CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM STUDIES ON THE TESTIS OF RATS FED CERTAIN NITROFURANS1

Abstract

Oxygen uptake studies indicate a defect in carbohydrate metabolism of the testis of the Furacin-fed rat. The ability of the testis to form citrate from oxalacetate in vitro is markedly impaired by the feeding of certain nitrofurans; however, this biochemical defect disappeared after 1 week on the basal drug-free diet, and citrate formation then takes place at a normal rate. Glucose utilization is temporarily impaired in the testis of the nitrofuran-fed rat; this effect is also reversible. From concurrent microscopic studies the effect of 3 nitrofurans on the biochemical activity of testis tissue appears to be quite closely correlated with observed changes in cellular pattern of testis tubules. The disappearance and return of citrate synthesis is coupled with a corresponding loss and regeneration of specific germinal elements. Ability to utilize glucose returns to normal when tissue recovery has progressed nearly to completion as evidenced by the presence of mature sperm.