Assessment of Reproductive Toxicity of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Their Putative Effects on Population Ecology of Mouselike Rodents

An assessment of the reproductive toxicity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for male laboratory mice according to a set of morphophysiological, biochemical, and histological criteria is reported. Oral administration of MWCNTs at doses of 0.3, 3, and 30 mg/kg evoked a dose-dependent decrease in the level of free testosterone in blood plasma, as well as a 15-40% decrease in male fertilization capacity. Mathematical modeling allowed for the assumption that a decrease in the parameter named above can induce changes in the population dynamics of mouselike rodents, namely, a reduction in the peak numbers of animals and an increase of the oscillation period by similar to 30%. The results can be used for developing environmental standards of MWCNT intake by mammals, as well for the development of new products for controlling rodent populations.