[Modifications in spermatogenesis following antibiotic therapy].

Among eleven antibiotics with a high activity on the mitosis and on the meiosis of the seminal cells, gentamycin sulfate and cefuroxime are both the most aggressive. After 8, 15 or 30 days of treatment, a stop of the mitosis and of the meiosis, pyknosis and karyolysis are morphologically visualized in male adult rats. Histoenzymatic studies show first a decrease of the protein synthesis in the nuclei of the spermatogonia and of the spermatocytes, and second a decrease of the glucose metabolism in the spermatocytes layers. In other groups of rats treated, the sacrifice was performed after arrest of antibiotics, the morphological recuperation is slow after 8 days of treatment, none after 15 or 30 days. Histoenzymatic studies show that the recuperation of the protein metabolism is quicker than the glucose one. Arising after 8 days it can be complete after 15 to 30 days of rest. Some coincidences between these experimental works and some clinical disturbances in the fertility of men and animals after high doses of antibiotic may be pointed out.