SEXUAL-MATURATION AND FERTILITY OF MALE AND FEMALE MICE EXPOSED PRENATALLY AND POSTNATALLY TO TRIVALENT AND HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM COMPOUNDS

The reproductive toxicity of trivalent and hexavalent chromium compoun ds was investigated in male and female mice exposed to 1000 ppm chromi um chloride and potassium dichromate via their mother during gestation al and lactational periods. Fertility was reduced in male offspring ex posed to either trivalent or hexavalent chromium compounds. Body weigh ts and weights of testes, seminal vesicles and preputial glands were r educed in trivalent-exposed male offspring. The exposure of female mic e offspring to trivalent and hexavalent chromium compounds delayed sex ual maturation. Fertility was reduced in female offspring exposed to e ither trivalent or hexavalent chromium compounds. The exposure of fema le mice to hexavalent chromium compound reduced the number of implanta tions and viable fetuses respectively. Body weight and weights of ovar ies and uteri were reduced in trivalent-exposed female offspring. The results indicate that under our experimental conditions, the exposure of male and female mice offspring to either trivalent or hexavalent ch romium compounds during gestational and lactational periods impair rep roductive functions and fertility in adulthood.