N-hexane alters the maturation of oocytes and induces apoptosis in mice.

OBJECTIVE This study was aimed to determine the effects of n-hexane on the maturation of mouse oocytes. METHODS Cell culture was used to observe the maturation of mouse oocytes and CLSM was employed to determine their apoptosis. RESULTS Germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and extrusion of the first polar body in mouse oocytes were significantly inhibited by n-hexane. After fertilization, the number of eggs in the mouse was significantly reduced by n-hexane. Mitochondrial membrane potentials (ΔΨm) were altered in mouse oocytes that were leading to apoptosis of the oocytes. CONCLUSION N-hexane might have affected the maturation of oocytes, causing alteration of ΔΨm and leading to apoptosis which maybe one of the most important mechanisms.