EFFECTS OF PROTECTIVE CHEMICALS ON THE MALE GONADS AND GENETIC INJURY DUE TO IONIZING RADIATIONS. II. EFFECT OF CYSTEINE ON THE IRRADIATED TESTIS IN MICE FROM A HISTOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW

Cysteine was given following x irradiation to study the protective effect of the SH-group on radiation injury. The testicular changes were followed histologically with elapsed time. Just after irradiation germ cells were found to be destroyed; they were not influenced by an administration of cysteine. In the regeneration stage of the germ cells, over half of the mice treated by cysteine showed favorable results in the regenerative process. Therefore, an administration of cysteine seems to have a possible protective action for the irradiated testis. (Absts. Japan. Med., 1: No. 7, 1960.)