Radiation and spermatogenesis: experimental estimation of radiation effect at doses below castrate level on ontogenesis

Authors investigated reproductive function of Wistar females, antenatal and postnatal development of two generations offspring of Wistar males with germ cells irradiated at doses below the castrate level (0.5; 1.0 or 1.5 Gy; dose rate 0.003 Gy/sec) in all stages of spermatogenesis. Radiation produced negative effect on reproductive function of intact females, antenatal and postnatal development of the first generation offspring of males with germ cells irradiated at postmeiosis. Less, however evident radiation associated abnormal embryonic and postnatal development was observed in the second generation offspring of irradiated Wistar, this indicates genome instability.