REGRESSIVE CHANGES IN THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF MALE RATS INDUCED BY STILBESTROL

Abstract

Stilbestrol was given in doses of 1 mg. in 1 cc. of aq. soln. by stomach tube to 20 young [male] rats. About 2 wks. after treatment was instigated, the scrotum was noticeably shrunken, and the testes were softer than normal. A few wks. later the testes were located in the abdomen, and the scrotum resembled that of a castrated rat. Interest in $ rate in estrus was absent, and copulation did not occur. At autopsy, the testes, epididymides, prostate, and seminal vesicles appeared markedly atrophied. These observations were confirmed by histological examination. Azoospermia and desquamation of the cells lining the tubules were marked. Body growth was retarded. In smaller doses of stilbestrol, 25 7 given in sesame oil each 5 days by stomach tube and by intramusc. injs., the changes in wt. of the testes, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and epididymides were also significant.