Study of prenatal exposure to diesel exhaust on male reproductive and central nerve systems of mice

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The effects of in utero exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) on the mouse male reproductive system and central nerve system were examined. Various markers that appear in pups were assessed. Pregnant ICR mice inhaled DE at DEP concentrations of 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg DEP/m3 or clean air, as the control, on days 2-16 days post coitum. On postnatal day (PND) 28, the weight of the testes and accessory glands, and testosterone concentration in serum were significantly higher in the DE-exposed male pups. Testosterone concentration correlated significantly (P<0.01) with the expression of steroidogenic enzyme mRNAs, weight of the testes and male reproductive accessory glands, and daily sperm production. A spontaneous motor activity was changed intentionally, and the change of the dopamine, noradrenalin and the serotonin systems was admitted in the brain.These findings indicate that early stage mouse embryo exposure to DE affects male genital system and the cranial nerve system after birth.