EFFECTS OF X-IRRADIATION ON DIFFERENTIATING LEYDIG CELLS OF THE IMMATURE RAT

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Male rats were exposed to 400, 800 or 1200 r at varying ages after birth (3–36 days). The subsequent secretory capacity of the testis, as judged by the weight of the accessory sex organs, was markedly impaired following irradiation. The effect of X-irradiation on the secretory interstitial (Leydig) cells depended on both the dose of X-rays used, and the age of the animals at the time of exposure. The reduction in the secretion of androgen was associated with a decrease in the volume of intertubular tissue. The secretory cells became progressively more radio-resistant as the animals neared the age of puberty. The ability of Leydig cells to respond to exogenous gonadotrophin was diminished by irradiation. In contrast, the response of the accessory sex organs to exogenous androgen was not appreciably affected. The results thus clearly demonstrate that the Leydig cells of the pre-pubertal testis are considerably more susceptible to radiation-induced damage than are those of the adult testis.