ON TESTIS AND EPlDlDYMlS OF RATS - Pondicherry University ...

Measurement of weights of the accessory sex organs in intact male rats has been
demonstrated to reflect the cumulative effect of biologically active testosterone over a
period of time (Mathur and Chattopadhyay, 1982). In the present studies weights of
epididyrnis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate were taken to assess the
bioavailability andl or production of androgen and the cumulative effect of
androgenic activity. Weight of kidneys of the castrated mice decreased by 30 - 50%
in comparison to that of intact animals and has been reported to be androgen
dependent. The toxicity threshold varies in different species as well as varies in
different organs in the same animals. In the present study weight of kidney was taken
to assess the toxicity threshold between reproductive and non-reproductive tissue.
Daily sperm production in rats reflects the status of spermatogenesis in control
and experimental animals. Epididymal sperm viability. epididymal sperm motility
and sperm count alter when exposed to environmental toxicants. In the present study
daily sperm production, epididymal sperm viability, motility and count were done in
order to assess the status of spermatogenesis.
Histometric studies on testis provide strongest evidence to see the difference
between control and experimental tissues (Russell rl a/., 1990).
A positive
relationship exists between tubular diameter and spermatogenic activity of testis
(Sinha Hikim ct a/.. 1989). Measurements of tubular diameter have bren reponed to
discriminate between varying levels of sp.rnmatogcnic damage (Russcll ct