Bypassing spermiogenesis for several generations does not have detrimental consequences on the fertility and neurobehavior of offspring: a study using the mouse.

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 x 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.