primary spermatocytes and mature sperm cells at the genetic level [5]. Irradiation of
human testis can lead to a short-term but significant suppression of the number of
spermatozoa [6, 7]. Additional and deep research in this area is currently required to
know the particular mechanism of this damage. This will help to develop adequate
protection of the testes from the terrible influence of ionizing radiation.
That's why the aim of our investigation was analysis ultrastructure of Leidig and
Sertoli cells after exposure of X-ray radiation.
Methods. A single dose of 3 Gy was performed by male Wistar rats weighing
250–350 g [21]. The total radiation damage occurred in the laboratory of metrology of
ionizing irradiation SI "Institute of Medical Radiology named after S. Grigoriev
NAMS of Ukraine, Kharkiv". The measurements were carried out using a UNIDOS
universal dosimeter No. 1002-20360, complete with a cylindrical ionization chamber
TW30001-2127 in the air, using an X-ray unit RUM-17 as a source of ionizing
radiation. Irradiation parameters: voltage on the tube U = 190 kV, anode current I = 10
mA, filter 0.5 mm Cu + 1 mm Al, tube F = 50 cm, field 20x20 cm.
The irradiation geometry: at a distance of L = 80 cm, where a cage for rats
30x30x30x7 cm was located. During measurements in the air, the ionization chamber
was fixed in a special tripod and placed at 9 symmetrical points of the cage. The
irradiation time calculation included average values. The maximum variation in the
values of the measured dose exposure rate (DER) in the air was less than 10%. The
exposure dose rate P was 0.238 Gy / min. The calculation of the time t for carrying out
the irradiation of these experimental animals with a total mass of 280 g is 12 minutes
36 seconds for 3 Gy. All animals were divided into the following groups: 1 — intact
rats, 2 — pathology group — animals with a simulated general radiation injury. Used
fast euthanasia of rats on the 31st day of the experiment. The studies were conducted
in accordance with the national “General Ethical Principle of Animal Experiments”
(Ukraine, 2001), consistent with the provisions of the “European Convention for the
Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes”
(Strasbourg, 1985) [8].
For electron microscopic examination, testicular tissue pieces were prefixed in
2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde solution for 5-6 hours at 4 ° C and, after washing in a
buffer solution, transferred to final fixation for 3-4 hours in 1% buffered a solution of
four osmium oxides at 4 ° C. Dehydration tissue carried out in alcohols with increasing
concentration and in acetone. All work was conducted in accordance with standard
procedure [9].
Research results. The study of the submicroscopic architectonics of Sertoli and
Leydig cells of intact experimental animals showed that the ultrastructural organization
of these cells corresponded to the modern one. There was no destruction of intracellular
membrane structures, indicating an adequate histological processing of the material.
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