Blocked erythroid differentiation and delayed enucleation of erythroblasts may contribute to murine embryonic toxicity upon exposure to low dose of cadmium

Epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated the association of spontaneous abortion or embryonic atrophy with heavy metals, including some well-known anemia inducers, such as cadmium (Cd). However, the direct adverse effect of Cd on embryos without inducing maternal anemia remains unc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Toxicology letters 2023-09, Vol.387, p.28-34
Main Authors: Wang, Quanshu, Li, Jia, Ma, Wanqi, Sun, Li, Zhang, Bingke, Zhao, Yiming, Zhang, Shuping
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cadmium
Disordered iron homeostasis
Embryonic atrophy
Erythropoiesis
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Summary:Epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated the association of spontaneous abortion or embryonic atrophy with heavy metals, including some well-known anemia inducers, such as cadmium (Cd). However, the direct adverse effect of Cd on embryos without inducing maternal anemia remains unclear. In this study, we treated mice with a low dose of Cd before and after mating to minimize Cd-induced maternal anemia. Although most embryos developed normally, embryonic atrophy was still observed in a small percentage of embryos from Cd-exposed pregnant mice. Compared to the embryos from the control pregnant mice, a complete blockage of erythroid differentiation was observed in the atrophic embryos but no obvious alteration of erythroid differentiation in the non-atrophic embryos, respectively. Moreover, our results suggested delayed enucleation of erythroblasts in these non-atrophic embryos. Mechanically, the inhibited iron transport from the placenta to the fetus together with the increased iron export in the fetal livers might contribute to embryonic atrophy and delayed enucleation of erythroblasts upon Cd exposure. Our data may provide new insights into the embryonic toxicity of low-dose Cd. [Display omitted] •Low dose of Cd leads to a small percentage of embryo atrophy.•Fetal erythroid differentiation is completely blocked in atrophic embryos.•Delayed enucleation of erythroblasts is suggested in non-atrophic embryos.
ISSN:0378-4274
1879-3169
DOI:10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.09.009