ZINC IN THE MATURING RAT TESTIS

Abstract

Summary. Using the method of radio-activation analysis, zinc was determined in the testes of rats varying in age from 7 to 58 days. During the first month of life the zinc concentration remained fairly constant (120 ng/mg testicular dry weight), and no decrease in testicular zinc concentration occurred at the time when the rat testis first acquires its sensitivity to the necrotic action of cadmium (approximately 9 days of life). This is of special significance in view of the fact that parenterally administered zinc salts counteract the action of cadmium. During the second month of life, the concentration of testicular zinc increased considerably. This increase, which coincides roughly with the time when spermatids are transformed into spermatozoa, may well be related to the formation of intracellular zinc-metalloproteins, including certain zinc-containing enzymes in spermatozoa.