Aflatoxin-B1 inhibition of spermatogenesis in the toad Bufo regularis

Aflatoxin-B1 was injected in a dose of 0.01 mg/50 g body weight into the dorsal lymph sac of male toads (Bufo regularis) to evaluate its effect on the testes. After three and six weeks' treatment the diameters of the seminiferous tubules were significantly reduced. Furthermore, spermatogenic cells were almost completely absent. The histological evidence also showed complete suppression of spermatogenesis. It is suggested that one or several AFB1 metabolites may be responsible for suppression of spermatogenesis in the given toads, through inhibition of testicular androgenic activity.