Effect of Lithium Chloride on Spermatogenesis, Testicular δ5-3β- and 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activitis in Toad (Bufo melanostictus)/Über den Einfluß von Lithiumchlorid auf die Spermatogenese und die Hoden-δ5-3β-und 17β-hydroxysteroid-Dehydrogenas

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to show the effects of lithium on testicular activities in the toad. Adult male toads were injected with lithium chloride (200 micrograms/toad) of alternate days for 21 days. At the moment of sacrifice on 22nd day, lithium treated animal showed decreases in testicular weight and Leydig cell nuclear area along with inhibition of spermatogenesis and testicular delta 5-3 beta as well as 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities. The results of our present experiment suggest that lithium administration might be associated with significant adverse effects on testicular activity in toad.