Comparative Effects of Repeated Administration of Cadmium Chloride During Pregnancy and Lactation and Selenium Protection Against Cadmium Toxicity on some Organs in Immature Rats' Offsprings

This research comprises studies on the transfer of cadmium (CdCl(2)) from the lactating dam to the pup via milk and absorbed in the suckling, showing that cadmium is transferred to the testes, ovary, cerebellum, and thyroid gland during development. The present studies were carried out in order to assess the protective effects of selenium against cadmium toxicity in pregnant rats. On the sixth day of gestation, the females were dosed subcutaneously either with cadmium or with cadmium and selenium in the following doses (mg/kg of body weight): 0, 1 Cd, 1 Cd?+?1 Se, 2 Cd, 2 Cd?+?2 Se. In groups treated with cadmium, no maternal or embryonic toxicities were observed; however, an increase in testes diameters of seminiferous tubules, a progressive sloughing of germ cells, vacuolization of Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells hyperplasia were noted. The reduction in the ovary size and inhibited folliculogenesis resulted in diminution of the numbers of primordial, growing, and tertiary follicles. The pathological change in the cerebellum, the migration of granular cells from the external germinal layer to the internal granular layer, was strongly retarded. Also, the formation of many microfollicles in the thyroid gland which mimic the changes was seen in thyrotoxicosis. It also appears that selenium used at a low-enough dose could be a very effective protection against cadmium-induced developmental toxicity in the testes, ovary, cerebellum, and thyroid gland but not in the higher dose in the ovary and cerebellum.     

Pathological evaluation of Polystichum squarrosum (D. Don) fern in laboratory rats

Polystichum squarrosum fern fed (30% w/w) rats showed moderate mortality, decrease in body weight, less body fat and splenomegaly. On post-mortem examination, significant gross lesions were not seen in sacrificed animals. Histopathologically, Polystichum fed rats showed dilated Virchow Robin's space in brain, mild to moderate vascular changes likeoedema, engorgement of blood vessels and haemorrhages in most of the visceral organs, interstitial pneumonia in lungs, focal necrosis and generalised vacuolative degenerative changes in liver, more haemosiderin deposition and presence of higher number of megakaryocytes in spleen, shrunken glomeruli, more peri-glomerular space and more number of glomeruli per microscopic field in kidneys, focal hyperplasia of urinary bladder and moderate to marked depletion of germinal epithelium and spermatids in seminiferous tubules of testes. Pathologically, progressive changes were observed only in liver, urinary bladder and testes on 180 days post feeding (DPF). One fern fed rat sacrificed on 135 DPF showed hepatic tumour which was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma. The results showed that P. squarrosum produced almost comparable pathological changes/preneoplastic lesions as reported in bracken fern fed animals. Long term exposure studies (i.e. 2 yrs) are desired.     

Effects of an LH-RH analogue in male rats pretreated with oestradiol benzoate.

Treatment of adult male rats with oestradiol benzoate (OB) for 21 days significantly decreased the body, testicular and accessory sex organ weights but increased anterior pituitary weight. OB treatment also significantly suppressed circulating FSH and LH levels as well as plasma and testicular concentrations of testosterone. The seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells were partly atrophied, and there was some effect on spermatogenesis, with step 14 to 19 spermatids being fewer than normal. Rats treated with OB for 21 days were then treated daily with LH-RH analogue ((D-Leu6, des-Gly-NH2(10))-LH-RH-ethylamide), to see if testicular function could be recovered. Circulating gonadotrophins were significantly elevated, testicular histology was normal and testicular and plasma testosterone concentrations and the accessory sex organ weights remained suppressed. These results suggest possible extra-pituitary effects of the LH-RH analogue, including a direct action on the testes and/or accessory sex organs.     

A karyometric and stereologic study of the effects of gonadotrophin and testosterone on the interstitial gland of the testis of intact and endoxan treated rats

Adult male rats were treated daily for 18 days with endoxan in doses of 4 mg/kg of body weight or testosterone in doses 2.5 mg per rat. For the last 5 days of the experiment some of the rats received gonadotrophin injections in doses of 50 I.U. Karyometric and stereologic studies were undertaken on paraffin sections of the testes stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Endoxan treatment decrease the nuclear volume of the Leydig cells and lowers the volume fraction occupied by the interstitial gland in the testis. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in the intensity of reaction for acid phosphatase, non-specific esterases and 3-beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase. Testosterone injected alone or jointly with endoxan resulted in more pronounced changes than following treatment with endoxan alone. As expected, gonadotrophin injections into intact rats resulted in a marked increase in nuclear volume of the Leydig cells and in the volume fraction of the interstitial gland. This effect of gonadotrophin on the interstitial gland of the rat testis was partially inhibited by endoxan treatment. It follows from these experiments that endoxan impairs the functional activity of the interstitial gland of the rat testes by lowering the endogenous gonadotrophin levels, as well as by direct action on the Leydig cells.     

Role of testosterone in the early stage of spermatocytogenesis in rats.

The role of testosterone in the early stage of spermatocytogenesis was investigated in newborn rats. The testes of rats, either 0 or 6 days of age, were implanted into those of hypophysectomized adult rats that had or had not been injected with testosterone propionate (TP) after hypophysectomy and also into those in intact adult rats. All the animals were autopsied 17 or 11 days later when the implanted testes reached 17 days of age. The implanted testes were examined for cellular components in the seminiferous tubules. In an additional experiment, newborn rats were injected with TP or cyproterone acetate, an antagonistic substance against androgen, daily for the first 17 days of life and examined for testes. Proliferation of supporting cells and development of seminiferous tubules were less remarkable in the testes of newborn rats which had been implanted into the testes of hypophysectomized rats than in those which had been implanted into the testes of intact adult rats. Proliferation of supporting cells was not stimulated by TP, but development of seminiferous tubules was slightly promoted. Progress in spermatocytogenesis from gonocytes to pachytene primary spermatocytes was observed in the testes of newborn rats which had been implanted into the testes of hypophysectiomized rats. It was not so marked after injection with TP. These results suggested that testosterone might have stimulated development of seminiferous tubules and maturation of spermatocytes in the early stage of spermatocytogenesis by its synergistic action with a gonadotropin, possible follicle-stimulating hormone.     

Reinitiation of spermatogenesis by exogenous gonadotropins in a seasonal breeder, the woodchuck (Marmota monax), during gonadal inactivity.

The present study was undertaken (1) to document structural and functional changes in the testes of seasonally breeding woodchuck during active and inactive states of spermatogenesis and (2) to evaluate the ability of exogenous gonadotropins to reinitiate spermatogenesis outside the breeding season. During seasonal gonadal inactivity, there were significant (P less than 0.05) reductions in volumes of several testicular features (testis, seminiferous tubules, tubular lumen, interstitial tissue, individual Leydig cells, Leydig cell nuclei, and Leydig cell cytoplasm) as compared with gonadally active animals. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules was decreased by 26%, and Leydig cell numbers also declined in the regressed testes. These changes were accompanied by a decline in testosterone (T) levels in both plasma and testis, and reduction in epithelial height of accessory reproductive organs. A hormonal regimen was developed that would reinitiate spermatogenesis in captive, sexually quiescent woodchucks. A combination of PMSG and hCG markedly stimulated testicular growth and function and restored spermatogenesis qualitatively. Quantitatively normal spermatogenesis was restored in 2 of 6 treated males. Morphometric analyses revealed substantial increases in seminiferous tubular diameter and in the volume of seminiferous tubules, tubular lumen, total Leydig cells, and individual Leydig cells in the hormone-treated animals. These increased values corresponded to 99, 75, 68, 51, and 200%, respectively, of the values measured in naturally active woodchucks. Leydig cell numbers, however, remained unchanged and approximated only 31% of the number found in naturally active testes. Hormonal stimulation also resulted in a significant rise in serum T as well as in the total content of testicular T, and a marked increase in epithelial height in various accessory reproductive glands. The most effective hormonal protocol for stimulating spermatogenesis was treatment with 12.5 IU of PMSG twice a week for 4 weeks followed by 12.5 IU of PMSG + 25 IU of hCG twice a week for 4 weeks.     

Response to cryptorchidism of the testis and epididymis of the opossum (Didelphis virginiana).

Adult male opossums, Didelphis virginiana, were rendered hemicryptorchid for 35 days. The cyrptorchid testis exhibited a significant reduction in weight, while the contralateral testis had a compensatory weight gain compared with testes of untreated animals. Histological changes in the cryptorchid testis included fibrosis of the tunica propria, involution of the seminiferous tubules and an apparent increase in the interstitial tissue. Many seminiferous tubules were empty and germinal cells were absent. Some Sertoli cells persisted, but the cytoplasm was vacuolated. Cryptorchid testes were characterized by mononuclear leucocytic invasion around the tubules, and some eosinophils were observed. Cryptorchidism in the opossum may induce a reaction similar to experimental orchitis.     

Endogenous steroid production in cellular and subcellular fractions of rat testis after prolonged treatment with gonadotropins.

Steroid production and enzyme activities were examined in preparations of whole testis tissue, isolated interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules obtained from adult rats with intact pituitaries receiving daily subcutaneous injections of 100 I.U. human chorionic gonadotropin for 5 days and from control animals. After human chorionic gonadotropin administration testosterone concentrations were increased in total homogenates of whole testis tissue, interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules. The testosterone production from endogenous precursors was enhanced only in total homogenates of whole testis tissue and interstitial tissue obtained from testes of human chorionic gonadotropin-treated rats. The production of testosterone in the corresponding homogenates of isolated seminiferous tubules was very low. The specific activity of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was increased in total homogenates of whole testis tissue, isolated interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules. No effect was observed on the specific activities of marker enzymes such as cytochrome c oxidase, monoamine oxidase, steroid sulfatase and lactate dehydrogenase, whereas the specific activities of carboxyl esterase were decreased in homogenates of whole testis tissue and interstitial tissue. Total activity of monoamine oxidase was increased in homogenates of interstitial tissue of tests from human chorionic gonadotropin treated rats. After the same prolonged human chorionic gonadotropin treatment the concentration of pregnenolone was increased in mitochondrial fractions of whole testis tissue, interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules, and the amount of protein isolated in the mitochondrial fraction of interstitial tissue increased by 40%. Steroid production (estimated as pregnenolone) from endogenous precusors by mitochondrial fractions of whole testis tissue and interstitial tissue were increased after human chorionic gonadotropin treatment, for whole testis from 580 pmol/mg mitochondrial protein per h to 1420 pmol/mg per h; and for interstitial tissue from 2665 pmol/mg per h to 7050 pmol/mg per h. The production of pregnenolone in mitochondrial fractions obtaine from isolated seminiferous tubules was very low and contributed hardly at all to the total pregnenolone production in mitochondrial fractions of whole testis tissue from normal rats as well as from human chorionic gonadotropin-treated rats.     

Comparative study of the effects of pre and post natal administration of a thyroid drug on testicular activity in adult rat

Thyroid hormone is known to play a critical role in growth and development of rat testes with a specific effect on the differentiation of Sertoli cells leading to a normal evolution of germ cells. In the present study, we aimed to compare the effect of induced hypothyroidism during fetal and post-natal life on the structure and function of the testis in adult. Pregnant or lactating mothers were treated with 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) during 21 days and weight gain of pups was steady until adult age. Plasma hormonal levels were determined by RIA and morphology of testis was studied on sections stained with Masson's trichrome. Pre and early post natal hypothyroidism resulted in an impairment of body development and a diminution of thyroid hormone levels of treated rats. No significant effect on testicular development has been observed when hypothyroidism is induced in fetal life while it was associated with reduction in testis weight, diameter of seminiferous tubules and hormonal levels and delay in maturation of germ cells, when induced during early post natal life.     

Effects of Malva viscus conzattii Greenm flower extract on testicular function of the house rat Rattus rattus Rufescens & the gerbil Meriones hurrianae Jerdon: a biochemical study

Extract of the flower Malva viscus conzattii (M. conzattii) was administered at a dose of 25/50 mg/day/animal to 30 healthy adult male gerbils and 30 adult male house rats to determine its effect on fertility. After 25 days' treatment fin l body weight, and the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, and adrenal glands were measured. Testis, epididymides, and seminal vesicles were prepared for histological examination and total protein, RNA, sialic acid, and alkaline phosphatase activity were determined. Quantitative estimation of cholesterol was also made. While overall body weight remained stable during treatment, testicular weight in both animals was drastically decreased. A complete spermatogenic arrest in the testes was evident in house rats treated with 50 mg/day for 20 days and in the gerbil treated with 25 mg/day for 25 days. The seminiferous tubules showed marked degeneration, lined by 1 or 2 cell layers. Epididymides showed degenerative changes as well. RNA contents of the testes, epididydmides, and seminal vesicles of treated anials were significantly lowered as was sialilc acid content. Total cholesterol was increased significantly. M. conzattii causes an effective inhibition of spermatogenesis in gerbils and house rats in 25 states and induces infertility.     

Effects of fluoroacetate on the testis of the rat.

Rats recieving 20, 6.6 or 2.2 p.p.m. sodium fluoroacetate in the drinking water were killed daily during the 7 days of treatment and at more widely spaced intervals in the succeeding 21 days. Testicular weight and ATP concentrations decreased in rats receiving 20 or 6 p.p.m. fluoroacetate, while citrate concentrations were elevated and morphological damage was seen in the testes of all the treated rats. Initial cellular changes common to the three treatment groups included altered appearance and decreased numbers of spermatids, and formation of spermatid and spermatocyte giant cells. At the two higher concentrations damage progressed to marked seminiferous tubule atrophy. Regeneration of the seminiferous tubules was complete by 7 days after treatment, in the rats given 2 p.p.m. but regeneration was not complete by Day 21 after treatment in those receiving the higher doses. Spermatogenesis was abnormal in some instances during the regneration period in these groups. The findings are consistent with impaired energy production via blockage of the Krebs cycle, and subsequent impairment of carbohydrate metabolism through the Embden-Meyerhof pathway.     

Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica on the reproductive organs in male mice

Effect of oral administration (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight/day, for 28 days) of aqucous leaf extract of neem (Azadirachta indica) on the male reproductive organs of the Parkes (P) strain mice was investigated. The treatment had no effect on body weight and the reproductive organs weight. In treated mice, testes showed both normal and affected seminiferous tubules in the same sections; the affected seminiferous tubules showed intraepithelial vacuolation, loosening of germinal epithelium, marginal condensation of chromatin in round spermatids, occurrence of giant cells, mixing of germ cell types in stages of spermatogenesis and degenerated appearance of germ cells. In severe cases, the tubules were lined with Sertoli cells only, Sertoli cells and rare germ cells, or with Sertoli cells and several germ cells but without cellular association patterns. Also, the frequency of affected seminiferous tubules in testes of the extract-treated mice was significantly higher than the controls, though this remained unaffected in mice treated at 50 mg/kg body weight of the extract. Doses at 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight of neem leaf extract did not cause appreciable alterations in histological appearance of the epididymis, while a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight caused marked alterations both in histological appearance and the level of sialic acid in the duct. The treatment also had adverse effects on motility, morphology, and number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymidis, level of fructose in the seminal vesicle, and on litter size. After 42 days of withdrawal of the treatment, the alterations induced in the reproductive organs recovered to control levels. Our results suggested that treatment with neem leaf extract caused reversible alterations in the male reproductive organs of P mice.     

Morphologic study of the testes from spontaneous unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars

Macroscopical and histological characteristics were examined in both testes from three healthy boars, three boars with unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism on the right side, and three boars with bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism. Abdominal cryptorchidism, unilateral and bilateral, provoked a significant decrease of the weight and volume of the ectopic testes. The scrotal testis of the unilateral cryptorchid boars showed an increase in its volume and weight. Cryptorchidism also induced abnormalities in the histological structure of seminiferous tubules, lamina propria, and interstitial tissue of the abdominal testes. The number of seminiferous tubules decreased; the seminiferous epithelium was constituted by few spermatogonia with an atypical pattern and by abnormal Sertoli cells. The lamina propria showed a variable degree of thickening and collagenization. The interstitial tissue was very developed but displayed a decrease in the Leydig cell population. These abnormalities were more critical in bilateral cryptorchidism than in unilateral cryptorchidism. The scrotal testis of the unilateral cryptorchid boars showed normal appearance, but a decrease of the number of seminiferous tubules was observed. Moreover, the seminiferous tubules showed impaired spermatid maturation. The alterations observed in the abdominal testes of the unilateral and bilateral cryptorchid boars were attributed to defective proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. The anomalies in the scrotal testis of the unilateral cryptorchid boars were due to disturbances in the Sertoli cell activity.     

Correlation of histological an histometric changes in rats testes treated with chloroquine phosphate.

Histological and histometric changes in the testes of albino Wistar rats were correlated. Wistar rats weighing between 180-240g were randomly divided into three groups of ten rats each. One group served as control and the rats were given normal saline. The second and third groups received 2mg/kg and 4mg/kg body weights of chloroquine phosphate daily for thirty days respectively. Seminiferous tubules of animals treated with chloroquine phosphate were irregular in shape and were also isolated compared to control. Marked disruption of the inter-tubular stroma of testes in the treated groups was also observed. Histometric variations in testicular tissue was observed in the experimental animals following treatment with chloroquine phosphate. The 2mg/kg body weight and 4mg/kg body weight animals recorded significantly lower [P< 0.05] relative germinal epithelial volume of 43.95 % and 32.70 % respectively when compared to the control (51.75 %). The volume of stroma in the third group (49.33 %) was significantly higher [P < 0.05] when compared to the control (16.83 %) and 2mg/kg body weight rats (22.83 %). We observed negative correlation coefficient between lumen and seminiferous tubular volume in the control group compared to the other groups which showed a positive correlation. Correlation between germinal epithelium and seminiferous tubular volume were positive in all groups. These findings have thrown more light on recognized histological changes by accurately grading these changes which offers objectivity and increased precision compared with direct visual appraisal.     

Morphological study on the hypoplastic testis with aplasia of the epididymis, ductus deferens, and gland of the ductus deferens in the TW inbred rat

In the TW inbred rat, about 50% of the males show bilateral or unilateral testicular hypoplasia with aplasia of the ipsilateral epididymis, ductus deferens and gland of the ductus deferens. To investigate the pathogenesis of the testicular abnormality in the TW rats, the weight and morphology of the testes on the aplastic and normal side were studied between one week and one year of age. The weight of the testes on the affected side was greater than those on the normal side at four and five weeks. However, it rose to a plateau at six weeks and then remained at about one half to one third the weight of a normal testis. As for the testicular histology, there were no obvious changes from one day to three weeks of age. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules became larger and the number of germ cells decreased at four and five weeks. At six weeks, degeneration and loss of germ cells were observed and many multinucleated giant cells appeared. Thereafter, the loss of germ cells became more severe, and they eventually disappeared with increasing age, but Sertoli's cells continued to exist. In the interstitial area, edematous changes and proliferation of Leydig's cells were observed. The efferent duct of another strain, with normal testes, was ligated at three weeks of age, and changes of the testis after the operation were examined to investigate whether or not these anomalies of the TW strain were due to the absence of the accessories, which may block the excretion of the testicular fluid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Oxidation-reduction potentials and spectral properties of some cytochromes from Thiobacillus versutus (A2)

Antibodies raised against rat hepatic epoxide hydrolase (EC 3.3.2.3) and glutathione S-transferases (EC 2.5.1.18) B, C and E were used to determine the presence and localizations of these epoxide-metabolizing enzymes in testes of sexually immature and mature Wistar and Holtzman rats. Unlabeled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining for each enzyme was readily detected in rat testes at the light microscopic level. Although significant strain-related differences were not apparent, staining intensity for certain enzymes differed markedly between Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules. Leydig cells of immature and mature rats were stained much more intensely for epoxide hydrolase and glutathione S-transferases B and E than were seminiferous tubules, whereas Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids, as well as Leydig cells, were stained intensely by the anti-glutathione S-transferase C. Age-related differences in staining for glutathione S-transferase B were not obvious, while the anti-glutathione S-transferase C stained seminiferous tubules more intensely in immature rats, and antibodies to epoxide hydrolase and glutathione S-transferases C and E stained Leydig cells much more intensely in mature rats. These observations thus demonstrate that testes of both sexually immature and mature rats contain epoxide hydrolase and glutathione S-transferases. Except for glutathione S-transferase C in immature rats, Leydig cells appear to contain much higher levels of enzymes than do seminiferous tubules. During sexual maturation, the testicular level of glutathione S-transferase B appears to remain constant, while levels of epoxide hydrolase and glutathione S-transferases C and E increase within Leydig cells and the level of glutathione S-transferase C decreases within seminiferous tubules.     

An ultrastructural and histochemical study of autoimmune aspermatogenesis in the rat testis

Summary Immune aspermatogenesis was induced in young rats by the method of Freundet al. (1954) and testes were studied by electron microscopic and histochemical methods. At time of sacrifice the testes of several animals were markedly atrophic as demonstrated by reduction in weight. Sections of seminiferous tubules exhibited primarily profiles of Sertoli cells but germinal elements were sparse or absent. The ultrastructure of Sertoli cells appeared to be normal except for the presence of areas of dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum and fragments of phagocytized germ cells in the cytoplasm.Light microscopic sections showed an apparent hyperplasia of intertubular tissue. Electron micrographs revealed a moderate to extreme vesiculation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in many interstitial cells. Macrophages and lymphocytes were often observed in contact with these cells.There was increased localization of non-specific esterase and acid phosphatase associated with lipid bodies of the tubules and in intertubular areas.This work was supported in part by USPHS Grant FR 5391.     

Intercellular transport of steroids in the infused rabbit testis

Tritiated-pregnenolone and tritiated-testosterone were infused via the testicular artery into the rabbit testis in situ, in order to determine if steroids can pass the "blood-testis barrier". After various periods of infusion (5-60 minutes) the testis were frozen cryostat sections were cut and freeze-dried. Interstitium and tubules were isolated by micro dissection and radioactivity per mcg dry weight was measured in both tissue compartments. Radioactive steroids could be isolated from the interstitial tissue as well as from the seminiferous tubules. Levels of radioactivity in the testes after infusion of tritiated-pregnenolone varied from 4 to 50% of the infused dose and were found to be dependent on the type of perfusion medium and the duration of the perfusion. Separation and identification of the radioactive steroids after infusing tritiated prognenolone showed that pregnenolone and testosterone were the major radioactive steroids in both interstitium and seminiferous tubules. After infusion with tritiated-testosterone, both tritiated-testosterone (77%) and tritiated-androstenedione (23%) were dound in the seminiferous tubules. It is concluded that steroids can be transported from the Leydig cells to the seminiferous tubules.     

Inheritance of sensitivity to cadmium induced testicular damage in mice.

Testicular damage induced by cadmium in inbred mouse strains was evaluated on the basis of the thickness of tunica albuginea and histological images of the seminiferous tubules and the interstitial tissue. While comparing the thickness of the tunica in the untreated KP, C57 and CBA males as well as in F1 (KP x CBA) and B1 (KP x CBA) x CBA, the authors found it to be inherited in a simple Mendelian way. The thin tunica of the sensitive KP and C57 strain males became markedly thickened after injected with cadmium chloride. On the contrary, no changes were observed in the resistant CBA strain males which are characterised by a thick tunica. The results corroborate Taylor's [10] hypothesis that resistance to the damaging effect of cadmium is controlled by a single autosomal recessive gene. In addition, it is suggested that thickness of the tunica is positively correlated with the resistance to the action of cadmium.     

Effect of Physalis peruviana L. on Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats

Cadmium (Cd) stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species and causes tissue damage. We investigated here the protective effect of Physalis peruviana L. (family Solanaceae) against cadmium-induced testes toxicity in rats. Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were used. They were divided into four groups (n?=?7). Group 1 was used as control. Group 2 was intraperitoneally injected with 6.5 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of cadmium chloride for 5 days. Group 3 was orally treated with 200 mg/kg bwt of methanolic extract of physalis (MEPh). Group 4 was pretreated with MEPh before cadmium for 5 days. Changes in body and testes weights were determined. Oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and testosterone level were measured. Histopathological changes of testes were examined, and the immunohistochemical staining for the proapoptotic (caspase-3) protein was performed. The injection of cadmium caused a significant decrease in body weight, while a significant increase in testes weight and testes weight index was observed. Pretreatment with MEPh was associated with significant reduction in the toxic effects of Cd as shown by reduced testicular levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and caspase-3 expression and increased glutathione content, and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and testosterone were also increased. Testicular histopathology showed that Cd produced an extensive germ cell apoptosis, and the pretreatment of MEPh in Cd-treated rats significantly reduced Cd-induced testicular damage. On the basis of the above results, it can be hypothesized that P. peruviana L. has a protective effect against cadmium-induced testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis in the rat.