THE RELATION OF VITAMINS B AND E TO FERTILITY IN THE MALE RAT

Abstract

Degeneration of germinal epithelium in the rat testis, heretofore ascribed to lack of vitamin B, is apparently due to simultaneous or previous lack of vitamin E. Thirteen mature normal rats showed sterility within 3 weeks after complete withdrawal of vitamin B; at death 4-8 weeks later only 1 showed testicular degeneration. Of 14 dying in 12-22 weeks under gradual vitamin B starvation only 1 had degenerated testes. Many of these, in addition to weight loss (up to 50%), showed typical paralysis; but the epididymis still contained sperm as motile as those of normal animals. The sterility following soon after vitamin B withdrawal is believed due to loss of vigor and to lowered sex expression consequent upon a lowered metabolic level. A review of the literature relating to vitamin B and testicular degeneration in rats suggests a dual deficiency. Observations on females show a behavior typical of vitamin E shortage.