Cell Changes in the Testis due to X Rays. 
263 
liucleus is however also affected, thougli to a less extent, by necrosis. 
We have not observed necrosis in the cast-off cytoplasm of the spermatids. 
Fatty change which is observed normally in the cytoplasm of the 
voung spermatid, consisting in the appearance of numerous fatty globules 
usually 3 » to 4 /< in diameter, was observed to be very considerably in- 
creased between the 4th and 9th days after the application of X rays. 
Enlargement of the archoplasmic vesicle is common (Fig. 28). It 
commences in the very young spermatid; it is not observed when the 
nucleus is being converted into the head of the Spermatozoon. This en- 
largement was first seen on the 3rd day. The distinctive feature of the 
enlargement of the archoplasmic vesicle is that it does not tend to envelop 
the nucleus but simply presses upon it and ultimately converts it into 
a cup-like structure. The wall of the vesicle is sharply outlined, is very 
thin, apparently homogeneous, and stains lightly. The intermediate 
body is at first recognizable, but rapidlv disappears as the nucleus of 
the spermatid becomes compressed by the enlarging vesicle, its chromatin 
network being thus rendered denser but not otherwise altered. 
Spermatozoa. The only change which can be recognized to occur 
in spermatozoa after the application of X rays is softening, which is re- 
vealed by the Separation of the filaments. We have not been able to 
trace out in detail the steps of this process. 
Changes, produced by the action of X rays on the seminiferous tubules. 
considered in respect of individual cell structures or cell products. 
In this section the alterations already described are for con- 
venience of reference briefly recapitulated under different headings. 
Cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm the following changes are observed: 
1. necrosis; 2. appearance of fat granules and globules; 3. vaeuolation. 
1. The first of these changes, which when advanced affects the 
whole of the cell including the nucleus, is revealed by a variable degree 
of cloudiness and altered staining reaction. 'When slight in extent the 
type of cell affected can be recognized, when marked it is impossible to 
identify the type of cell involved. We have not observed this form of 
degeneration in spermatogonia, in spermatocytes of the second order, 
in the cast-off cytoplasm of spermatids or in cells of Sertoli, but it is 
common in spermatocytes of the first order, in spermatids and also in 
the cell masses referred to on p. 261. It has been observed after the 
3rd day 1 ). 
*) Cp. note p. 257. 
