Reproduction and teratogenic studies of 5-thio-D-glucose in mice.

Under the conditions of the present study, 5-thio-D-glucose was found to be an effective and useful reversible male contraceptive. Treatment of male mice with 5-thio, administered intraperitoneally or orally at 40 or 60 mg/kg for 28 to 35 days produced germinal cell degeneration and complete inhibition of spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules. These treatment regimens also resulted in complete sterility in males lasting for several weeks. Resumption of sperm development and fertility occurred with 5 to 6 weeks after treatment was discontinued. The Leydig cell population, Sertoli cells, and spermatogonia apparently were not affected and male libido was not impaired. There was no evidence of embryotoxic or teratogenic effect in litters of pregnant females treated orally with 5-thio on days 6--12 of gestation.