Protective Effect of Estrogen Against Vascular Damage to the Testis Caused by Cadmium. ∗

Abstract

Summary

A single subcutaneous injection of CdCl₂ (0.03 mmole/kg) to mature male C. D. mice consistently produced vascular damage to the testis characterized by marked edema, capillary hemorrhage and thrombosis with resulting interstitial tissue and tubular necrosis. Previous treatment with testosterone propionate did not alter this response. A treatment period with estradiol benzoate, which resulted in tubular regression, protected the testis against vascular injury from cadmium. This protection was reversible since following cessation of estradiol benzoate treatment and disappearance of tubular atrophy, the testes were again susceptible to cadmium induced vascular damage. The induction of tubular regression was not essential for this vascular protection by estrogen since stilbestrol, which did not produce tubular regression in the doses used, also protected the testis against vascular injury caused by cadmium.