Quantitative histological studies on the injury of spermatogenesis induced by endotoxin in rats.

Abstract

An account of studies on the effect of endotoxin on testes and spermatogenesis is given. A characteristic reversible injury to spermatogenesis was induced by the ip injection of S. marcescens endotoxin into rats. The dose of the endotoxin was 1 ml/100 gm. Animals were killed on Day 1 4 9 16 25 36 49 and 64 after treatment. Testes were weighted and prepared. Changes in spermatogenesis were detected by the method of quantitative analysis described by Roosen-Runge and Giesel. Nuclear volumes of spermatogonia and of spermatocytes were determined by karyometry. In the majority of cases the spermatocytes were identical to primary spermatocytes. 2 diameters were measured for 150 nuceli the longest and that which bisected it at right angles. Nuclear volumes were calculated and the number of spermatids were determined. The general effect of the injection of S. marcescens endotoxin was characterized by a 14% mortality caused by endotoxin shock and by hypothermia developing after treatment. The quantitative histological studies of the testes revealed an inhibition of the maturation divisions of spermatocytes. Studies of the parameters involved showed that the changes induced by the endotoxin were of a reversible character since each parameter reached a normal level sooner or later depending on the sensitivity of the test. Thus testis weight incidence of the different phases of spermatogenesis and changes in nuclear volume needed 25 36 and 49 days respectively to reach normal levels. Moreover type A spermatogonia appeared to possess a high level of resistance to the effects of the endotoxin.