PMC

The caudal epididymis was isolated and extracted the sperms by squeeze and mincing. The number of sperms were counted with Makler chamber.

8-week-old mice which were offspring of phytoestrogen free food-fed parents were examined their estrus cycle with vaginal smearing methods for 2 weeks. The normal female mice attend mating.

The F₀ and F₁ parents were administered with nonylphenol (NP) containing water as depicted in Fig. 1. 10 weeks old mice were attended mating. NPs did not effect on sex ratios in both F₁ and F₂.

NP was administered as shown Fig. 1. F₀ and F₁ females were sacrificed at 18-20 weeks and 4-5 weeks after birth, respectively. a: →P< 0.05 (One way ANOVA). *: →P< 0.05 (t-test, control vs. NPs).

Copulation plugs were checked every day morning. To keep the strict time for mating, the female which did not have copulation plug, were separated at morning and caging again with male at 5:00 pm. There was no difference in gestational periods.

Nonlyphnol (NP) was administered as shown Fig. 1 and ovulation was induced with gonadotrophins. The ovulated oocytes were collected from ampulla of oviduct at 15 hr after hCG injection. a: →P< 0.05 (One way ANOVA). *: →P< 0.05 (t-test, control vs. NPs).

Nonlyphnol (NP) was administered according to the phytoestrogen free generation F₀ according to the OECD Test Guide line 443. Accumulated mating rates and the accumulated rate of successful delivery were not affected by NP administration in both F₀ and F₁. All pregnant mice delivered successfully.

NP was administered as shown Fig. 1. F₀ and F₁ males were sacrificed at 18-20 weeks and 7-8 weeks after birth, respectively. a: →P< 0.05 (One way ANOVA). *: →P< 0.05 (t-test, control vs. NPs).