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Reproductive and endocrinological features of male rats after treatment with cadmium chloride

Journal Article · · Biol. Reprod.; (United States)

Single subcutaneous injection of 1 or 5 mg cadmium chloride (CdCl/sub 2/) to adult male rats resulted in a significant reduction in the weights of the testis, epididymidis, vas deferens, ventral prostate and seminal vesicles. Sperm population in the vas deferens, caput and cauda epididymidis was severely reduced. Sexual drive and fertility were not changed 7 or 15 days after treatment with 1 mg CdCl/sub 2/; however, a loss of libido to total sterility were encountered in animals receiving 5 mg CdCl/sub 2/. The circulating testosterone and 5..cap alpha..-dihydrotestosterone were suppressed whereas androstenedione concentration remained unaltered. It appears that CdCl/sub 2/ not only affects spermatogenesis but also inhibits androgen production.

Research Organization:
Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, Shrewsbury, MA
OSTI ID:
7282041
Journal Information:
Biol. Reprod.; (United States), Journal Name: Biol. Reprod.; (United States) Vol. 16:5; ISSN BIREB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English