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Project Category: Effects of Radiation on the Human Testes Objective(s)of Project : 1) To relate radiation dosage t o changes i n gonadal function, 2)to utilize the radiation gonadal changes a s means for studying pituitary - testis interrelationships, 3) t o expl ore therapeutic and medical protective measures w i t h respect to gonadal irradiation, 4 ) t o explore our current concepts concerning radiation dosage expressed i n physical terms and their relation t o biologic effects. Short Description : During the period June 1, 1963 t o February 1, 1973, 64 volunteers a t the Washington State Prison were irradiated by 250 k v p X-rays. After appropriate baseline studies were performed, subjects received from 7.5 Rto 400 R x-ray irradiation or sham irradiation t o the testis only. Testicular biopsies were performed prior t o and u p to 6 years postirradiation t o assess changes i n the germinal epithel ium. Seminal fluid specimens were obtained a t two-week intervals throughout the study and were analyzed for morphologic changes and changes in total number of sperm. Urine specimens were obtained monthly for evaluation of hormonal changes. Later, when the techniques were available, serum L H was measured by radioimmunoassay. Studies of ul trastructure changes in testis tissue were performed using electron microscopy. Subjects were fol 1 owed u n t i 1 hormonal values returned t o normal 1 eve1 s and unti 1 sperm counts returned t o normal eliminate the possibil ity of defective offspring. Only individuals desiring vasectomy were accepted for the study; b u t in several instances the volunteers changed their mind and did not desire a vasectomy a t the conclusion of the study. Subjects were informed i n detail regarding the study and signed consent forms were obtained from subjects and from spouses i f subjects were married. Subjects were prison inmates only, thus elimi nati ng the possi b i 1i t y of concepti on duri ng the study. Vasectomies were performed prior t o discharge from the study to Fol 1 ow-up Data: Recovery of cell morpho1 ogy and function were found after a maximum of 501 days. temporary steri 1i ty ,butis very resi s tant to complete steri1ity. I t was concluded that man is very sensitive i n regard t o