Morphological features of spermatogenesis in rats after targeted irradiation with electrons of variable doses

Introduction. Today, a primary concern of humanity is male infertility. Recent figures suggest that the disease affects 186 million people worldwide, and its prevalence increases as men get older. In literature the radiation therapy effect on the male reproductive system is debated. Over the past decade, scientific and technological progress has definitely accelerated the development of the radiation therapy methods, and as new devices have emerged, there is a need to carefully select new dosing regimens. The aim of the experimental study was to evaluate morphological spermatogenesis indicators after targeted irradiation with electrons of variable doses. Materials and methods. Wistar rats (n=70) were once subjected to targeted ionizing irradiation on a pulsed electron accelerator NOVAC 11 with doses of 2 Gy, 4 Gy, 6 Gy, 8 Gy, 10 Gy, and 12 Gy, and a week later spermatogenesis was assessed with light microscopy. Results. In the experimental groups, we revealed a decrease in the number of germ cells; signs of degenera-tive changes and lysis of spermatids and spermatozoa; the appearance of intense pyknotic nuclei in primary spermatocytes; and a sharp decrease in the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli and Leydig cells without change in their structure. In the irradiation groups of 8–12 Gy, there was the deepest damage to the tubules, up to spermatogenic epithelium aplasia, and extensive vacuolization. Conclusion. In the testes, we observed dose-dependent progressive pathological changes in tissue structure as well as a decrease in the number of spermatogonia and other germ cells on day 7 after irradiation with a pulsed electron accelerator NOVAC 11. Keywords: electron irradiation, male infertility, spermatogenesis, seminal globs