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

ABSTRACT

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.