Effects of α chlorohydrin and related compounds on the reproductive organs and fertility of the male rat

Abstract

The antifertility effects and histopathological changes in the reproductive tract of male rats following administration of α chlorohydrin, α bromohydrin, epi chlorohydrin and glycidol were compared. Contrary to earlier reports, α bromohydrin induced bilateral spermatoceles and permanent sterility in rats but did not produce the functional epididymal sterilizing effect of α chlorohydrin. Glycidol reproduced the primary sterilizing effect of α chlorohydrin but not the lesions in the proximal caput epididymidis. Epi chlorohydrin showed activities resembling those of α chlorohydrin. The primary lesion in the proximal caput epididymidis was seen specifically to involve the 'conus' and adjacent regions with sloughing of the epithelium. This may impair the secretory absorptive function of this region with ensuing severe damage to the thin walled ductuli efferentes. Except where granulomata were formed, restoration of the epithelium occurred. The apical region of the proximal caput remained undamaged throughout.