Effects of multiple injections of ethane 1,2-dimethane sulphonate (EDS) onthe frog, Rana esculenta, testicular activity

Ethane 1,2-dimethane sulphonate (EDS) is an alkylating agent, which has a s elective cytotoxic effect on Leydig cells in some mammalian species. Simila rly, in the frog, Rana esculenta, Leydig cells are destroyed after a single EDS injection and regenerate after 28 days. Regeneration of Leydig cells i n frogs appears to be independent of the pituitary. The present experiments in R. esculenta were carried out: a) to investigate Leydig cell responsive ness to gonadotropin stimulation during 58 days after a single EDS injectio n; and b) to assess whether four consecutive EDS injections induce addition al effects on the testicular cell population. Our results show that androge n stimulation after gonadotropin injections is restored after 44 days from a single EDS injection. Since the interstitial compartment appears to be no rmal at least 28 days after EDS treatment, it is likely that new Leydig cel ls lack gonadotropin receptors. With respect to multiple-EDS injections, Le ydig cells completely disappear in several areas and the adjacent germinal compartment is disorganised. In some cases damaged germinal compartment is still surrounded by intact Leydig cells. Surprisingly, testicular and plasm a androgens strongly increase in EDS-treated animals. Therefore, Sertoli ce lls may produce substances inhibiting androgen production in Leydig cells. J. Exp. Zool. 287:384-393, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.