Histological and submicroscopical findings on the seminiferous parenchyma in rams after copper oxide intoxication from industrial emissions.

Abstract

In this work the author examined the histological and submicroscopical picture of the seminiferous parenchyma in 5 breeding rams from a herd in which intoxication with copper oxide from industrial emissions of a copper producing plant had been diagnosed. The toxic effect irreversibly damages all developmental stages of the germ cells. It injures the cell membranes of both germ cells and Sertoli cells. Similar changes were observed on the interstitial cells. The degree of injury to the germinative epithelium confirms its significant role in the decreased reproduction rate of the herd under examination.