Sensitivity of European microtines to injected CdCl2

Basic histologic and metabolic indices of damage to the testes by CdCl2 were observed in six species of rodents: Lagurus lagurus, Pitymys subterraneus, Microtus oeconomus, M. agrestis, Clethrionomys glareolus (and Mus musculus for comparison). All species showed discoloration of the subcapsular tissues and damage to the testicular parenchyma. Testes of all species receiving CdCl2 utilized from 43% to 76% less oxygen than did those from untreated individuals. Cadmium treatment preceded few significant temperature shifts. The voles observed experienced differential sensitivity to CdCl2 and should be quite suitable for further studies of the mechanism of action of CdCl2 as a testicular poison.