Mitomycin C- and streptozotocin-induced motility and numerical sperm variants in mice.

Groups of HA (ICR) albino male mice were injected once i.p. with o, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg mitomycin C (MC), or 2.65 or 26.5 mg/kg streptozotocin (SZ). 4 weeks after treatment each male was mated with 2 untreated CF1 albino females. 5 weeks after treatment the males were killed for determination of sperm motility and count from the cauda and vas. Both agents decreased sperm motility and count in a dose-dependent manner in the treated males. The effect is believed to be caused primarily by interference with gene expression involved in spermatogenesis. The females mated to treated males showed decreased percentage pregnancy and had few progeny. Mean percentage motility and sperm count was significantly lower in the F1 male progeny of MC- or SZ-treated males compared to control males. 50-60% of F1 males form treated male parents had percentage sperm motility below control range. Decreased motility and count in the F1 progeny of treated males may have been caused by gene mutations and/or chromosomal aberrations. The method which is presented may be useful for detecting mutations and/or developmental effects.