This research carried out at the University of Pavia considered the possible effects of a diet containing genetically modified (GM) soybean on mouse testes. Changes that could cause infertility problems in the mice testes were identified and the role that glyphosate could have caused in this was also discussed in the research findings.
Source: stopogm.net
Abstract
We have considered the possible effects of a diet containing genetically modified (GM) soybean on mouse testis. This organ, in fact, is a well known bioindicator and it has already been utilized, for instance, to monitor pollution by heavy metals.
In this preliminary study, we have focussed our attention on Sertoli cells,spermatogonia and spermatocytes by means of immunoelectron microscopy. Our results point out that the immunolabelling for Sm antigen, hnRNPs, SC35 and RNA Polymerase II is decreased in 2 and 5 month-old GM-fed mice, and is restored to normal at 8 months. In GM-fed mice of all ages considered, the number of perichromatin granules is higher and the nuclear pore density lower. Moreover, we found enlargements in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in GM-fed mice Sertoli cells. A possible role played by traces of the herbicide to which the soybean is resistant is discussed.
Authors
L. Vecchio, B. Cisterna, M. Malatesta, T.E. Martin, M. Biggiogera
