Testes weight reflect ethylnitrosourea induced histopathology in mice

The powerful mutagen/carcinogen ethylnitrosourea (ENU) decreases testis weight in mice. A histopathological cause was determined for this effect. Groups of 3 mice were injected with 0, 50, 100 or 200 mg ENU/kg b.w. and were killed 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13 or 15 weeks later. Microscopic examination of PAS-hematoxylin-stained sections showed a dose-and-time-dependent loss of germ cells from the seminiferous tubules 1-7 weeks after treatment followed by recovery from the damage. Testis weight decrease and recovery followed a similar course.