Effects of silica nanoparticles on isolated rat uterine smooth muscle

In spite of their widespread use, toxicity of silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) to mammalian has not been extensively investigated. In the present study, it is aimed to investigate the effects and the mechanism of action of 20?nm sized SiO₂ NPs on isolated uterine smooth muscle. A total number of 84 preparations of uterine strips were used in the experiments. Study was designed as four groups: group I (control), group II (0.2?mM SiO₂ NPs), group III (0.4?mM SiO₂ NPs) and group IV (0.8?mM SiO₂ NPs). Spontaneous contractions were recorded using mechanical activity recording system. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using the spectrophotometric methods. Apoptosis of the cells was detected using immunofluorescence staining assay. SiO₂ NP distribution and ultrastructural changes were determined by transmission electron microscopy. In groups II–IV, the frequency of contraction was significantly lower than that of the group I, whereas the contraction energy significantly decreased only in group IV. SOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly lower in experimental groups compared to the control group. MDA level and apoptotic cells were significantly higher in all SiO₂ groups compared to the control group. Numerous SiO₂ NPs in cytoplasm and connective tissue were observed in all dose groups. These findings showed that 20?nm sized SiO₂ NPs enter the connective tissue and cytoplasm of uterine muscle cells and cause oxidative stress and apoptosis leading to impaired uterine contractile activity.