Testicular biopsies were obtained from normal male volunteers to study the histopathology of the human testes as affected by bis(dichloroacetyl)diamines: NN-bis(dichloroacetyl)-N-Ndiethyl-l4-xylyenediamine; NN-bis(dichloroacetyl)N-N-diethyl-l6-hexanediamine; and NN-bis(dichloroacetyl)-1 8-octanediamine. Each of the 3 diamines was administered in tablet form orally twice daily for 1 year and postreatment follow-up was also for 1 year. Sperm output expressed as millions/cubic cm dropped to zero in 10 weeks and remained at or near zero for the remainder of the year. No depression of hormonal excretion occurred. Biopsy specimens revealed the lack of alteration of the basement membranes or the tunica propria the lack of involution of the Leydig cells and the lack of effect upon Sertoli cells spermatogonia or spermatocytes. However there was a marked reduction in the total number of spermatids and a distortion of the morphology of those spermatids present. Gross distortion of the nucleus of maturing spermatids was noted as well as alterations in the caudal tube. A common finding was the occurrence of double nuclei attacked by their acrosomal systems in a common cytoplasm. A possible mechanism of action of these diamines was discussed.
