Toxic trace elements and reproduction

Successful reproduction requires a well developed genital tract, including a good cooperation between hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries and uterus on the female side and good sperm quality and motility on the male side. Heavy metals may interact with every single step of these processes, and after successful implantation the feto‐placental unit may be another target for heavy metal toxicity. In this review the reproduction process and the interaction of the heavy trace elements Cd (cadmium), Pb (lead) and Hg (mercury) are described.

Key words:

• Metals
• cadmium
• lead
• mercury teratogenesis
• neurotoxicity
• speciation

Notes

Present address: Department of Toxicology, University of Nijmegen, Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.