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Daily oral administration of 1 mg/kg b.w. of cyproterone acetate and simultaneously administered testosterone enanthate (2 mg/kg b.w./15 days; i.m.) to adult male langur monkeys over a period of 90 days caused a gradual decrease in the count (to azoospermia) and motility of spermatozoa, concurrently with an increase in the percentage of non-motile as well as abnormal and immature sperm. Semen weight, volume, seminal fluid volume and circulating testosterone levels decreased nonsignificantly. Semen pH, libido and body weight remained unimpaired. The levels of SGOT, SGPT, serum alkaline phosphatase, LDH, bilirubin, Na+, K+ and hematological values did not alter significantly. All the changes were reversible. The results indicate that the combination regimen seems to affect the fertility in two ways, i.e. by inhibiting spermatogenesis in the testis and maturation process in the epididymis without altering the androgenicity.

Effects of cyproterone acetate, a synthetic steroidal compound, on the reproductive organs of female mice have been investigated. This agent caused reduction of ovarian weights indicative of suppression of pituitary gonadotrophins. Oestrogenic nature of cyproterone acetate was investigated in intact and ovariectomized animals taking uterine weight, vaginal keratinization and other biochemical oestrogen sensitive parameters. Cyproterone acetate in ovariectomized animals induced vaginal keratinization increase in uterine weight and uterine protein, RNA, glycogen and sialic acid contents. These effects were parallel to the effects of oestradiol dipropionate in ovariectomized animals, thus indicating oestrogenic activity of the compound.

A combination of danazol (15 mg/kg b.w./day; oral) plus TE (5 mg/kg b.w./15 days; i.m.) was investigated for reversible inhibition of testicular function in rabbit. Testicular histology and biochemistry were studied before, during (30, 60 & 75 days) treatment and 120 days of recovery. A conspicuous decrease in testicular weight and volume with slight increase in body weight was observed. Gradual decrease in spermatogenesis accompanied with reduced tubular diameter and nuclei diameter of Leydig and Sertoli cells was observed. A significant elevation in testicular cholesterol, total lipids, glycogen and phosphatases with depleted concentrations of total proteins, RNA and fructose was noticed. Sialic acid did not change significantly. Libido was not affected. All parameters returned to normal level after 120 days of recovery. In conclusion, the combination therapy induced reversible inhibition of spermatogenesis without loss of libido.

The effects of a single subcutaneous injection of CdCl2 (0.04 mmol/kg body weight) were studied on the testes and caput epididymidis of a non-scrotal mammal, Hemiechinus auritus, and scrotal laboratory mouse. The histological structure of the testes and caput epididymidis of the hedgehog remains normal after 21 days of CdCl2 injection. Testes and sex accessory glands did not show any significant change in weight. The testes and sex accessory organs of mice under comparable condition showed weight loss and involution in tubule diameter. A temperature differential of 1 degree C was found to exist between the rectum and the cremaster sac of the hedgehog. This small temperature difference and the absence of a counter-current mechanism may be involved in conferring the CdCl2 resistance to the testes and epididymis of the hedgehog.

Vasovasostomy was performed in rabbits that had been vasectomized or had the vas occluded by a tantalum clip for 6 or 15 months. Vasovasostomy restored fertility to 40-50% in vasectomized rabbits and 60-70% in the tantalum clip-occluded animals. Any changes that occurred due to vasectomy and tantalum clip occlusion (e.g. testicular weight, enzyme concentrations in the testis) returned to normal within 3-6 months of vasovasostomy. We suggest that vas occlusion with tantalum clips is a good method of surgical male sterilization and has a high success rate for restoration of fertility.

In 5 caged langurs menstrual cycle length (for 125 cycles) varied from 18 to 45 days with a mean +/- s.d. of 26.3 +/- 3.6 days. Menstruation lasted for 2 days. A distinct cycle of vaginal smear cells was observed with a maximum cornification on Day 10 coinciding with the serum oestradiol peak. A monophasic pattern of vaginal temperature with a significant nadir on Day 11, 1 day after the oestradiol peak, was observed. Serum sialic acid concentrations directly reflected the oestrogenic activity and showed a significant peak on Day 10, coinciding with the oestradiol peak and was followed by a progesterone rise. Langurs menstruated throughout the year without showing any sign of summer amenorrhoea. We suggest that maximum cornification, vaginal temperature nadir and serum sialic acid peak could be used as markers for prediction and detection of the time of ovulation in langur monkeys.

Danazol caused leukolysis in adult female gerbils. It brings about suppression of ovarian weight, presumably by inhibiting gonadotrophin secretion from the pituitary gland. Uterotrophic action of Danazol is confirmed in ovariectomized animals. Danazol counteracted the uterotrophic effect of an exogenous oestrogen. Vaginal smears of Danazol-treated animals retained a dioestrous leukocytic pattern indicating the absence of follicular activity. Decreased RNA synthesis in the uterus indicates the possibility that Danazol is anti-oestrogenic. Castration-like changes were noticed in the anterior lobe of the hypophysis after Danazol administration.

Administration of single sub-lethal dose (12 mg/kg body wt.) of cadmium chloride neutralizes endogenous hormonal activity in th male Indian Hanuman langur (Presbytis entellus entellus), resulting in a marked decrease in the production of androgens and subsequent reduction in the weights of sex accessory glands. Cadmium chloride in low dose (4 mg/kg body wt.) failed to bring about any significant change in the weights of excised tissue but did change biochemical composition and histo-architecture of testes. A significant increase in the concentration of testicular cholesterol was observed after the treatment. Decrease in the sialic acid concentration, total lipids and acid phosphatase activity of testis was associated with the degenerative changes of the spermatogenic elements. Reduced fructose and sialic acid concentration in the seminal vesicle of cadmium chloride treated animals indicate an inhibition of androgen production. Our results show that sialic acid epididymis is not androgen dependent in langurs. It is suggested that cadmium induced biochemical and histological changes in the testes and epididymides are dose dependent.

Effects of danazol plus testosterone enanthate on rabbit vas deferens are investigated. Seminal, biochemical tissue and histological studies were performed. Sperm motility was markedly impaired with the advancement of treatment. At the end of treatment 75 per cent of the animals became azoospermic. Seminal fructose did not change, whereas citric acid showed a progressive non-significant increase. Phosholipid and protein contents of vas deferens decreased during drug exposure. No appreciable changes were observed in sialic acid concentration. Citric acid and fructose in ampullae reduced following 60 days of treatment. Vas deferens lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. The combination therapy impaired the secretory activity of vas deferens reversibly.

The effects of hypothyroidism on the female genital tract of gerbils have been studied. Hypothyroidism was produced by (a) surgical ablation, and (b) pharmacological suppression of the gland. Hypothyroidism resulted in atrophic ovaries. Follivular development was severely arrested, with most of the follicles showing atresia. Distinct effects were produced upon the uterine physiology. Uterine regression was conspicuous in thyroidectomized females. Hypothyroidism resulted in a decreased RNA, protein, sialic acid and glycogen concentration of the uterus. Vaginal RNA, protein and sialic acid contents were low after thyroidectomy. The vaginal cytology showed a constant pattern of its cells, i.e. dioestrous. L-thyroxine treatment restores the biochemical changes of uterus and vagina to subnormal levels in thyroidectomized animals. It is concluded that hypothyroidism affected the weight, cytology and biochemistry of the female genital tract of gerbils.

Testicular biopsy, serum and semen samples from bilaterally vasectomized and sham-operated langur monkeys were studied following 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 years of surgery to assess testis and accessory sex organ function. Testicular degeneration was evident in certain tubules. Circulating levels of serum testosterone were statistically unchanged. Seminal plasma concentrations of fructose, acid phosphatase, sodium and potassium did not change, whereas semen volume, LDH, magnesium and citric acid decreased significantly suggesting an altered prostatic function following longer durations of vasectomy.

Methallibure administration caused reduction of gonadal weights in female rats and mice indicative of suppression of pituitary gonadotrophins. In the ovaries of the methallibure treated females, there was a great atresia of the follicles and of the corpora lutea. Methalbure caused atrophic changes in the endometrial lining of the vagina. Uterine horns became thin after methallibure treatment. A significant decrease in protein, RNA and sialic acid concentration in uterus and vagina was observed following methallibure treatment. Uterus of treated animals showed decreased glycogen contents. Histological and biochemical changes in the female genital tract of rats and mice suggested that the drug caused antifertility effect due to its possible antiestrogenic action.

Danazol administration caused lesions in the seminiferous tubules of gerbils and mice. The seminiferous epithelium became systematically depleted of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and finally spermatozoa. Danazol administration did not cause damage to the epididymal cells but was followed by a significant increase (p smaller than 0.01) in the diameter of the Leydig cell nuclei. The growth of androgen-dependent organs was reversibly suppressed after treatment. Resumption of normal gonadal function in the mouse occurred 32 days after discontinuation of medication. Danazol brought about transient changes resembling those of bilateral gonadectomy in the anterior lobe of the hypophysis. Inhibition of endogenous gonadotropins occurred, reflected in the increased basophilic cell percentage.

A single high dose (70 mg/kg) of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (alpha-chlorohydrin) caused pathological degeneration in the testes of dog when examined after 33 days. The seminiferous tubules were depleted of spermatogenic elements. Epididymal epithelium was regressed, the lumen was empty and the passage through the duct was unimpaired. Alpha-chlorohydrin inhibited the synthesis of RNA and sialic acid of the testes and epididymides. A single high dose of alpha-chlorohydrin increased the total cholesterol/g of wet testis tissue which could be correlated with the testicular atrophy. Antiandrogenic nature of the compound has been discussed.

Sialic acid is secreted by the caput, corpus and cauda epididymides of an adult mature dog. 2- alpha-Chlorohydrin administration results in a considerable reduction in the sialic acid content of the epididymides. 3- Single subcutaneous injection of CdCl2 depletes the content of caput epididymides. Whereas in the corpus and cauda region, the sialic acid contents did not change. 4- The epididymides of caput and cauda ligated side showed a marked decrease in contents of sialic acid as compared with that of non-ligated control epididymides of the same animal. Bilateral vasectomy and 72 hour vascular occlusion resulted in the reduction in the sialic acid content of the epididymides. 5- It is interesting to note that the decrease in sialic acid in the epididymides coincided with the absence of sperms and reduced secretory activity of the luminal epithelium. 6- The significance of these changes is discussed.

The present study was carried out to determine the detailed histological and cytological features of the excurrent ducts of the male reproductive system in the rabbit. The rete testis is comprised of flattened epithelium surrounding a wide lumen which is devoid of spermatozoa. Vasaefferentia epithelium is comprised mainly of ciliated and non-ciliated cells and the lumen is devoid of sperms. On the basis of the characteristics of the epithelium, and luminal contents and histometric observations such as luminal diameter, epithelial cell height and stereocilia height, seven regions of epididymis were identified. Similarly, the vas deferens was identified into 3 regions; proximal, distal and terminal. Results were discussed bearing in mind the functional significance of different regions.

1. The effects of ligation of caput, cauda epididymides and vasectomy were studied in adult gerbils. 2. The operations were performed unilaterally, the testis and epididymides on the contralateral side serving as controls. 3. Ligation of cauda epididymides decrease testicular weight, whereas caput ligation did not change the testis weight. Accessory sex glands were reduced in size. 4. Ligation caused a drastic degeneration of the spermatogenic cells. There was a complete disruption of testicular function. Leydig cell hypertrophy was conspicuous. Caput and cauda ligation led to degenerative changes in the epididymides. Epididymal epithelium was regressed and the lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. 5. Caput and cauda ligation inhibited the synthesis of RNA, protein and sialic acid in testis and epididymides and depleted the fructose concentration in the seminal vesicle. 6. Vasectomy did not cause any alteration in sperm production during the 8 week period on the lighted side. The cytology and the biochemistry of the testis and epididymides appeared to be normal.

Morphological and histological features of rete testis, vas efferens, epididymis and vas deferens were studied in the langur monkey. Tubular extensions of rete were located towards lateral side of the testis. Its epithelium comprises mostly of cuboidal cells with hyaline cytoplasm. Three to nine bundles of vas efferens, emerging below the cranial pole of the testis, were observed. Vas efferens epithelium comprises of ciliated and nonciliated cells. Epididymis could be divided into six zones on the basis of cytological features. Principal cells, basal cells, apical cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes were observed in the epididymal epithelium, but their number, shape, size and location of nuclei varied in different zones. Vas deferens epithelium comprises of principal cells, basal cells, apical cells and few intraepithelial lymphocytes. Epithelium is surrounded by lamina propria, longitudinal, circular and longitudinal muscle layers.

A new approach to rapid male sterilization was studies by giving a single injection of sclerosing chemical agents (10% silvernitrate, 3.6% Formaldehyde in ehanol, 5% potassium permagnate, 100% ethanol, and 3.6% Formaldehyde) directly into the vas deferens to determine whether blocking the vas has any adverse effects on the testicular function. 2 - Chemical occlusion of vas is quite effective in producing a block in the vas deferens of dogs. 3 - Ethanol injection in the vas deferens caused an atrophy of the testis. Extensive necrossis and exfoliation of the seminiferous elements were conspicuous. These changes increased in severity in 3.6% Formaldehyde in ethanol, 5% potassium permagnate, and 10% silver nitrate solution injected dogs. 4 - Decrease in the testicular contents of RNA, Protein and sialic acid, four weeks after vas occlusion were associated with degenerative changes of the spermatogenic elements. 5 - Testicular cholesterol and total lipids were increased following vas occlusion. 6 - Reduced sialic acid levels in the testis of vas occluded dogs indicates an inhibition of androgen production, which is further reflected in reduced leydig cell function. 7 - The role of vas deferens in determining the fate of a given testis is being discussed.

1. Goitrogenic action of methallibure (ICI-33828) has been studied in mice gerbil and hedgehog using thyroid weight and histological structure as an index. Liquefaction and vacuolation of thyroid follicles were most prevelant after methallibure administration. 2. The I131 content of the thyroid gland was significantly higher in the methallibure treated groups than in the controls. This denotes a decrease in the rate of discharge of thyroid hormone. 3. Protein bound radioiodine (Pb I131) was low after methallibure administration. 4. Methallibure administration brings about hypertrophy of pituitary thyrotrophs which is also reflected in the increased basophilic cell percentage in gerbil (control: 15.5 percent; methallibure: 22.8 percent). 5. It is concluded that methallibure acts on thyroid function both by a direct effect on the gland as well as by influencing pituitary thyrotrophic activity in enhancing I131 uptake.

Daily administration of cannabis extract (2.5 mg/day for a period of 60 days) caused degenerative changes in the ovarian tissue. Luteinization was inhibited. Corpus-luteum degeneration was conspicuous. Distinct effects were produced upon the uterine biochemistry, consisting of decreased RNA, protein, sialic acid and glycogen concentration of the uterus. Vaginal RNA and protein contents were low. An anti-estrogenic action of cannabis extract in female gerbils is suggested.

A single subcutaneous injection of cadmium chloride caused reversible destruction in the testis of palm, squirrel, Funambulus pennanti. Marked regression in testicular weight and seminiferous tubule diameter associated with complete necrosis of germinal epithelium was observed after 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days of cadmium administration. A significant increase in the concentration of testicular cholesterol was observed after 5 days treatment. Decrease in the citric acid concentration of prostate gland was associated with the degenerative changes of the spermatogenic elements. Reduced fructose concentration in the seminal vesicle and prostate of cadmium treated animals indicate an inhibition of androgen production. Decreased androgen production was also reflected by the atrophic seminal vesicles, prostate and epididymides. These effects were reversible and about 70% seminiferous tubules showed normal spermatogenesis. The cholesterol, fructose and citric acid concentration of testis and sex accessory glands returned to subnormal levels after 45 days of cadmium chloride treatment. It is suggested that the degenerative effects of cadmium chloride are dose, time and species dependent.

1. Chronic administration of alpha-chlorohydrin (8 mg/kg body wt for 30 days) caused lesions in the testis of dog. The changes in the germ cells were degenerative. The seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear diameter were reduced. 2. Epididymal cell height was greatly reduced and the stereocilia had disappeared completely. The lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. 3. Alpha-chlorohydrin administration inhibited the RNA and sialic acid contents in the testes and epididymides of dog. Total cholesterol and lipids/g of testes were increased significantly after alpha-chlorohydrin administration. 4. These effects were reversible. Repopulation of testis tubules occurred following a period of 100 days recovery in dog. Numerous spermatogonia and sperm develop and traverse the epididymides. The RNA, sialic acid, cholesterol and total lipids of testes and epididymides returned to subnormal levels. 5. The possibility of using alpha-chlorohydrin as male contraception is indicated.

(1) Lower doses of alpha-chlorhydrin caused high selectivity of lesions in the seminiferous tubule of rat and gerbil. (2) The seminiferous epithelium became systematically depleted of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and finally spermatozoa in this sequence. (3) The suppression of RNA concentration in the testes and seminal vesicle is conspicuous. (4) The growth of androgen-dependent organs, i.e. seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, epididymes and perineal complex, is suppressed. (5) These effects are reversible. Repopulation of testis tubules occurs followed by a 40-day recovery period in rat and gerbil. (6) alpha-Chlorhydrin administration brings about hypertrophy of pituitary gonadotrophs which is also reflected in the increased basophilic cell percentage (control: 15.5% alpha-chlorhydrin: 21.5%; p less than 0.01).

Bilaterally vasectomized langur monkeys were compared with age matched sham operated controls for biochemical constituents of the blood following 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 years of surgery. No appreciable changes were observed in blood glucose and blood urea and serum total protein, total lipid, phospholipid, total cholesterol, sialic acid, electrolytes (chloride, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper and zinc) and enzymes (LDH, alkaline phosphatase SGOT and SGPT) suggesting that long-term vasectomy does not cause adverse effects on general body metabolism including atherosclerosis.

Administration of a combination formulation of danazol (100 mg/day; oral) plus testosterone enanthate (TE) (50 mg/15 days; i.m.) for 30 to 60 days in adult male langur monkeys resulted in the reversible suppression of testicular function without affecting the sexual potentia. Testicular weight and volume decreased significantly along with the mass atrophy of germinal epithelium and impaired morphology of Leydig and Sertoli cells. A conspicuous shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, Leydig cell nuclei and Sertoli cell nuclei was noted. Elevation of testicular cholesterol, total lipids, glycogen and phosphatases activity with the depletion of total proteins, nucleic acid, sialic acid and fructose was noteworthy. All changes were maintained during maintenance dose studies (danazol: 50 mg/day; oral plus TE: 50 mg/15 days; i.m.) for 60 days. Resumption of all measures to normal was evident following 120 days of recovery. It can be concluded that the exogenous TE substitutes the serum testosterone levels to maintain extratesticular androgen actions even after interference by danazol of Leydig cell function along with spermatogenesis inhibition.

1. A new approach to rapid male sterilization has been studied by giving a single injection of 95% ethanol directly into the vas deferens. It produced an effective block in the lumen. The mating exposure test showed that the males were sterile. The sperm granulomas at the site of vas injection were confirmed. 2. Ethanol injection in the vas deferens caused an atrophy of the testes. Extensive necrosis and exfoliation of the seminiferous elements were conspicuous. 3. Decrease in testicular weight, seminiferous tubule diameter and RNA and sialic acid levels after 4 weeks of vas injection were associated with the histological evidence for severe degeneration of spermatogenic elements. The protein contents of testis, epididymides and seminal vesicles did not change. 4. Testicular cholesterol, total lipids and alkaline phosphatase activity was increased. 5. Low sialic acid levels in the testis, epididymides and seminal vesicles of vas-injected rats indicated an inhibition of androgen production, which was further reflected in reduced nuclear diameters of leydig cells.

Changes in the biochemical composition of semen, which reflect the accessory sex organ functions, following danazol (100 mg/day; orally) plus testosterone enanthate (50 mg/month; i.m.) administration have been investigated in langur monkey. The levels of acid phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase and glycerylphosphorylcholine in the semen decreased significantly; whereas fructose, citric acid, magnesium and semen volume did not show any significant changes. A gradual decrease in the motility and count of spermatozoa was observed. At 60 days of treatment all animals became azoospermic. No drug related hematological changes were observed. The combination therapy impaired the epididymal and prostatic functions along with suppression of spermatogenesis.

The effects of Danazol on the reproductive organs of female rats have been investigated. Danazol brings about suppression of ovarian weight and distinct follicular atresia indicating antigonadotropic properties. Increase in uterine weight and well defined vaginal keratinization was seen in Danazol treated ovariectomized animals. The results were similar to that of oestradiol dipropionate confirming the oestrogenic activity of Danazol.

The Ultrastructural changes in testis and epididymis were studied in rabbits following 18 months of bilateral vasectomy. No fine structural changes were observed in seminiferous tubules and all stages of spermatogenesis appeared normal in most of the sample studied. Intracellular spaces in the spermatogonia cytoplasm may denote ionic deficiency. Digestion of sperms to some extent in the lumen of seminiferous tubules was denoted by the presence of round membrane bound bodies which may be remnants of digested cytoplasmic organelles and sperm parts. Cells of the epididymal epithelium showed normal characteristics. Electron dense bodies (lysosomes) were more prevalent in the supranuclear region of principal cells suggesting increased resorption capacity of caput epididymis after vasectomy. Presence of large oval bodies in the lumen needs further investigation.

Chronic administration of alpha-chlorhydrin caused lesions of rat, gerbil and bat testicles selectively. The seminiferous epithelium became systematically depleted of spermatogenic elements. alpha-Chlorhydrin did not produce lesion of the caput epididymidis. Sloughing of the epithelial lining did not occur. No obstruction of the lumen of the epididymal duct was seen. The growth of androgen-dependent organs, i.e. seminal vesicles, epididymis and levator ani muscles was suppressed. alpha-Chlorhydrin caused no response directly on the epididymides. Subcutaneous or oral administration of alpha-chlorhydrin for a period of 3-5 weeks caused no response in the testes and epididymides of the mouse.

Chronic administration of alpha-chlorohydrin (8 mg/kg for 30 days, caused lesions in the testis of dog. Seminiferous tubules presented marked degenerative changes. Leydig cell hypertrophy was conspicous. Epididymal epithelium was regressed and the lumen was devoid of spermatozoa. Obstruction of the epididymal lumen was not seen. Alpha-Chlorohydrin inhibited the synthesis of RNA and sialic acid in the testis, caput epidiymis, corpus epididymis, and cauda epididymis. The total cholesterol per gram of testis was increased significantly after alpha-chlorohydrin administration. The anti-androgenic nature of alpha-chlorohydrin is suggested.

Danazol in combination with testosterone enanthate was administered to adult male rabbits to assess the structural and functional activity of epididymis. Seminal, biochemical and histological studies were made throughout the experiment. Sperm motility and count decreased markedly and at the end of treatment 75% of the animals became azoospermic. Seminal plasma GPC levels decreased significantly at 45 through 75 days of treatment. At 30 days of drug exposure, phospholipid, protein and sialic acid concentrations in caput epididymides were significantly low. Epididymal weight, phospholipid and protein contents markedly dropped in all segments of epididymides after 60 days of treatment. A reduction in epithelial and stereocilia height (caput and cauda), and lumen diameter (caput and corpus) was observed. Increase in intertubular stroma was evident. Lumen was devoid of spermatozoa at 60 days of treatment. All the changes were restored to normal 75 days after cessation of treatment. The combination therapy impaired the structural and functional integrity of the epididymis.

Cyproterone acetate (1 mg/kg b.w. per day; oral) in combination with testosterone enanthate (2 mg/kg b.w. 15 days; i.m.) was administered for 60 and 90 days into adult male langur monkeys (Presbytis entellus entellus, Dufresne). Testicular weight and volume were reduced significantly. Spermatogenesis was suppressed but the interstitial cells appeared normal. Seminiferous tubules and Sertoli cell nuclear diameters were reduced significantly. The indices of testicular steroidogenesis, i.e. testicular total proteins, sialic acid, RNA and fructose showed a fall. On the contrary, cholesterol, total lipids, glycogen and phosphatases increased after treatment. Libido was not affected. Cessation of treatment resulted in a resumption of all the variables to normal levels within 90 days. The results reveal a reversible inhibition of testicular steroidogenesis which ultimately resulted in the disruption of spermatogenesis, a definite index of sterility. It is further emphasized that simultaneously administered testosterone enanthate maintains androgenicity.

Adult male rabbits were subjected to vasectomy, tantalum clip occlusion and sham operations. Caput and cauda regions of epididymis were studied with electron microscope at intervals of 15 days and 15 months after operation. Vasectomized and clip occluded subjects revealed similar changes when compared with sham operated animals. The epithelium remained functionally active even after vasectomy and clip occlusion as indicated by the presence of all characteristic complements of cellular organelles. Increased number of vacuoles and electron dense bodies indicated enhanced absorptive and digestive mechanisms at 15 months of vasectomy and clip occlusion. Disposal of continuously producing spermatozoa following vas occlusion may take place by intraluminal disintegration of sperm and subsequent phagocytosis by epididymal epithelium as evidenced by presence of identifiable parts of spermatozoa and flocculent material in caput and cauda regions.

Danazol (15 mg/kg b.w./day; oral) with combination of testosterone enanthate (5 mg/kg b.w./15 days; S.C.) was tested in male rabbits for reversible suppression of spermatogenesis. Semen analyses for efficacy and reversibility were performed biweekly. The regimen resulted in complete azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia in all the animals within 75 days of treatment accompanied with decreased motility, vitality and increased sperm abnormalities. Semen volume and pH did not alter significantly. Libido was unaffected. All seminal characteristics were within normal range after 115 days of recovery. In conclusion, the drug combination in given dose regimen resulted in reversible inhibition of spermatogenesis in rabbits.

Cannabis extract caused a marked reduction in the body weight and in the weights of seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, epididymis, preputial gland and perineal complex (Penis and its bulb and levator ani muscle) of castrated adult male mice. Cannabis extract administration in combination with testosterone propionate (TP) inhibited growth stimulation produced by TP alone. Anti-androgenic nature of the compound is suggested.

Male dogs were successfully sterilized by a single subcutaneous injection of cadmium chloride. Cadmium chloride is highly toxic to cells of the seminiferous epithelium and to the proximal end of the caput epididymidis. Shrinkage of the seminiferous tubule and shortening of Leydig cells' nuclear diameter was conspicuous. Cadmium chloride caused drastic changes in the biochemical composition of testes and epididymides. It caused a reduction in RNA and sialic acid concentration of the testes and caput epididymidis. Testicular cholesterol and total lipids were increased significantly. The increased level of cholesterol would indicate a decreased production of androgen by the testis. Decreased androgen production was also reflected in reduced nuclear diameter of Leydig cells.