[Reversible impairment of spermatogenesis induced by aromatic retinoid in guinea pigs (author's transl)]

Forty-one male guinea pigs were treated orally with high doses of aromatic retinoid (Ro 10-9359) 25 mg/kg/day in oleum arachidis for 6 weeks. Twenty-three animals were investigated at the end of this treatment. The remaining 18 animals were investigated after an additional retinoid-free interval of 6 weeks. A control group of 13 animals received oleum arachidis only. The histological investigation of the testes of the 23 animals studied immediately after the 6-week application of retinoid revealed reduced diameters of the seminiferous tubules, disorganization and desquamation of the seminiferous epithelium with decreased spermatogenetic activity and lack of mature elements. On the other hand, the 18 animals which were investigated 6 weeks after completion of retinoid treatment did not show any alterations, as compared to the control animals. Our results show that high systemic doses of aromatic retinoid clearly induce impairment of the spermatogenesis; however, all changes were reversible within 6 weeks after withdrawal of the drug.