Embryonic malformations following exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles in Mus musculus

The extensive applications of nanomaterials in industry, medicine and consuming products have increased concerns about their potential toxicity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of copper oxide (CuO) nanopaticles on embryonic development of pregnant mice (NMRI). In this experimental study, 42 female NMRI mice were randomly divided into 6 groups and seven in each group. Four experimental groups on gestation days (GDs) 3 and 12 received CuO nanoparticle at concentrations of 300, 400, 500, 600 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection. Sham group received deionized water as CuO nanoparticle solvent and control group received no CuO nanoparticles. Mice were dissected on GD17 and embryos were separated from the uterine tissue. Histopathological studies were carried out using hematoxilin-eosin staining and light microscopy. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan test with SPSS16 software at significant level of P<0.05. Findings of the present study showed that CuO nanopaticles at concentration of 600 mg/kg affect on organogenesis, complement of neural structure, liver lobulation and delay in fetal growth. Also, the average number of somites at concentrations of 400, 500 and 600 mg/kg reduced significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). Damages caused by CuO nanoparticles may potentially lead to the deformity or developmental retardation of the fetus in pregnant mice.