A rat model for chemotherapy-induced male infertility.

The effects of chronic administration of cyclophosphamide and procarbazine on testicular function in the rat were examined. Cyclophosphamide produced disruption of the normal spermatogenic architecture that was dose and time dependent. Total ablation of the germinal epithelium was not achieved. Procarbazine produced more specific testicular damage. Multiple weekly injections of 100-200 mg/kg of procarbazine caused complete destruction of the spermatogenic cells, with no effect on Sertoli cells. Treated animals remained infertile for more than 4 months and showed no histologic evidence of recovery. This model may be useful for examining possible mechanisms to prevent spermatogenic damage associated with cancer chemotherapy in man.