The destructive effect of cadmium ion on testicular tissue and its prevention by zinc

TLDR: A single sc injection of cadmium salts in male rats and mice destroyed germinative function of testis permanently and endocrine function temporarily and completely prevented testicular degeneration and castration phenomena.

Abstract: A single sc injection of cadmium salts in male rats and mice destroyed germinative function of testis permanently and endocrine function temporarily. Rats received .02 mmol per kg cadmium chloride or lactate in .02 M solution. Within 6 hours the testes became edematous swollen and red or purple. In 48 hours the tubular epithelium and interstitia were destroyed showing hemorrhage thrombosis and inflammation. After 10 days the central testis remained necrotic but fibroblasts blood vessels and Leydig cells began to appear. Castration phemomena i.e. pituitary histology and weight loss in seminal vessicles and prostate accompanied testicular degeneration. Ch ronic testosterone propionate 200 mcg on alternate days from Days 10-24 after cadmium maintained weight of accessory organs. 52 days later accessory organs but not pituitary began to recover. 80 100 or 200 times the cadmium equimolar dose of zinc acetate (3.33 and 4.8 mmol zinc in 3 divided doses .032 and .04 mmol cadmium) completely prevented testicular degeneration and castration phenomena. The mode of action of cadmium is unknown but possibilities were discussed.