Seasonal changes in testicular and epididymal histology of the tropical lizard, Tropidurus itambere (Rodrigues, 1987), during its reproductive cycle

Brazilian Journal of Biology

A. Ferreira²  Dn. Silva²  M. Van Sluys¹  H. Dolder¹ 

[1] ,Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Biologia e ZoologiaCuiabá MT ,Brazil

关键词: spermatogenesis;    reproduction;    lizard;    ultrastructure;    Reptilia;    espermatogênese;    reprodução;    lagarto;    ultraestrutura;    Reptilia;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S1519-69842009000200028

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

The reproductive cycles of lizards, including Tropidurus species, have been widely studied. However, few studies describe in detail the ultrastructure and the epithelial changes in the epididymis. Using histology and trasmission electron microscopy, we show the seasonal changes in the testis and epididymis of the lizard Tropidurus itambere, during its annual reproductive cycle. The reproductive cycle of T. itambere was analysed from June 1988 to June 1989 and from June 2001 to June 2002. While the frequency of reproductive males in the population varied throughout the year, there were reproductive males in most months except for February through April. During this nonreproductive period, there is a reduction in the mean seminiferous tubule volume and few sperm were found in both the testis and the epididymis.

【 授权许可】

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