| Abstract: | The cytological changes occurring in the gonadotropic cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary in 30 male rats and 30 male gerbils after administration of alpha-chlorohydrin were compared with those occurring following bilateral gonadectomy. A decline in the weights of testes and accessory sex glands and inhibited spermatogenesis were noted in rats and gerbils following alpha-chlorohydrin administration. Alpha-cholorohydrin changed the appearance of the delta-basilphils, cell cytoplasm showed fine granulation and vacuolization, and castration vacuoles appeared in many delta-basiphils of the anteroir lobe of the pituitary. The compound brought about transient changes resembling those of castration in the anterior lobe of the pituitary of male rats and gerbils. In gerbils, there was also a marked decrease in the number of acidophils. The results show that alpha-chlorohydrin exerts its effects on androgen-dependent structures, e.g., seminal vesicles, ventral prostrate, epididymides, and perineal complex. |
