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Maciel ÉDS, Zieri R, de Almeida-Santos SM. Male genital system of Ameiva ameiva (Squamata: Teiidae). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2024; 307:3596-3605. [PMID: 38665006 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
Understanding squamate reproductive morphology is crucial for investigating ecological, behavioral, and evolutionary questions. Here, we describe the anatomy and histology of the male genital system of Ameiva ameiva from southeastern Brazil. Ten adult males were dissected to characterize genital macroscopy and collect fragments of the testes, gonadoducts, and kidneys for histological examination. We examined 10 transverse histological sections per individual and measured the epithelial height of the epididymis and ductus deferens. The male reproductive system consists of a pair of yellowish oval testes, the rete testis, ductuli efferentes, epididymis, ductus deferens, ampulla ductus deferentis, sexual segment of the kidney (SSK), cloaca, and hemipenis. The hemipenis is elongated, cylindrical, and unilobed, with a sulcate face and an asulcate face, which has continuous fringes throughout its length. Seminiferous tubules exhibited germ cells at various stages. The epididymis is wider and more coiled than the ductus deferens. The rete testis has a simple squamous epithelium with long stereocilia, while the narrower ductuli efferentes are lined by a simple ciliated cuboidal epithelium. The epididymal epithelium is pseudostratified columnar, with basal and ciliated principal cells, whereas the ductus deferens epithelium is pseudostratified to simple cuboidal. The epididymal epithelium is 1.5 times taller than the ductus deferens epithelium. Here, we observed the SSK present in the cortex of the ventral region of the kidneys due to the hypertrophy of the distal convoluted tubules, as well as its secretory activity. Our findings will contribute to future research into the evolution of squamate reproductive morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érica da Silva Maciel
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista-IBILCE/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Zieri
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de São Paulo-IFSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Selma Maria de Almeida-Santos
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista-IBILCE/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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Rivera-López JR, Torres-Martínez A, Hernández-Franyutti AA, Uribe MC, Gribbins K. The male reproductive cycle of the brown basilisk Basiliscus vittatus (Squamata: Corytophanidae) from Tabasco, Southern Mexico. J Morphol 2024; 285:e21694. [PMID: 38619230 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
We used histological and morphometric methods to study the testis and associated glands, including the epididymis, ductus deferens, and renal sexual segment (RSS), of specimens of Basiliscus vittatus sampled from Tabasco, Mexico (17.5926° N, 92.5816° W). Samples were collected throughout 1 year, which included the dry (February to May) and rainy (June to January) seasons. Spermatogenesis in B. vittatus is active throughout the year, but a significant increase in the testicular volume, diameters of seminiferous tubules, height of the germinal epithelium, spermiogenesis, and released spermatozoa occur in the dry season. During the rainy season, all aforementioned parameters decreased except the secretory activity of the epididymis and the RSS, which increased concomitant with an increase of the spermatozoa population within the ductus deferens. These data strongly suggest that B. vittatus reproduce year-round, but males exhibit a peak in spermatogenic activity during the dry season and a peak in insemination and/or copulation at the beginning of the rainy season. We highlight the importance of analyzing not only the testis but also accessory ducts and glands when determining the reproductive cycles of reptiles. The reproductive cycle of B. vittatus is discussed in relation to the environmental conditions of Southern Mexico and is compared to that of other squamates.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Rodrigo Rivera-López
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Aarón Torres-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Tabasco, Mexico
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arlette Amalia Hernández-Franyutti
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Mari Carmen Uribe
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, Departamento de Biología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Kevin Gribbins
- Department of Biology, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Bento HJ, Ferreira A, Rosa JMA, de Campos CG, da Silva SLR, Curcio FF, Pescador CA, da Paz RCR. Histological aspects of the renal sexual segment of Brazilian snakes of the Boidae family. Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e13049. [PMID: 38702901 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.13049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Snakes represent a wide and diverse group of species and have anatomical particularities, such as the renal sexual segment (RSS), a structure located in the kidneys and formed from the hypertrophy of the urinary ducts and nephrons. This study aims at describing the histological aspects of the RSS of Boa constrictor, Epicrates cenchria and Corallus hortulanus, all of which are Brazilian snake species from the Boidae family. The reproductive system and kidneys of five male specimens of E. cenchria, three male specimens of C. hortulanus and two male specimens of B. constrictor were obtained. Tissue samples were processed histologically and different stains used (Toluidine Blue, Alcian Blue and Periodic Acid Schiff). The histological evaluation of the RSS of E. cenchria, C. hortulanus and B. constrictor shows that the RSS in these species varies when comparing individuals in the reproductive period with those which are not. It also allows for the observation of the segment's secretory activity in animals in the reproductive stage (mature sperm in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules) as well as in those which are not. Finally, the histological evaluation also reveals the variation of the secretion product in individuals in the reproductive period, in those which are not, and also among individuals within the same reproductive stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heitor José Bento
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Wildlife Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine (FAVET), Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Adelina Ferreira
- Biosciences Institute, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Janaina Marcela Assunção Rosa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine (FAVET), Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Camila Gonçalves de Campos
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine (FAVET), Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Sávio Lucas Rodrigues da Silva
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine (FAVET), Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Felipe Franco Curcio
- Biosciences Institute, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Caroline Argenta Pescador
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine (FAVET), Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Regina Celia Rodrigues da Paz
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Wildlife Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine (FAVET), Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Mato Grosso, Brazil
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Migliore SN, Ramalho RA, Araújo GS, Almeida-Santos SM. Cycle of the sexual segment of the kidney: histological insights into the role of the urinary tract in the reproduction of male Notomabuya frenata (Squamata: Scincidae). ZOOLOGY 2024; 162:126146. [PMID: 38266542 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2024.126146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The kidneys of male Squamata have an important reproductive function as some portions of the nephron may undergo hypertrophy, characterizing the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK). Although its function is still not completely understood, it is believed that the secretions produced by the SSK may act in the maintenance of spermatozoa. In this study, we investigated the reproductive biology of males of Notomabuya frenata based on the seasonal variation of the SSK. We performed macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the male reproductive tract of museum specimens to characterize the SSK cycle. The nephron portion in which hypertrophy was observed was the collecting duct with secretory granules accumulation in the apical portion. SSK hypertrophy was observed in all seasons, with the tubule diameter in autumn differing from spring and the epithelium height showing no variation. Alcian Blue reacted positively to acid mucopolysaccharides in all seasons. Periodic acid-Schiff's reacted positively to neutral mucopolysaccharides in all seasons, except autumn. Both stains reacted only in the collecting duct. In addition, spermatozoa were found in the lumen of the SSK of one specimen examined. Cycle of the SSK varied seasonally as does the chemical composition of the secretions produced by the collecting duct. The reflux of spermatozoa into SSK may indicate that (1) these secretions act in sperm maintenance, and (2) possibly there is communication between the seminal and urinary ducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena N Migliore
- Squamata Reproduction Research Group (GERES), Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renan A Ramalho
- Squamata Reproduction Research Group (GERES), Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas da Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", R. Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Gabrieli S Araújo
- Squamata Reproduction Research Group (GERES), Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas da Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", R. Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Selma M Almeida-Santos
- Squamata Reproduction Research Group (GERES), Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas da Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", R. Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
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Pewhom A, Supapakorn T, Srakaew N. Male reproductive cycle in a population of the endemic butterfly lizard, Leiolepis ocellata Peters, 1971 (Squamata: Agamidae) from northern Thailand. BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:45. [PMID: 37170386 PMCID: PMC10127433 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-022-00145-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Fundamental knowledge on the seasonal reproductive microanatomy and endocrinology of reptiles has been collected from several studies of various species. The present study was to determine annual changes in hormonal profiles, and detailed histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the entire male reproductive system of the tropical agamid lizard, Leiolepis ocellata.
Results
Male L. ocellata individuals (n = 75) collected from the territory of two provinces (Lampang and Tak) in northern Thailand exhibited annual variation in sex hormonal, histomorphometric, and histochemical characteristics of the male reproductive system. The reproductive cycle was subdivided into eight reproductive periods (early first active, first active, resting, second recrudescent, second active, regressive, quiescent, and first recrudescent), thus displaying a bimodal pattern with two actively reproductive periods. Circulating sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone) peaked in the first active (February) and the second active (June–July) periods. Likewise, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and histomorphometric variables of the testes and of the genital ducts (rete testis, ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymis, and ductus deferens) revealed their highest values in the first active period. Marked increase in protein and carbohydrate production was detectable in the ductuli efferentes during the active periods.
Conclusions
The male reproductive cycle of L. ocellata showed a biannual pattern of the hormonal profile, and detailed histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the entire reproductive system. Hence, the present study provides improved basic knowledge on the reptilian reproductive biology with comparative viewpoints to other reptiles.
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Loebens L, Theis TF, Almeida-Santos SM, Cechin SZ. Reproductive Biology, Sperm storage, and Sexual Maturity of Thamnodynastes strigatus (Serpentes: Dipsadidae). AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20211087. [PMID: 35703696 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220211087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Life history strategies determine and influence many aspects of species fitness. In this study, we describe the reproductive biology - reproductive cycle, sperm storage, and sexual maturity - of Thamnodynastes strigatus in South Brazil. We analyzed 49 individuals (25 males and 24 females) from herpetological collections. The reproductive cycle of males and females was described considering the morpho-anatomical and histological changes in the testes, ductus deferens, and kidney, as well in the ovary and oviduct. The age at the onset of sexual maturity was determined by skeletochronology of the caudal vertebra. The reproductive cycle is seasonal semi-synchronous and most individuals have a reproductive peak in spring and summer. The seasonal biennial reproductive cycle and viviparity are two phylogenetically conserved characters in Tachymenini snakes. Thamnodynastes Strigatus females store sperm in the utero-vaginal junction furrows during autumn. There were no differences between the ages of sexual maturity of males (4-11y) and females (4-12y). Females reach sexual maturity at larger body sizes, and this may confer an adaptive advantage due to a higher fecundity potential. Herein, we confirmed the previously described seasonal biennial reproductive cycle of T. strigatus through histological analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Loebens
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, Laboratório de Herpetologia, Avenida Roraima, 1000, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Tiago F Theis
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, Laboratório de Herpetologia, Avenida Roraima, 1000, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Selma M Almeida-Santos
- Instituto Butantan, Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sonia Z Cechin
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, Laboratório de Herpetologia, Avenida Roraima, 1000, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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Silva KMP, Almeida-Santos SM, Lobo LM, Bravo-Vega CA, Rici REG, Sasa M. Morphology and seasonality of the sexual segment of the kidney in genus Bothrops snakes. J Morphol 2021; 283:236-249. [PMID: 34951038 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In Squamata, the sexual segment of the male kidney (SSK) produces secretory granules that are transmitted to the female tract during copulation. Here, we investigate the morphology of SSK in various species of the pitviper-genus Bothrops, a medically relevant clade of Neotropical snakes, using histology, histochemistry, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We also evaluated the relationship of SSK hypertrophy with spermatogenesis and storage of sperm. The SSK in Bothrops consists of tall columnar epithelial cells filled with electron-dense secretory granules. These granules are apparently released into the lumen by an apocrine secretory process. In general, the ultrastructural morphology of SSK in Bothrops is similar to those described for other pitvipers in the genus Agkistrodon. In most Bothrops males, the SSK produces carbohydrates and proteins, and occurs in all lobes of the kidney, occupying most of the kidney mass. In contrast, intersexual females (with male copulatory organs) of Bothrops insularis had a smaller SSK diameter than males and did not show hypertrophy. The seasonal development of SSK in Bothrops species seems to be driven by environmental factors rather than phylogeny, since sister species exhibited periods of hypertrophy at different months. In most Bothrops males, hypertrophy occurs at various seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn), even in winter, and seasonal changes in SSK do not necessarily accompany spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luís Miguel Lobo
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Andrés Bravo-Vega
- Departamento de Ingeniería Biomédica, Grupo de Investigación en Biologia Matemática y Computacional BIOMAC, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rose Eli Grassi Rici
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Costa Rica y Museo de Zoología, Centro de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Resende FCD, Avelar GFD. The sexual segment of the kidney of a tropical rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus (Reptilia, Squamata, Viperidae), and its relationship to seasonal testicular and androgen cycles. J Morphol 2021; 282:1402-1414. [PMID: 34219274 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) is a hypertrophied region of the nephron, which occurs in males of most squamate species that have been investigated, at least, during the active season. Many studies have shown that the SSK has a seasonal secretory cycle that could be correlated to the mating season, testicular activity, and androgen synthesis. However, to date, no study has investigated the presence of androgen receptors (AR) in cells of the SSK, nor the relation between the expression of AR, testosterone levels, and testicular condition. The SSK in Crotalus durissus corresponds to the distal segment of the nephron and presents a peak of hypertrophy during the period of testicular activity (spermatogenesis) and high testosterone levels, suggesting that seasonal variation of the SSK might be under the control of androgens. Testosterone concentrations and expression of AR varied seasonally with increased values for both parameters directly correlated to hypertrophy of the SSK. This study is, therefore, the first to target the SSK of a tropical snake and to establish a relationship between the secretory cycle of the SSK, testicular cycle, and levels of androgens. Furthermore, this study is the first to identify the presence of AR in the nucleus of the SSK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Cappuccio de Resende
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Scientific Collection of Snakes, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gleide Fernandes de Avelar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Samson S, Bhagya M, Bhadravathi CS, Aranha I. Sexual segment of the kidney of the lizard, Eutropis carinata: A light microscopic and ultrastructural seasonal study. J Morphol 2020; 282:262-277. [PMID: 33320355 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We studied seasonal variation of the secretory granules in the epithelial cells of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) during the annual sexual cycle in the lizard, Eutropis carinata using light and electron microscopy in correlation with measurements of androgen levels. During the breeding phase, the epithelium of the SSK consists of simple columnar cells with basal nuclei. The cytoplasm contains numerous eosinophilic secretory protein and carbohydrate granules, but lacks glycosaminoglycans. These secretory granules develop during the regenerative phase when the circulating testosterone level increase. During the breeding phase, when the circulating testosterone levels are high, three types of secretory granules can be differentiated in the cytoplasm based on size and opacity; electron translucent type I, electron dense type II, and biphasic type III granules. Type II granules are found at various stages of maturity and degeneration/utilization. All types of secretory granules are released through an apocrine process. Microvilli and tight junctions are prominent at the apical portion of the cell. The cytoplasm contains, Golgi complexes, an abundant network of rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous tubular mitochondria, condensing, mucus filled and empty vacuoles. Intercellular canaliculi are narrow and indistinct during the regenerative and breeding phases, respectively. During the regressed phase, when the circulating testosterone levels are lowest, the cells are found regressed with wide intercellular canaliculi and devoid of secretory granules. Then the cytoplasm contains a few round mitochondria, Golgi and scanty endoplasmic reticulum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthakumar Samson
- Department of Studies in Zoology, Manasagangotri, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Mahadevaiah Bhagya
- Department of Studies in Zoology, Manasagangotri, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandrasekhar Sagar Bhadravathi
- Department of Neuropathology, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ivan Aranha
- Department of Zoology, Ahmednagar College, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India
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10
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Aldridge RD, Siegel DS, Goldberg SR, Pyron RA. Seasonal Timing of Spermatogenesis and Mating in Squamates: A Reinterpretation. COPEIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1643/ch-19-230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert D. Aldridge
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University (Emeritus), St. Louis, Missouri 63103; . Send reprint requests to this address
| | - Dustin S. Siegel
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701;
| | | | - R. Alexander Pyron
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052;
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11
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Silva KMP, Barros VA, Rojas CA, Almeida-Santos SM. Infundibular sperm storage and uterine muscular twisting in the Amazonian lancehead, Bothrops atrox. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:3145-3154. [PMID: 31674144 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although knowledge about the reproduction of snakes of the genus Bothrops has increased recently, many questions remain regarding sperm storage by these neotropical pitvipers. The relationship between two known sperm storage sites-the nonglandular uterus and the infundibulum-has yet to be detailed for Bothrops. In addition, the formation of uterine muscular twisting (UMT) and its function in sperm storage in the nonglandular uterus have been questioned. This article presents data on both sperm storage sites (posterior infundibulum and nonglandular uterus) in the Amazonian lancehead, Bothrops atrox, aiming to address the role of UMT in bothropoid reproduction considering female reproductive stages, timing of sperm storage, and morphology and histochemistry of sperm receptacles. The oviduct of B. atrox is composed of the infundibulum (anterior and posterior), the glandular uterus, the nonglandular uterus and the pouch. Sperm storage occurs in the posterior infundibulum and nonglandular uterus in vitellogenic females. In the posterior infundibulum sperm is stored in receptacles, while in the nonglandular uterus it is stored in crypts in the UMT of vitellogenic females. Both sperm storage sites possess granules testing positive for neutral mucopolysaccharides in the presence of spermatozoa, possibly favoring the conditions for spermatozoa surveillance during sperm storage in the reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M P Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Verônica A Barros
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudio A Rojas
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Selma M Almeida-Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Silva KM, Silva KB, Sueiro LR, Oliveira MEE, Almeida-Santos SM. Reproductive Biology of Bothrops atrox (Serpentes, Viperidae, Crotalinae) from the Brazilian Amazon. HERPETOLOGICA 2019. [DOI: 10.1655/d-18-00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karina M.P. Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Kalena B. Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leticia R. Sueiro
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Ermelinda E.S. Oliveira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, 69067-005 Manaus, AM, Brazil
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Gualdrón-Durán LE, Calvo-Castellanos MF, Ramírez-Pinilla MP. Annual Reproductive Activity and Morphology of the Reproductive System of an Andean Population of Atractus (Serpentes, Colubridae). SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-16-00054.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Eduardo Gualdrón-Durán
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva de Vertebrados, Escuela de Biología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - María Fernanda Calvo-Castellanos
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva de Vertebrados, Escuela de Biología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Martha Patricia Ramírez-Pinilla
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva de Vertebrados, Escuela de Biología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
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Historical Assumptions about the Predation Patterns of Yellow Anacondas (Eunectes notaeus): Are They Infrequent Feeders? J HERPETOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1670/18-089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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15
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Zanella N, D'Agostini F. Ecology of the snake Atractus paraguayensis (Dipsadidae) in southern Brazil. ZOOLOGIA 2018. [DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.35.e12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of snake ecology is important to support conservation strategies.AtractusparaguayensisWerner, 1924 is a dipsadidae with semi fossorial habits distributed throughout southern Brazil. We analyzed the morphology, seasonality and reproductive biology of this species in a subtropical area in southern Brazil by combining material from scientific collections and field data. We found that females have a larger body size than males and that the reproductive cycle of females is seasonal, with vitellogenesis occurring in the warmer months of the year. Males exhibited no differences in testicle volume throughout the year; however, mating likely occurs in the spring when males are more active. Recruitment of newborns occurs in late summer. The number of individuals collected during the hottest months (September through February) was significantly higher than the number of individuals collected during the colder months. Our results, which reveal sexual dimorphism in the species and seasonal breeding restricted to warm months, contribute important information about this species’ biology.
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Rojas CA, Barros VA, Almeida-Santos SM. A histological and ultrastructural investigation of the female reproductive system of the water snake (Erythrolamprus miliaris
): Oviductal cycle and sperm storage. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Almeida-Santos SM, Barros VA, Rojas CA, Sueiro LR, Nomura RHC. Reproductive Biology of the Brazilian Lancehead, Bothrops moojeni (Serpentes, Viperidae), from the State of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-16-00047.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Selma Maria Almeida-Santos
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan. Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, CEP 05503-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Verônica Alberto Barros
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan. Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, CEP 05503-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudio Augusto Rojas
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan. Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, CEP 05503-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Letícia Ruiz Sueiro
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan. Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, CEP 05503-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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QUINTELA FERNANDOM, MARQUES WILIAMC, LOEBMANN DANIEL. Reproductive biology of the Green Ground Snake Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) in Subtropical Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 89:2189-2197. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201720160805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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19
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Loebens L, Cechin SZ, Theis TF, Moura LB, Almeida-Santos SM. Reproductive biology of Philodryas patagoniensis
(Snakes: Dipsadidae) in south Brazil: male reproductive cycle. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Loebens
- Laboratory of Herpetology; Santa Maria Federal University; 1000 Roraima Avenue, Camobi Santa Maria Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900 Brazil
| | - Sonia Zanini Cechin
- Laboratory of Herpetology; Santa Maria Federal University; 1000 Roraima Avenue, Camobi Santa Maria Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900 Brazil
| | - Tiago Felipe Theis
- Laboratory of Herpetology; Santa Maria Federal University; 1000 Roraima Avenue, Camobi Santa Maria Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900 Brazil
| | - Livia Bataioli Moura
- Laboratory of Herpetology; Santa Maria Federal University; 1000 Roraima Avenue, Camobi Santa Maria Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900 Brazil
| | - Selma Maria Almeida-Santos
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution; Butantan Institute; 1500 Vital Brazil Avenue São Paulo São Paulo, 05503-900 Brazil
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Silva K, Zogno M, Camillo A, Pereira R, Almeida-Santos S. Annual changes in seminal variables of golden lanchead pitvipers (Bothrops insularis) maintained in captivity. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 163:144-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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21
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Sperm storage and morphofunctional bases of the female reproductive tract of the snake Philodryas patagoniensis from southeastern Brazil. ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-015-0283-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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22
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Hernández-Gallegos O, Méndez-de la Cruz FR, Villagrán-SantaCruz M, Rheubert JL, Granados-González G, Gribbins KM. Seasonal spermatogenesis in the Mexican endemic oviparous lizard, Sceloporus aeneus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae). SPERMATOGENESIS 2015; 4:e988585. [PMID: 26413407 DOI: 10.4161/21565562.2014.988585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oviparous species of Sceloporus exhibit either seasonal or continuous spermatogenesis and populations from high-elevation show a seasonal pattern known as spring reproductive activity. We studied the spermatogenic cycle of a high-elevation (2700 m) population of endemic oviparous lizard, Sceloporus aeneus, that resided south of México, D.F. Histological analyses were performed on the testes and reproductive ducts from individual lizards collected monthly. This population of S. aeneus showed a seasonal pattern of spermatogenesis, with 4 successive phases common in other lizards. These include: 1) Quiescence in August, which contained solely spermatogonia and Sertoli cells; 2) Testicular recrudescence (September-January) when testes became active with mitotic spermatogonia, spermatocytes beginning meiosis, and the early stages of spermiogenesis with spermatids; 3) Maximum testicular activity occurred from March to May and is when the largest spermiation events ensued within the germinal epithelia, which were also dominated by spermatids and spermiogenic cells; 4) Testicular regression in June was marked with the number of all germs cells decreasing rapidly and spermatogonia dominated the seminiferous epithelium. February was a transitional month between recrudescence and maximum activity. The highest sperm abundance in the lumina of epididymides was during maximum testicular activity (March-May). Thus, before and after these months fewer spermatozoa were detected within the excurrent ducts as the testis transitions from recrudescence to maximum activity in February and from maximum activity to quiescence in June. Maximum spermatogenic activity corresponds with warmest temperatures at this study site. This pattern known as spring reproductive activity with a fall recrudescence was similar to other oviparous species of genus Sceloporus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oswaldo Hernández-Gallegos
- Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México ; Toluca, Estado de México, México ; Departamento de Zoología; Instituto de Biología; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ; Distrito Federal, México
| | | | - Maricela Villagrán-SantaCruz
- Laboratorio de Biología Tisular y Reproductora; Departamento de Biología Comparada; Facultad de Ciencias ; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ; Distrito Federal, México
| | | | - Gisela Granados-González
- Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México ; Toluca, Estado de México, México
| | - Kevin M Gribbins
- Biology Department; University of Indianapolis ; Indianapolis, IN USA
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Abstract
The reproductive biology of Bothrops erythromelas, a small pit viper from the Caatinga, a semiarid biome in Brazil, is described based on analysis of individuals deposited in zoological collections. Males are smaller and also attain sexual maturity at a smaller size than females. Female reproductive cycle is seasonal with an extended period of secondary vitellogenesis and births occurring in a restricted period from late spring to early summer. Sperm storage in females may probably occur in infundibular tubular glands and uterine muscular twisting (UMT), which is a polymorphic condition within B. erythromelas. Seasonal spermatogenesis in males is variable with some intraspecific variation regarding the male reproductive stage per season. Most males are reproductively active during spring/summer and reproductively quiescent during autumn/winter, although some individuals vary (e.g., show testicular spermatogenesis and active sexual segment of the kidneys (SSK) during winter). The SSK could be identified in every male. Most males showed highly hypertrophied SSK in spring/summer and moderately hypertrophied SSK in autumn/winter. The ampulla ductus deferentis was observed and histochemical reactions were conducted. We discuss the probable influence of the unique environmental conditions of the Caatinga region and phylogenetic inertia in the reproductive patterns of this snake species.
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Viana DC, Rui LA, Santos ACD, Miglino MA, Assis Neto ACD, Araujo LPF, Oliveira AS, Sousa AL. Seasonal morphological variation of the vas deferens of scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides). BIOTA NEOTROPICA 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/1676-06032014006413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the morphology of the vas deferens ofKinosteron scorpioides by macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Were used 20 adult male jurarás collected at regular intervals during the year and divided into four experimental groups in the rainy and dry seasons, being processed for light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Morphometry for tubular and luminal diameters and epithelial height were also performed. On rainy season, vas deferens presented pseudostratified epithelium with cylindrical cells, spermatozoids and milky fluid in the lumen, with cytoplasmic organelles and lipid vesicles. On dry season, epithelium was pseudostratified with cuboid cells, with cellular debris and no spermatozoids. There was significant variation (p<0,05) for morphometry of vas deferens, with lower values of tubular and luminal diameters on rainy season, and higher epithelial height on dry season.
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