Detecting the Effects of Toxic Agents on Spermatogenesis Using DNA Probes

• Published in: Environmental Health Perspectives [ENVIRON. HEALTH PERSPECT.]. 1987 Vol. 74; pp. 31 - 40
• Main Author: Hecht, Norman B.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. National Institutes of Health. Department of Health, Education and Welfare 01-10-1987
• Subjects: Animals; Biological Markers of Male Reproductive Toxicology; Cells; DNA; DNA probes; DNA, Recombinant; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Genetic Markers; Germ cells; Humans; Male; Messenger RNA; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Protamines; Spermatogenesis; Spermatogenesis - drug effects; Spermatozoa; Stem cells; Testes; Testis - cytology; Testis - metabolism
• ISSN: 0091-6765; 1552-9924
• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.877431

Advances in the molecular biology of spermatogenesis suggest that DNA probes can be used to monitor the effects of toxic agents in male germ cells of mammals. Molecular hybridization analyses with DNA probes can provide a reproducible methodology capable of detecting changes ranging from massive deletions to single base pair substitutions in the genome of exposed individuals. A constantly increasing number of DNA probes that can be used to detect such alterations in human sperm DNA exist for both ubiquitously expressed proteins and for genes solely expressed in the testis. In this chapter, the currently available testicular stage-specific and/or cell type-specific DNA probes and the techniques by which they can be utilized in reproductive toxicology studies are discussed. The advantages, limitations, and future technological advances of this novel biological marker system for the human male reproductive system are also considered.