Comparative action of some methane sulphonic esters on the cell population of the rat testis

Abstract

Summary 1. The action of Busulphan, isopropyl methane sulphonate and methyl methane sulphonate on the cell population of the testis has been examined and compared with fertility studies previously described [9]. 2 Busulphan arrests the maturation of spermatogonia Type A in the early stages of development causing a prolonged depletion of subsequent cell stages. 3. The primary effect of isopropyl methane sulphonate at 50 mg/kg is on later stages of Type A cell development, i.e. stages XII to XIV. At the higher dose level, there is also a “Busulphan type” block to the first spermatogonial division. 4. Methyl methane sulphonate causes brief depletion of Type A spermatogonia only at the higher dose level (100 mg/kg), which appears to be a general action on cells about to enter mitosis. This treatment also causes a selective degeneration of spermatids during the Golgi-cap phase of development.