P-156: A Study about Toxicity of CdSe Quantum Dots on Male Sexual System of Mice and Controlling This Toxicity by ZnS Coverage in Immature Mice

Background: Quantum dots are commonly composed of cadmium contained semiconductors. Cadmium is potentially hazardous but toxicity of such quantum dots is not yet systematically investigated. On the other hand, in vitro studies have shown almost complete control of CdSe induced cytotoxicity by ZnS coverage. Toxicity of CdSe quantum dots and controlling this toxicity by ZnS coverage in immature mice are presented in this study. Materials and Methods: Mentioned quantum dots were injected in 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg doses to some male mice and structural and optical properties of quantum dots were evaluated using XRD. Results: One month after CdSe:ZnS injection, Histological studies of testis tissue showed high toxic effect of CdSe:ZnS in 40mg/ kg. Histological studies of epididymis didn’t show any effect of quantum dots on morphology and tube structure. Mean concentration of LH and testosterone and testis weight showed also high toxicity of CdSe:ZnS in 40 mg/kg dose. But FSH hormone and body weight didn’t show any difference with control group. Conclusion: Although it has been reported that in vitro coverage controls CdSe highly, this study showed high toxicity of in vivo CdSe:ZnS (even more than CdSe) which can show that coverage has caused increase in induced toxicity by quantum dots. Considering lack of any previous study in this category, our study can be an introduction to more studies about effects of quantum dots toxicity on development of male sexual system.