Augmentation of internal radiophosphorus induced damage by gonadotropin in testis of C57 mouse

Young adult male mice of C57 strain, injected with radiophosphorus (2 μCi/g body wt) and/or gonadotropin (40 I.U./animal) were autopsied at post injection intervals of 10, 20 and 30 days. Histological preparations of testes were used for measuring tubular diameter and for counting resting primary spermatocytes (RPS). Testis weight was also recorded at all autopsy intervals. Testis weight loss, tubular diameter reduction and RPS count fall clearly indicated that 32P brings about hazardous changes in testes, and gonadotropin augments 32P-induced damage. At day 30, testes exposed to 32P alone showed signs of recovery whereas those exposed to 32P plus gonadotropin did not display any sign of separation. Leydig cells were not affected by any of these treatments. (auth.)