Reversibility of alcohol induced effects on the adult rat seminiferous tubules

ABSTRACT

An animal model was utilized to determine the reversibility potential of ethanol induced seminiferous tubules pathology after a moderate period of ABSTinence, under the bases of the recent stereological techniques. The testicular mass showed a higher degree of reduction [49.7%] with alcoholism compared to that of the body as a whole [22.8%]. After 10 weeks of rehabilitation, there was higher degree of regaining in the testis mass [57.6%] in comparison to the regain in the body mass [34.5%]. The degree of sensitivity to alcohol affection is higher with the more mature germ cells. While, the power of reversibility is higher with the less mature germ cells. These findings provided an animal model to be discussed in relation to the adverse effects of chronic alcoholism in man