In the four experimental animals copper intake from the exhalations was 15 mg/kg l.w. Copper was administered until an onset of hemolytic crisis was observed (on day 42, in one animal, and on day 50 of the experiment, in the other).
The toxic effects of copper became evident in the destruction of all developmental stages of germinal cells. Injury to cell membranes was observed, this gradually resulting a release of germinal cells into the tubular lumen. The structure of the tubular walls was changed, and the integrity of the layers of the lamina propria of the tubular walls was damaged. The lamellar layer of the tubular wall showed invaginations with partial homogenization of the structure.
The intertubular space contained Leydig cells mainly, shows often a rupture of the cellular membrane; similar findings also being observed on the interstitial cells of lower developmental stages (fibrocytes, fibroblasts).
In addition to disintegrated collagenous fibres, the interstitial space also contained erythrocytes which had been flushed out through the damaged walls of the blood capillaries.
This article is dedicated to the memory of the late Prof. P. P o p e s k o, DVM, DSc on the seventieth anniversary of his birth.
Folia Veterinaria / 1995