Factsheet Human Experimentation - 178 - to Determine the Exact Nature of the Cytological

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Project Name: The Effect o f Ionizing Radiation Date Started: 1963 on the Male Reproductive System Date Terminated: 1972 Objective(s1 of Project : 1) To determine the exact nature of the cytological defect produced i n the development of the germinal epithelium and to relate the extent of the defect t o dosage and time; 2 ) To find the minimal dosage that would a f f e c t the germinal epithelium; 3) To determine the time of recovery from any given dosage; 4) To determine whether the higher dosages given would lead t o permanent damage of spermatogenic c e l l s; 5) To determine the simul taneous effects of any dosage upon the Leydig c e l l cytology; 6 ) To determine the influence of any given dosage u p o n other parameters such as excretion of total 7 ) To determine the influence of any given dosage upon plasma l e v e l s of FSH, L H and testosterone; and 8) To complete a statistical analysis of the results effects of graded doses of ionizing radiation upon the human male reproductive Between 1963 a n d May of 1971 a total of 67 individual s received acute irradiation in varying doses. I n 1963, Dr. Heller initiated a project t o determine the Actual irradiations were begun in August of 1963 using volunteers. During 1963, 1965 and 1967, a d hoc advisorylreview committees were assembled by the Atomic Energy Commission t o give overview and direction to this program. Fol low-up Data: After Dr. He1 ler ' s acute health failure in December of 1972, several proposals for 1 ongterm subject foll ow-up were presented. Considerable discussion was he1 dwith various agencies about how contact with the volunteers could be maintained i n order t o allow alife time follow-up. mechanism was found to allow or implement a long term contact. N o

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findings beginning i n 1963 and extending through 1974. The attached bibliography references $q many of them. There have been numerous publications on this project and its