Biochemical observations on the protein and nucleic acid metabolism of the rat testis and epididymis after treatment with low doses of alpha-chlorohydrin.

A biochemical study was made on the effects of low doses of alpha-chlorohydrin on the protein and nucleic acid metabolism of the rat testis and epididymis. RNA and protein levels were decreased both in the testis and epididymis. The DNA content of the testis and epididymis did not change after exposure of the animals to the drug. The reduced concentrations of RNA and protein were closely paralleled by the increased activity of proteinase (protein hydrolyzing enzyme) and ribonuclease (RNA degrading enzyme) in the testis and epididymis. The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity of both the testis and epididymis was also reduced indicating the slow transfer of amino acids across the cell membranes of testis and epididymis and thus low protein synthesis. The DNAase levels of rat testis and epididymis did not show any appreciable change in response to the alpha-chlorohydrin treatment. These studies indicate that although there may not be any histological damage in the tissue the metabolic pathways may become defective much earlier before any visible morphological change is discernible.