Samina Shaheen, Mulazim Husain Bukhari, Attiya Khalid.
Effect of ethinylestradiol on the staging of spermatogenesis in testis of albino rats.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;4(1):13-8.

Background: This study was conducted to see the effect of estrogen on the morphology of rat’s testis to evaluate the stages of spermatogenesis. Material and Methods: 63 male neonatal rats were divided into 3 groups: Group A was control group while B and C were given subcutaneous injections of ethinylestradiol(EE) in a dose of 0.37mg/kg and 0.037mg/kg body weight respectively on alternate days in the first two weeks of the neonatal period. The animals were sacrificed at the age of 2, 6 and 9 weeks. Their testes were studied for histological changes. Results: On histological examination in high dose group (B) 100% of seminiferous tubules (SNT) were showing disruption of basement membrane. In 99% of tubules there was complete arrest of spermatogenesis and, only spermatogonia were lying on the basement membrane. Sertoli cells were absent in all seminiferous tubules. In low dose group(C) in100% of seminiferous tubule, spermatids were present but no spermatozoa. Secondary spermatocytes were degenerated and showing karolysis. Conclusion: Ethinylestradiol (EE) exposure during neonatal period, results in dose dependent alteration in sertoli cell numbers. The relatively poor spermatogenesis in estrogen treated animals is most likely due to altered sertoli cell function. It can be presumed that even low levels of estrogens present in the environment can affect the fertility of the human population.

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