Effect of Co-60 External Irradiation on the Active Testes of House Sparrow, Passer domesticus (Linnaeus) I. Histopathological Studies

Abstract

Adult male house sparrows were exposed to Co-60 external irradiation at doses of 475, 712 and 950R. The dose rate was 100 R/hr at a distance of one foot. The birds were autopsied at intervals of 1, 3, 5, 7 and 15 days after irradiation. Testes were studied for histopathological damage produced. There was a significant loss of the testicular weight 3 days after irradiation. The seminiferous tubules showed pyknosis, karyolysis and depletion of spermatogonial cells. Maximum damage was observed in the testis exposed to 950R. However, there was no change in the Sertoli and Leydig cells.