Edinburgh Napier University

  Nanoparticles (NP) are sized between 1 and 100 nanometers and are currently the subject of significant research due to their important role in the biomedical, materials and cosmetics industries. Nanotoxicologists are working to understand the impact of nanoparticles on secondary target organs. Translocation has shown nanoparticle deposition within testes of both adult and maternal exposed males. NP localisation with key cells of the testes, including sperm suggest that they are able to cross the blood-testes-barrier, thus compromise the immuno-privileged region of the semeniferous cord.
Our lab has developed an in vitro model to assess the impact of low dose NP on Sertoli cell endocrine function. The study initial characterised 35nm Ag suspended in standard culture media. Murine Sertoli cell line, TM4, was treated with 7 doses of 35nm and 0.6-1.6um silver, NanoAmour USA, (200ug/ml, 100ugml, 50ug/ml, 25ug/ml 12.5ug/ml and 1.25ug/ml and 0.125ug/ml). Cytotoxicity tests were conducted following 24hr exposure; cytotoxicity was assessed by WST-1 assay and measuring lactate dehyrogenase release. Both 35nm silver and bulk equivalent did not induce high levels of cytotoxicity. Sertoli cell endocrine function was assessed, via gene expression and ELISA for the key markers, Inhibin and androgen receptor.
This work presents an in vitro model to ascertain the potential mechanisms of nanoparticle action, which may affect male fertility long term.