ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Gossypol
;
Spermatozoa
;
Motor apparatus
;
Sterility
;
Electron
;
Microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Gossypol was found to induce sterility in male rats when administered orally. A reduction in the number of spermatozoa in the epididymis from the gossypol-treated rats was observed when compared to the control animals. An examination of the spermatozoa from the treated rats showed the following ultrastructural modifications: disorganization of the mitochondrial sheath and missing cell membrane from the middle piece, broken cell membrane and missing members of both outer fibers and inner microtubules of the principal piece, and broken cell membrane of the sperm head. Serial mating experiments proved that gossypol-treated males were indeed sterile. The results suggest that gossypol at low concentrations is able to affect the motility of spermatozoa, thus contributing to its contraceptive action.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00234640
Permalink
