Histopathological and cytochemical studies on the 5-fluorouracil treated gonads of Locusta migratoria (L.).

5-Fluorouracil caused necrosis in ovary only whereas testis remained unaffected even with higher doses. In ovary the ooplasm shrank; some follicular epithelial cells became pycnotic, and the nuclei of others showed an abnormal fragmentation of chromatin material; the cytoplasm of follicular epithelial cells was drawn into the peripheral empty space formed by the contraction of the ooplasm, and ultimately the follicular epithelium disintegrated. The interoocytal bridge is some oocytes was lost. The yolk formation was inhibited, and maturation of eggs was prevented. Most of the mature oocytes were also damaged. Inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis, and decreases in proteins, carbohydrates and lipids was observed. With increased doses and post-treatment periods the effects mentioned above were increased.