Biological damage in testis by iodine-125 in partially blocked thyroid of rats.

Degeneration of testis has been observed after administration of Iodine-125 in potassiumperchlorate treated rats. Histological damage is associated with loss of DNA, RNA, acid phosphatase, total adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and Na/K dependent ATPase. Iodine-125 induced atrophic testis shows higher content of sodium and lower levels of potassium as compared to control testis. Damage of testis by Iodine-125 has been compared with atrophied testis, following gamma irradiation earlier reported. Auger effect due to Iodine-125 decay and transmutation at the sites of nuclei and plasma membrane of germinal cells seems to be the possible explanation for testicular damage caused by Iodine-125.