Systematic evaluation of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots toxicity on the reproduction and offspring health in male BALB/c mice

Increased applications of quantum dots (QDs) in the biomedical field have aroused attention for their potential toxicological effects. Although numerous studies been carried out on toxicity QDs, effects reproductive and development are still unclear. In this study, we systematically evaluated male developmental CdSe/ZnS QDs BALB/c mice. The mice were injected intravenously with at dosage 2.5 mg/kg BW or 25 BW, respectively, survival status, biodistribution testes, serum sex hormone levels, histopathology, sperm motility acrosome integrity was measured Day 1, 7, 14, 28 42 after injection. On 35 treatment, housed non-exposed female mice, then offspring number, body weight, organ index histopathology major organs, blood routine biochemical tests to evaluate fertility health. results showed that could rapidly distribute testis, fluorescence be detected post-injection. had no adverse effect structure testis epididymis, but high-dose induce apoptosis Leydig cells an early stage. No significant differences state, weight hormones quality, observed exposed groups. However, obviously influenced, which mainly manifested slow growth offspring, changes main abnormality liver kidney function parameters. Our findings revealed able cross blood-testis barrier (BTB), produce discernible toxic system, affect healthy future generations some extent. view broad application prospect fields, our might provide insight into biological safety evaluation health QDs.