title: Long-term administration of vitamin A and the process of spermatogenesis.
abstract: The effect of retinoids on spermatogenesis in adult male gerbils (Gerbillus cheesemani) was studied using light and electron microscopy. Treatment with either 13-cis-retinoic acid or retinol acetate was given for 6 weeks and their effects were compared with controls. It was found that 13-cis-retinoic acid induced almost complete cessation of spermatogenesis and produced alterations in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. No differences were seen in the testis of animals treated with retinol acetate compared with controls using light microscopy but it appeared to produce noticeable ultrastructural changes in Leydig cells. The changes observed were reversed 12 weeks after stopping treatment. Caution should be exercised regarding the use of dietary retinoids in the prevention of cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt.
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Sadek
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Abdul-Mohsen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004224:Diterpenes; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D005849:Gerbillinae; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D004224:Diterpenes; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D014801:Vitamin A; C009166:retinol acetate; D015474:Isotretinoin