Cadmium toxicity and its effect on the testes of an Australian marsupial (Trichosurus vulpecula)

The selective toxic effects of cadmium on the testes of eutherian mammals have been well documented since the original demonstrations by Parizek. A single subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection of cadmium results in testicular necrosis in most eutherian species. Doses of 0.02 - 0.04 mmol/kg body weight CdCl sub(2) may induce complete degeneration of the testes yet produce no visible morphological changes in other organs. The present paper reports the results following the injection of cadmium into another marsupial, the common Australian brush-tail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)). Sperm are found throughout the year in this species but breeding is mainly limited to the winter months with a secondary peak in spring.