Tag Archives: reproductive system

Common disinfectants impair reproduction in mice

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are disinfectants that were first introduced in the 1950s and are now commonly used in laboratory settings. They are generally considered safe, although their toxicity has never been rigorously evaluated. The lack of thorough toxicity testing of QACs recently came to light as two independent laboratories observed changes in the breedingContinueContinue reading “Common disinfectants impair reproduction in mice”

Tetracycline reduces sperm viability

Despite widespread bacterial resistance, the broad-spectrum antibiotic tetracycline is still commonly used in animal feed and as antimicrobial therapy in the developing world. Tetracycline inhibits mitochondrial translation, and because mitochondria are essential to the processes of spermatogenesis and sperm motility, male reproductive traits may be especially sensitive to its effects. Jeanne A. Zeh and colleaguesContinueContinue reading “Tetracycline reduces sperm viability”

Human Y chromosome isn’t wasting away

Some time ago, the future of the human Y chromosome was called into question. After all, other species, such as mole voles and spiny rats, have lost their Y chromosomes, and sex-determination responsibilities have fallen to other chromosomes. In fact, the human Y did not start off as a sex-determining chromosome either. Human X andContinueContinue reading “Human Y chromosome isn’t wasting away”

Sex reversal linked to Sox3

Sex in mammals is genetically determined; females normally have two X chromosomes, and males normally have one X and one Y chromosome. But sometimes an individual with two X chromosomes is born with male genitalia, in a case of XX male sex reversal. The incidence of XX male sex reversal in humans is roughly 1ContinueContinue reading “Sex reversal linked to Sox3”

Bisphenol-A may compromise fertility

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical present in materials many people use every day, such as polycarbonate plastics and the inner coatings of food and beverage containers. Exposure to BPA is quite pervasive: the chemical has been detected in the urine of more than 92% of those in the US who have been tested, and levelsContinueContinue reading “Bisphenol-A may compromise fertility”