Modification of radioresponse of intermediate and B-type spermatogonia by a phosphorothioate.

Abstract

Spermatogonia of mouse present a wide range of radiosensitivity. Among the three major types of spermatogonia, intermediate and B-type spermatogonia are the more radiosensitive groups having comparable radiosensitivity (Oakberg, 1955; Partington et al, 1962). In the present study, radioresponse of intermediate (I) and B-type spermatogonia was observed in vivo with and without pretreatment of S-2 (3- aminopropylamino) ethylphosphorothioic acid, popularly known as WR-2721. It is an effective radioprotector known to alter radiation effects in a number of tissues in vivo and in vitro (Yuhas & Storer, 1969) including mouse testes (Milas et al, 1982). It also protected A-type spermatogonia of the mouse in similar conditions, as in the present experiment (Jaimala et al, 1984). The present investigation seeks to ascertain the extent to which this drug could alter the radioresponse of intermediate and B-type spermatogonia after exposure to different doses of gamma radiation.