Sex bodies and synaptonemal complexes of Balb/C mice: antioxidant intervention of oxyradical insult.

Spermatogenesis is inhibited in Balb/C mice as a result of oxyradical insult. However, mammalian spermatocytes and synaptonemal complexes retain their structure and function after oxyradical insult due to protection afforded by the antioxidant vitamin E. Control groups were compared with experimental groups which were fed various vitamin E-deficient diets and subjected to varying times in an humidified 100% oxygen (hyperoxia) chamber. Measurements were made of sex body volume (SBV), nuclear envelope aberrations (NEA), and synaptonemal complex structure in spermatocytes during pachytene of meiosis prophase I. Changes in the volume of the sex body were positively correlated with increased oxyradical insult. The structure of the synaptonemal complex was not altered in any of the experimental groups which is a significant observation. It is suggested that vitamin E affords antioxidant protection and inhibits the alteration of membranes and sex chromosomes in mice during meiosis.