Ultrastructural analysis of testes from mice fed on genetically modified soybean.

We have considered the possible effects of a diet containinggenetically modified (GM) soybean on mouse testis. Thisorgan, in fact, is a well known bioindicator and it has alreadybeen utilized, for instance, to monitor pollution by heavymetals.In this preliminary study, we have focussed our attention onSertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes by means ofimmunoelectron microscopy. Our results point out that theimmunolabelling for Sm antigen, hnRNPs, SC35 and RNAPolymerase II is decreased in 2 and 5 month-old GM-fedmice, and is restored to normal at 8 months. In GM-fed miceof all ages considered, the number of perichromatin granulesis higher and the nuclear pore density lower. Moreover, wefound enlargements in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum inGM-fed mice Sertoli cells. A possible role played by traces ofthe herbicide to which the soybean is resistant is discussed.