NPs were distributed in the organs including the testis, liver, kidney, spleen, heart and brain. La₂O₃ NPs accumulate more than micro-sized La₂O₃ (MPs) in mice testes. The histopathological evaluation showed that moderate reproductive toxicity induced by La₂O₃ NPs in the testicle tissues. Furthermore, increased MDA, 8-OHdG levels and decreased SOD activities were detected in the La₂O₃ NP-treated groups. Moreover, qRT-PCR and western blotting data indicated that La₂O₃ NPs affecting the blood–testis barrier (BTB)-related genes in mice testes. Taken together, these findings suggested that La₂O₃ NPs activated inflammation responses and cross the BTB in the murine testes. This study provided useful information for risk analysis and regulation of La₂O₃ NPs by administrative agencies.