A simplified method for the evaluation of spermatogenesis in the guinea-pig

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Abstract
A solution of [methyl-3H] thymidine was administered by intracardiac injection at a dose of 75 .mu.Ci/100 g body wt to 12 guinea pigs lightly anesthesized with ether, which were then killed up to 24 h later. DNA, RNA and protein were isolated and measured. Examination of the autoradiographs showed that incorporation of [3H] thymidine into the testicular DNA was restricted to the spermatogonia. Four guinea-pigs were irradiated through a scrotal port with 400 rads and 1, 3, 7 and 90 days later 1 was killed 4 h after an intracardiac injection of [3H] thymidine. The concentration of RNA decreased then returned to the normal range while the DNA concentration remained constant. The rate of [3H] thymidine incorporation into DNA fell to extremely low levels by the 3rd day but began to recover by the 7th day after irradiation. This pattern correlated with the histological and autoradiographic findings. This method evaluates only the proliferating compartment of the spermatogenic cycle. Events in the differentiating compartment can be assessed by histological autoradiograhic methods.