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Objective(s1 of Project : 1) To relate radiation dosage t o changes i n gonadal function, 2) to utilize the radiation go nadal changes as means for studying pituitary - testis interrelationships, 3) t o expl ore therapeutic and medical protective measures with respect togo nadal irradiation, 4)to explore our current concepts concerning radiation dosage expressed i n physical terms and their relation to bio logic effects. Short Description: During the period June 1, 1963 t o February 1, 1973, 64 vol unteers atthe Washington State Prison were irradiated by 250 kvp X-rays. After appropriate baseline studies were performed, subjects received from 7.5 R t o 400 R x-ray irradiation or sham irradiation t o the testis only. Testicular biopsies were performed prior to and up t o 6 years postirradiation to assess changes i n the germinal epithelium. ' Seminal fluid ' specimens were obtained a t two-week intervals throughout the study and were analyzed for morph o logic changes and changes in total number of sperm. Urine specimens were obtained monthly for evaluation of hormonal changes. Later, when the techniques were a v a i lable, serum LH was measured by radioimmunoassay. Studies oful trastructure changes in testis tissue were performed using electron microscopy. Subjects were fol1 owed unti1 hormonal values returned t o normal levels and until sperm counts returned t o normal eliminate the possibi 1 i t y of defective offspring. Only individuals desiring vasectoms, were accepted for the study; b u t i n several instances the volunteers changed their mind and did not desire a vasectomy a t the conclusion o f the study. s t u d y and signed consent forms were obtained from subjects and from Spouses i f subjects were married. Subjects were prison inmates only, thus eliminating the possibility of conception during the study. Vasectomies were performed prior to discharge from the study t o Subjects were informed i n detail regarding the Fol 1 ow-up Data: Recovery of cell morpho1 ogy and function were found after a maximum of 501 days. temporary sterility,butis very resistant t o complete sterility. Itwas concluded that man i s very sensitive i n regard t o