EFFECTS OF ALKYLATING AGENTS ON SPERMATOGENESIS IN THE RABBIT

Abstract

Serial sperm counts were made in rabbits treated with alkylating agents. After single injections of busulphan, Tretamine and isopropyl methane-sulphonate, aspermia developed during the 10th and 11th weeks. Other simple monofunctional esters of methane and ethane sulphonic acids, which induced sterility in rats as a result of their action on spermatozoa and late spermatids, did not depress the sperm count or interfere with sperm motility in the rabbit. The results suggest that the duration of spermatogenesis in the rabbit is about 10 weeks and indicate that in this species, as in rats and mice, a steady turnover of spermatozoa occurs. Fertility tests in male rabbits after administration of Tretamine showed that small doses readily induced sterility which could be maintained by continued administration.