Estrogen induced effects on mouse testis and epididymal spermatozoa.

The effects of estradiol benzoate (E2B) at a dose of 200 micrograms/kg body weight/day for 7 and 15 days were investigated on epididymal sperm parameters and morphology of testis in adult mice. The data revealed a decline in cauda epididymal sperm count and percentage motility with duration of estrogen administration. The decreased sperm motility was correlated with reduced sperm enzymes as evidenced by biochemical and cytochemical studies. The depletion of cauda epididymal sperm population in treated mice was related to inhibition of spermatogenic activity in testis as compared to control. Thus, the estrogen treatment to mice manifests maturational changes in epididymal spermatozoa as a result of androgen deprivation.