Male sterility in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) after 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1-nitroso-trans-urea (NSC-95441) treatment of chicks.

Of 11 male baby chicks treated twice with 3 mg of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1-nitroso-trans-urea (once on the day of hatching and once on the day after), 9 showed absolute lack of spermatogenesis and 2 showed severe inhibition when examined at the age of 6 months. Plasma testosterone level was not altered, however, and histologic examination revealed well-organized testicular interstitial tissue with an abundance of Leydig's cells. In the lining of the seminiferous tubules only Sertoli's cells were present. The weight of the testes from treated animals was only about 10% of control weight. These findings emphasized the possibility that the nitrosoureas cause severe damage to the reproductive system in man.