Date of Award:
5-1-1983
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Biology
Department name when degree awarded
Life Sciences:Biology
Committee Chair(s)
Nabil N. Youssef
Committee
Nabil N. Youssef
Abstract
AF1312/TS, an antifertility agent synthesized by Silvestrini and associates in Italy, has the potential to be developed as a contraceptive in human males. This chemical's action is extremely specific, affecting initially, only the elements of the seminiferous epithelium. The drug's action is reversible, and dose, and species specific. This study was undertaken to observe the general morphplogical changes in the testis and epididymis of the mouse due to oral dosing with AF1312/TS. Damage was so drastic, it was evident with the light microscope. Fine structural analysis was used to determine the cell types involved, as well as the organelles damaged within those cell types. In two experiments, different doses, dosing lengths, and tissue sampling times were used. The dosing was intended to simulate an oral contraceptive. In the first experiment, sampling was done at the end of dosing to observe the maximal effect. In the second experiment, samples were taken continuously through the dosing to follow the effect of the drug through time. Breeding trails were run to test the biological effectiveness of AF1312/TS as a contraceptive and its reversibility. This study supports the previous works, which found Sertoli cells to be at the center of the drug's action. Blood-testis barrier disruption was observed very early, and may mediate further damage to the adluminal compartment of the seminferous epithelium. Although no damage was observed in the epididymal epithelium, spermatozoa within the epididymal duct were rendered infertile with higher doses. This effect is probably secondary to Sertoli cell damage.
Recommended Citation
Wagley, Lyla M., "The Effects of the Antifertility Agent AF1312/TS on the Testis and the Epididymus of the Laboratory Mouse: A Light and Electron Microscope Study" (1983). Biology. 514.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd_biology/514
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