Subchronic exposure to lead acetate inhibits spermatogenesis and downregulates the expression of Ddx3y in testis of mice

Male mice were given drinking water alone or containing 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/L Pb acetate for 60 days. After the treatment, the concentrations of Pb were determined in the serum and testis of mice by ICP-MS. The gene transcription of Usp9y, Ddx3y and Uty and their protein levels in the testis were examined by real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The sperm quality, spermatogenesis, and histological alteration of the testis and epididymis were observed by microscope. The probability of impregnating female mice by lead-exposed male was evaluated. It was shown that the concentrations of Pb in serum and testis of mice significantly increased in the groups exposed to Pb in a dose-dependent manner. The male fertility significantly decreased in the groups exposed to 1.0 and 1.5 g/L Pb acetate. Moreover, exposure to Pb also inhibited spermatogenesis and sperm development, and significantly downregulated expressions of Ddx3y gene expression in testis of mice, but Usp9y and Uty expressions unaffected.