Effects of substituted dithiocarbamates on the testicular toxicity of cadmium

Five substituted dithiocarbamates were evaluated for effectiveness in protecting mouse testes following administration of an LD100 dose of CdCl2 X 2.5 H2O (Cd). Toxicologic responses were assessed by light microscopic, electron microscopic, and computerized image analysis techniques. Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) was the most effective antagonist. N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethyldithiocarbamate (EHDC), N-methyl-N-hydroxyethyldithiocarbamate (MHDC), and dimethyldithiocarbamate (DMDC) were moderately to minimally effective, while di-(hydroxyethyl)dithiocarbamate (DHDC) afforded no protection. Degenerative changes increased progressively in severity as the time interval between administration of Cd and DDTC was increased, but remained minimal when DDTC was given as late as two hours after Cd.