Effect of graded doses of ionizing radiation on the human testis

Radiat Res. 1974 Sep;59(3):665-78.

Abstract

PIP: A portable unit was developed to provide uniform irradiation of the human testes. The device had built-in radiological protection and provided a dosage independent of the subject geometry, uniform to within +or- 5%. Single doses, between 8-600 rad were administered to the testes of human subjects. Observations were made both before and following irradiation. Parameters evaluated included sperm concentration, motility and morphology, seminal fluid volume, plasma and urinary gonadotropin and testosterone levels, urinary estrogens, and comparison of testicular biopsies taken before and after irradiation in the same subject. Dose-response relationships and recovery times were determined for each dose range studied.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Estrogens / urine
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / urine
  • Humans
  • Leydig Cells / radiation effects
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Luteinizing Hormone / urine
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiation Effects*
  • Sertoli Cells / radiation effects
  • Spermatogenesis / radiation effects
  • Spermatozoa / radiation effects
  • Testis / radiation effects*
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Testosterone / urine

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone