Testicular changes in adult dogs undergoing chemotherapy treatment with vincristine sulfate

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Abstract

Vincristine sulfate is a first-line antineoplastic drug for the treatment of canine transmissible venereal tumor (tvCT). However, it can cause adverse effects such as anorexia and myelosuppression. In humans, its use is associated with gonadal disorders, affecting fertility. In dogs, it can cause testicular degeneration and impact sperm quality and count. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vincristine sulfate on the testicular parenchyma of dogs, encompassing the potential effects and extent of damage caused to spermatogenesis. Six control animals and six treated with vincristine sulfate were used. After the end of chemotherapy, the treated animals underwent orchiectomy, at which time biometric measurements (body weight and testicular weights, axes, and volumes) were performed. Testicular samples were collected, fixed, and processed for analysis of testicular morphometric measurements (tubular diameter and lumen, major and minor tubular axes, seminiferous epithelium height, and tubular lumen area) and stereological measurements (tubular volumes and volume densities of tubular and interstitial testicular tissue). Stereology was performed on 200 seminiferous tubules. Administration of vincristine sulfate in dogs resulted in a reduction of the morphometric and stereological variables epithelial height, lumen diameter, tubular lumen area, and seminiferous tubule volume; in addition to structural disorganization and intraepithelial vacuoles. It is concluded that vincristine sulfate can cause alterations in the testicular parenchyma of dogs undergoing chemotherapy treatment with this drug.
Keywords: seminiferous epithelium; male gonads; morphology; oncology; chemotherapy.

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2026-05-27

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Vol. 27 (2026): Continuous publication

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VETERINARY MEDICINE

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How to Cite

REIS, T. S. et al. Testicular changes in adult dogs undergoing chemotherapy treatment with vincristine sulfate. Brazilian Animal Science/ Ciência Animal Brasileira, v. 27, 27 May2026.

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