PATTERN AND DYNAMICS OF TERATOSPERMIA INDUCED IN RAMS BY PARENTERAL TREATMENT WITH ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE

Transient teratospermia has been induced in the ram with ethylene dibromide (EDB) in doses ranging from 7.8 to 13.5 mg/kg body weight/day, administered subcutaneously for 12 days. Its pattern and dynamics were monitored with cytological, cytochemical, and electron microscopical methods in ejaculated sperm before, during, and after treatment until full recovery. The teratospermia had a relatively constant pattern and was dose dependent, although individual animals varied in susceptibility. It was preceded by a latent period of about 4 weeks, reached its maximum between 9 and 12 weeks, and dissipated between 14 and 16 weeks after beginning the treatment. EDB strongly inhibited the motility and reduced the activity of nitroblue tetrazolium reductase, but there were no corresponding changes in the tail morphology. Structural aberrations have been found in order of decreasing frequency in the acrosome, nucleus, and mitochondrial sheath. The possible mode of the drug action is discussed. © 1979 Academic Press, Inc.