Testicular proteins, nucleic acids and their synthesis following gamma irradiation

The effects of two doses (250 and 1000 rads) of local gamma irradiation on testes of adult rats are reported after 1, 2, 4 and 16 weeks. There was a significant increase in DNA content per gm testes at 1 week; a gradual decrease at 2 and 4 week intervals was followed by a trend towards recovery at 16 weeks post-irradiation. The rate of synthesis of both DNA and RNA as studied by the incorporation of (3H)-thymidine and (3H)-uridine, showed similar results. Total protein content per gm testis declined with both doses and at all post-irradiation intervals. Histological observation showed loss of spermatogenic cells suggestive of DNA loss.