Persistence of Coitus during Induced Infertility in Male Rats

Summary Incorporation of 2,2-dimethyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1-propanone into the diet of male rats inhibited fertility within 4 weeks. Examination of the testes showed that spermatogenesis was inhibited and they remained infertile without preventing coitus throughout the treatment period. Six weeks following withdrawal of the compound from the diet, litters of normal size were sired by treated males. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that male fertility can be inhibited without preventing coitus and that normal fertility can be realized upon drug withdrawal. The authors wish to express their gratitude to Dr. Richard Elton for reviewing the manuscript and to Miss Cherle Knott for her secretarial assistance.