Oogenesis anomalies induced by heavy metal contamination in two tenebrionid beetles (Blaps polycresta and Trachyderma hispida)

Abstract

Histological and ultrastructure analysis of the ovaries of Blaps polycresta and Trachyderma hispida were performed to illuminate the effect of industrial pollution from a plastic factory located in Khorshed district, Alexandria, Egypt. Detection of heavy metals in the ovarian tissues was achieved by using X-ray microanalysis. The study revealed various anomalies in oocytes and trophocytes. These basic anomalies included exfoliation and vacuolation of follicular epithelium, vacuolated trophocyst, nuclear abnormalities and morphological changes in cytoplasmic organelles. Conclusively, the study was initiated to assess the extent of reproductive corruptions induced by industrial pollution in two insects as a biomarker of exposure which may impair reproduction in humans.