| Abstrakt: |
The object of this work was to determine by modern histological methods, the changes which take place in the testes of rats and guinea pigs after irradiation, and to compare these results with those of earlier writers on the same subject.It was found that the softer rays are more destructive to the testes than harder rays, but no relation could be determined between the U.S.D. and the sterilisation dose, which was larger than was expected, and which varied considerably with the different types of animals. In the case of the rat the sterilisation dose was about 750 r. at 85 KV., this dose producing gradual histological changes which were first observable four days after irradiation.Adjacent tubules sometimes showed vastly different changes, and the latent period between irradiation and complete destruction could be much reduced by giving larger doses. The histological changes comprised a disappearance of normal cell elements (the spermatogonia proving most resistant and the spermatocytes most sensitive) the formation of abnormal cells (including giant cells) and an overgrowth of Sertoli cells, and a hypertrophy of interstitial tissue. These various points are discussed and the opinion of other writers quoted. The histological and radiological techniques employed are described and the reasons for the latter are discussed. |
