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. 1999 Jul;16(6):315–324. doi: 10.1023/A:1020406016312

Bypassing Spermiogenesis for Several Generations Does Not Have Detrimental Consequences on the Fertility and Neurobehavior of Offspring: A Study Using the Mouse

Kellie L K Tamashiro 1, Yasuyuki Kimura 2, Robert J Blanchard 1,✉, D Caroline Blanchard 1, Ryuzo Yanagimachi 2
PMCID: PMC3455532  PMID: 10394528

Abstract

Purpose:This study was conducted to determine whether the omission of spermiogenesis and all prefertilization events for five generations in mice affects the fertility or behavior of offspring.

Methods:Fifth-generation hybrid (C57BL/6 × DBA/2) mice were produced using round spermatid injection (ROSI). Control groups consisted of mice born after natural mating with and without sham operation. The growth, fertility, and behavior of offspring were compared. Behavior tests conducted assessed elementary reasoning (Krushinsky test), emotionality (Mouse Defense Test Battery), and spatial learning and memory (Morris water maze).

Results:There were no significant differences in the growth and fertility of fifth-generation ROSI mice compared to natural fertilization mice. We also found no evidence of significant learning or behavioral deficits of the fifth-generation ROSI mice.

Conclusions:In this study, we found no evidence that bypassing the natural biological processes involved in spermiogenesis produces adverse effects on the growth, fertility, or behavior of mouse offspring.

Keywords: round spermatid injection, spermatid, mouse, behavior

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