Robert Toman⁽¹⁾, Peter Massanyi⁽²⁾, Norbert Lukac^{(3)
(1)(2)(3)}Slovak Agricultural University - Nitra. Slovakia

	[Toxicology]	[Pathology]	[Reproduction Sciences]

DISCUSSION

Similar changes as described in this experiment we found also after the intratesticular injection of cadmium in rats ⁽⁹⁾. The changes were the same, total destruction of spermatogenesis. Also other authors found similar changes in the testes of various mammalian species ^(1,3,10,11). Gunn and Gould ⁽²⁾ noted that only 1/60 of subcutaneous dose is sufficient to produce testicular necrosis when applied directly into the testis. The testis failure caused by cadmium results form the ceased blood supply to the gonad ⁽²⁾. We found in our experiment damaged blood capillary in the testis. The blood elements passed through the damaged capillary wall into the surround space. The ischemic changes are the primary consequences of the cadmium effect in the testis. These changes lead to the testis oedema. The blood vessel injury was described also in other histological studies using the light microscopic techniques ^(1,3,10).

The scanning electron microscopic study of Vrzgulová et. al ⁽¹¹⁾ aimed at effects of copper on the ram testes revealed the similar changes like releasing of germinal cells of lower developmental stages into the tubular lumen. In our study was found the same picture. It means, that spermatogonia and also primary spermatocytes are the most sensitive cell stages of spermatogenesis to the toxic elements. It leads to total infertility of affected animals. In our previous study we found the signs of recovering of the seminiferous epithelium 35 weeks after single intraperitoneal administration of cadmium ⁽³⁾.

Previously described ^(3,9,10) increase of the interstitial space was well observed also in our study. In normal testes the interstitial tissue is narrow and the seminiferous tubules form about 80 % of the testes volume ⁽³⁾. When cadmium is administered, the tubules will shrink. On the contrary, the interstitial tissue extends. The collagen fibers increase in number and by suggestions of Vrzgulová et. al ⁽¹¹⁾ also the hyperplazia of the interstitial cells in rams after copper intoxication.

Discussion Board

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[ABSTRACT] [INTRODUCTION] [MATERIAL & METHODS] [RESULTS] [IMAGES] [IMAGES-2] [DISCUSSION] [CONCLUSIONS] [BIBLIOGRAPHY] [Discussion Board]

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	[Toxicology]	[Pathology]	[Reproduction Sciences]

Robert Toman, Peter Massanyi, Norbert Lukac
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Last update: 9/01/00