Effect of gamma ray (25 gray) on spermatogenesis and role of epinephrine as a protector in adult rat

Since human being is exposed to gamma ray during radiotherapy and some diagnostic tests, studying radiation and radioprotection is necessary. We evaluated the effects of gamma ray (25 gray) on spermatogenesis process and the role of epinephrine as a protector in adult rat. In an experimental study, 120 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: 1-Receiving epinephrine 2- receiving saline (Control) 3-exposed to gamma ray and receiving epinephrine, 4-exposed to gamma ray and receiving saline. Epinephrine was injected subcutaneously to abdominal area in a sub lethal dose (1 ml/kg). The animals were exposed to gamma radiation by a gamma ray producing apparatus capable of producing 25 gray gamma radiation. Then testes were removed and spermatogonia cells, primary spermatocytes, spermatid cells, spermatozoids and interstitial cells were counted. According to the findings in gamma ray group the somniferous tubes were separated from each other and their epithelium showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the number of spermatogonia, spermatid and sperm cells. These changes were associated with an increase in the number of primary spermatocytes. These were not seen in the group received epinephrine. It seems that epinephrine via blood vessel constriction can act as a protector for gamma radiation damages through free radical reduction.