Abstract: | The Sertoli's and Leidig's cells (sustentocytes and glandulocytes) exposed to ionizing radiation were studied cytologically and histochemically. The experiments were made on white male mice which were irradiated in dosage from 50 to 400 r. The DNP of the nuclei of sustentocytes and glandulocytes were investigated at different periods of the spermatogenesis cycle and under hormonal loading. The irradiation was established to result in changes in the chromatine state of both types of cells, the Sertoli's cells being more resistant to radiation. Injection of testosterone at different periods after irradiation causes a decreased dissociation of DNP. Inspite of the apparent morphological stability to ray effects the sustentocytes and glandulocytes are highly reactive elements. |