Effect of Some Chemicals on Spermatogenesis in Rhesus Monkeys

Summary. Antispermatogenic effect of Methallibure (ICI 33828), Tretamine (triethylenemelamine) and Busulphan (1,4-dimethanesulphonoxybutane) was investigated in rhesus monkeys. Methallibure (16 mg/kg for 15 days, orally) had no effect on spermatogenesis, Leydig cells or pituitary gonadotrophic activity. Tretamine (0·05 mg/kg for 30 days, intravenous injection) selectively arrested spermatogenesis at the spermatogonial stage and caused a slight reduction in serum gonadotrophin level. Busulphan (10 mg/kg, single intraperitoneal injection) also suppressed spermatogenesis at the spermatogonial stage but not selectively, since an adverse effect on the interstitium and the accessory genital organs was noted; some reduction in serum gonadotrophin content was also observed. These effects appeared to be reversible. The possible significance of these findings in relation to the modus operandi of these compounds is discussed.