Reversible chemical sterilization: effects of cyclohexanol administration on the testes and epididymides of male rabbit.

ABSTRACT

Cyclohexanol administration (25 mg/kg/day orally for 40 days) produced a brief period of infertility in rabbits by inhibiting the process of spermatogenesis at the spermatocyte and spermatid levels. Seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear dimensions were reduced. The lumen of epididymides and ductus deferens were devoid of spermatozoa. Cyclohexanol administration reduced the concentrations of RNA, protein, sialic acid and glycogen in the testes and epididymides, whereas the total cholesterol concentration of the testes was elevated. Depletion of adrenal ascorbic acid was conspicuous. Moderate elevation of serum cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, bilirubin, and pyruvate transaminase were recorded. Histopathological examination of liver did not show any damage. Leydig cell impairment and decreased production of RNA and sialic acid in the testes returned to subnormal values after cessation of cyclohexanol treatment for 70 days. Normal spermatogenesis was seen after 10 weeks of recovery period.