Effects of cisplatin on the mouse testis

This study reports the effects of cisplatin, an anti-cancer agent, on testicular function in mice. A single dose of 8 mg cisplatin/kg body weight administered to MF1 mice by an ip injection reduced the number of resting primary spermatocytes only. These cells decreased by 69% 3 days after treatment, 76% 4 days after treatment, 95% 5 days after treatment and 89% 6 days after treatment. Sperm motility was reduced by an average of 36% and the rate of testicular DNA synthesis by 36%. A body weight loss of 10% was also recorded. Cisplatin did not affect the rate of protein synthesis by the testis; nor was there a change in testicular protein, RNA and DNA contents. The weights of the testis, seminal vesicle and epididymis were also not affected by treatment. No significant change was noted in epididymal sperm number or in the proportion of abnormal sperm. Since cisplatin did not affect stem cell spermatogonia, there appears to be no danger of permanent sterility. The effect on spermatogenesis is probably transient and reversible after withdrawal of the drug.