Sterilization of the male by cadmium salts.

Abstract

The effects of cadmium salts on the male rat gonads were studied. Injection of cadmium chloride caused complete necrosis of the testis within 10 days though the animals survived well for more than 2 years. Experiments with other organs strongly suggested than cadmium compounds are specific for the testis. Further experiments were conducted to illuminate the metabolic processes underlying specific testicular functions. After an initial decrease weights of the accessory sex glands increased after administration of cadmium indicating that the atrophied testes became a source of androgens though the rats remained sterile. Cadmium salt-induced testicular necrosis may be the result of primary circulatory failure in the testis or a primary action in the spermiogenic epithelium. The simulataneous administration of zinc appeared to have some protective effect against cadmium. It was also found that the effect of cadmium is not dependent on the presence of the pituitary or gonadotropins. However the uptake of zinc by the testis requires the presence of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The observed morphological changes produced by cadmium were found only in animals in whcih the testes were at a definite stage of maturity. Questions pertaining to the nature of the testicular changes brought about by cadmium injection are discussed.