Aneuploidy is not induced by ethanol during spermatogenesis in the Chinese hamster

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Abstract
Aneuploidy was scored in spermatogonial stages and at both meiotic divisions in male Chinese hamsters exposed to alcohol in vivo. After light ether anesthetization, the animals were intubated (by gastric tube) with 1.5 ml of 12.5% ethanol, whereas controls were given 1.5 ml of distilled water. Gonadectomy was performed 3.5–24 h after ethanol exposure. Ethanol-dosed animals were obviously intoxicated, as evidenced by a rolling gait; serum alcohol levels in 10 animals that were tested peaked 1–2 h after exposure. Among the animals exposed to ethanol, no significant difference over time in the rates of aneuploidy was observed. These data were pooled, and, when compared to control rates, no significant difference could be attributed to ethanol exposure. The aneuploidy found could therefore be interpreted as background rates, and these compared well with data previously published for the Chinese hamster. Several artifactual phenomena were observed: Up to 15% aneuploid spermatogonial metaphases were seen in test and control animals. These were attributed to the mechanical breaking-up of closely apposed groups of diploid spermatogonia. Significant numbers of artifactual diploid MII figures and hypohaploid MI and MII figures were also recorded. To address the possibility that a spermatogonial or other long-term effect could be detected, two animals (with controls) were dosed with 12.5% ethanol daily for 13 and 16 days before sacrifice. No aneuploidy attributable to ethanol was found at MII in these animals either.