The Reproductive Toxicity of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots on the in vivo Ovarian Function and in vitro Fertilization

Abstract

Despite the usefulness of quantum dots (QDs) in biomedicine and optoelectronics, their toxicity risks remain a major obstacle for clinical usages. Hence, we studied the reproductive toxicity of CdSe/ZnS QDs on two aspects, (i) in vivo ovarian functions and (ii) in vitro fertilization process. The body weight, estrous cycles, biodistribution of QDs, and oocyte maturation are evaluated on female mice treated with QDs. The mRNA level of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHr) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHr) in ovaries are assayed. Then, the matured cumulus-oocyte-complexes are harvested to co-culture with in vitro capacitated sperms, and the in vitro fertilization is performed. The result revealed that QDs are found in the ovaries, but no changes are detected on the behavior and estrous cycle on the female mice. The mRNA downregulations of FSHr and LHr are observed and the number of matured oocytes has shown a significant decrease when the QDs dosage was above 1.0 pmol/day. Additionally, we found the presence of QDs has reduced the in vitro fertilization success rate. This study highly suggests that the exposure of CdSe/ZnS QDs to female mice can cause adverse effects to the ovary functions and such QDs may have limited applications in clinical usage.

Photostability of quantum dot micelles under ultraviolet irradiation

“…As cadmium (Cd) and selenium (Se) based QDs are toxic to several cell types the stability of the hydrophilic ligands around the QDs is essential . If the outer hydrophilic shells of the QDs are not stable it will release toxic ions from the core.…”

The biocompatibility studies of polymer dots on pregnant mice and fetuses

“…Pu et al reported that the exposure of 15 and 45 mg/Kg Ni nanoparticle to female rat apparently caused the increasing of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and lowered the estradiol (E2) serum levels 30 . In addition, Xu et al found that intravenously injecting CdSe/ZnS QDs into female mice caused apparent reducing of oocyte maturation rate 18 . In this study, the average ovary index of 25.0 μg, 12.5 μg and untreated group were 0.0541±0.0088%, 0.0565±0.0139% and 0.0606±0.0057% and showed no significant difference among 3 groups (Figure 5 A), which meant that the injection of Pdots did not cause the weight change of the maternal ovary.…”

“…Exposure of titanium dioxide nanoparticles during the placental period caused the pregnancy complication of maternal mouse 32 and altered the brain development related gene expression in fetus 33 . Our previous work discovered that intravenously exposure of CdSe/ZnS QDs to female mice caused the reducing of oocyte maturation rate 18 . For Pdots, there was still rare in vivo toxicity study in this part.…”

“…After getting pregnant, three pregnant female mice were kept in a cage, fed with the same routine and housed in the same animal room in a 12 hours light and dark cycle during their pregnancy. Referring to our previous work about bioimaging and reproductive toxicity, we divided the KM pregnant mice into three groups 12 , 18 . Two Pdots treated groups and one blank group.…”

Third‐Generation Solar Cells: Toxicity and Risk of Exposure

“…Moreover, the in vitro fertilization success rate was reduced. [111] Primates intravenously injected with phospholipid micelle-encapsulated CdSe/CdS/ZnS QD (25 mg/kg) showed neither acute nor chronic toxic effects, but they did observe significant accumulation in the liver, spleen and kidneys. A slow degradation of the QD and subsequent release and accumulation of Cd ions was observed in the liver and the spleen.…”