Abstract
Effects of food restriction on spermatogenesis were examined. A total of 20 male Slc: SD rats were used. Food intake was restricted to 25, 50 and 75% of ad libitum consumpti on over 4 weeks. Body weights in 25, 50 and 75% groups showed 54, 72 and 90% of control group, respectively. Although a significant decrease in testicular weights was recorded in 25% group, there was no significant difference bet ween food restricted and control groups in sperm head count analysis. Histologically, degenerated spermatocytes were detected in the stage 7 tubules, however, the number of the affected cells was quite a few. The incidence (%) of seminiferous tubule containing degenerated spermatocytes was 1.2 in control, 2.2 in 75% group, 2.2 in 50% group and 19.8 in 25% group. These results suggest that nutritional deficiency associated with marked reduction of body weight induced the mild damage of spermatocytes.
