THE SELECTIVE TESTICULAR EFFECTS OF CERTAIN BIS-(DICHLOROACETYL) DIAMINES

Abstract

N,N′-4-Xylylene-bis(N-ethyldichloroacetamide), Compound I,and N,N′-bis (dichloroacetyl)-l,8-octamethylenediamine, Compound II, produced in rats marked testicular weight regression associated with complete arrest of spermatogenesis. Compound II was approximately eight times more active, per mg., than Compound I. At maximal effects the seminiferous tubules consisted merely of a ring of Sertoli cells with spermatogonia interspersed. Leydig cell morphology and androgen production were not altered by antispermatogenic doses of either agent. The weight of the adrenal glands was lowered by high doses of both compounds although the adrenals appeared normal histologically. The plasma corticosterone level of chronically medicated rats was not different from that of control animals. Also, the rise in plasma corticosterone concentration observed two hours after ACTH administration was not altered by prior medication with Compound II. Concurrent injections of 10 r.u. per rat per day of commercial pituitary gonadotroph...