INFLUENCES OF A LOW-MOLECULAR HUMIC SUBST ANCE (HS-1500) ON SELECTED REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN MALE-RATS

Influences of the low molecular humic substance HS 1500 on parameters of organs (testis weight, epididymis weight), FSH-, and LH-levels in p lasma as well as on the spermatogenesis of male rats were studied. Aft er a daily oral application of 1000 mg/kg b.w. and 2000 mg/kg b.w., re spectively over a period of 60 days (40(th) to 100(th) day of life) on ly 2 animals of the high dose group were observed with bilateral testi cular atrophy. Despite of the two animals with testicular atrophy no s ignificant differences between treated and control rats were observed with respect to testis morphology and spermatogenesis. There is no evi dence whether the differences between the hormone levels and the testi cular atrophy revealed is regarded to a HS 1500-effect or not. But oth erwise a direct influence of HS 1500 can be ruled out with high certai nty. Possibly because of the thin covering layer on the gastrointestin al mucous membrane formed by HS 1500, the absorption of nutritive subs tances is inhibited. Therefore the growth of sensitive organs like tes tis and epidymis, in the development period, can be decreased. Neverth eless, even after long time application the spermatogenesis is not inf luenced.