1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Perry SM, Park T, Mitchell MA. Sex, drugs and rock iguanas: testicular dynamics and plasma testosterone concentrations could predict optimal semen collection times in Cyclura. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:417-427. [PMID: 34399882 DOI: 10.1071/rd21032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Iguanas are the most endangered family of reptiles, with 77% categorised as threatened or near threatened. Further, Cyclura is the most endangered reptile genus, with all 12 species considered threatened. Therefore, it is vital that we develop assisted reproductive technologies for Cyclura spp. to enhance their conservation efforts. The goals of this study were to collect semen, and to measure testicle size and testosterone concentrations in Grand Cayman rock iguana hybrids (Cyclura lewisi×nubila (CLN)) and rhinoceros rock iguanas (Cyclura cornuta (CC)). A prospective longitudinal study was performed in 9.0 CLN and 9.0 CC during their reproductive season in southern Florida (February-July). Serial testicle ultrasound measurements and plasma testosterone concentrations were collected monthly. Testicle measurements (length (L), width (W), height (H)) were collected and testicle volume (V) was estimated using the equation V=0.52(LW2). There were significant differences in testicle L, W, H and V for both species. Testicle size peaked for CLN and CC in April and May respectively. Plasma testosterone concentrations increased from baseline during February, March and April in CLN and in March, April and May in CC. Ultrasound testicle measurements could be used to predict when to collect semen in these seasonally monocyclic iguanas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Perry
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; and Mississippi Aquarium, 2100 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501, USA; and Corresponding author
| | - Ty Park
- Iguanaland, 33900 Bermont Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33982, USA
| | - Mark A Mitchell
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Verdú-Ricoy J, Matla T, Gregory M, Lambiris A, Jordaan A, Zhao Z, Heideman N. A comparative analysis of testicular sperm morphology in fossorial and surface-living skinks in South Africa. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Verdú-Ricoy
- Department of Zoology & Entomology; University of the Free State; Bloemfontein South Africa
| | - Tankiso Matla
- Department of Zoology & Entomology; University of the Free State; Bloemfontein South Africa
| | | | | | - Adriaan Jordaan
- Department of Zoology & Entomology; University of the Free State; Bloemfontein South Africa
| | - Zhongning Zhao
- Department of Zoology & Entomology; University of the Free State; Bloemfontein South Africa
| | - Neil Heideman
- Department of Zoology & Entomology; University of the Free State; Bloemfontein South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rheubert JL, Sever DM, Siegel DS, Gribbins KM. Ultrastructural analysis of spermiogenesis in the Eastern Fence Lizard, Sceloporus undulatus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae). Micron 2016; 81:16-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
6
|
Gribbins KM, Matchett CL, DelBello KA, Rheubert J, Villagrán-SantaCruz M, Granados-González G, Hernández-Gallegos O. The ultrastructure of spermatid development during spermiogenesis within the rosebelly lizard, Sceloporus variabilis (Reptilia, Squamata, Phrynosomatidae). J Morphol 2013; 275:258-68. [PMID: 24186265 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Several recent studies have mapped out the characters of spermiogenesis within several species of squamates. Many of these data have shown both conserved and possibly apomorphic morphological traits that could be important in future phylogenetic analysis within Reptilia. There, however, has not been a recent study that compares spermiogenesis and its similarities or differences between two species of reptile that reside in the same genus. Thus, the present analysis details the changes to spermiogenesis in Sceloporus variabilis and then compares spermatid morphologies to that of Sceloporus bicanthalis. Many of the morphological changes that the spermatids undergo in these two species are similar or conserved, which is similar to what has been reported in other squamates. There are six main character differences that can be observed during the development of the spermatids between these two sceloporid lizards. They include the presence (S. variabilis) or absence (S. bicanthalis) of a mitochondrial/endoplasmic reticulum complex near the Golgi apparatus during acrosome development, a shallow (S. variabilis) or deep (S. bicanthalis) nuclear indentation that accommodates the acrosomal vesicle, filamentous (S. variabilis) or granular (S. bicanthalis) chromatin condensation, no spiraling (S. variabilis) or spiraling (S. bicanthalis) of chromatin during condensation, absence (S. variabilis) or presence (S. bicanthalis) of the longitudinal manchette microtubules, and the lack of (S. variabilis) or presence (S. bicanthalis) of nuclear lacunae. This is the first study that compares spermiogenic ultrastructural characters between species within the same genus. The significance of the six character differences between two distantly related species within Sceloporus is still unknown, but these data do suggest that spermiogenesis might be a good model to study the hypothesis that spermatid ontogeny is species specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Gribbins
- Department of Biology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, 45501
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gribbins KM, Rheubert JL, Touzinsky K, Hanover J, Matchett CL, Granados-González G, Hernández-Gallegos O. Spermiogenesis in the imbricate alligator lizard, Barisia imbricata (Reptilia, Squamata, Anguidae). J Morphol 2013; 274:603-14. [PMID: 23400942 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Although the events of spermiogenesis are commonly studied in amniotes, the amount of research available for Squamata is lacking. Many studies have described the morphological characteristics of mature spermatozoa in squamates, but few detail the ultrastructural changes that occur during spermiogenesis. This study's purpose is to gain a better understanding of the subcellular events of spermatid development within the Imbricate Alligator Lizard, Barisia imbricata. The morphological data presented here represent the first complete ultrastructural study of spermiogenesis within the family Anguidae. Samples of testes from four specimens collected on the northwest side of the Nevado de Toluca, México, were prepared using standard techniques for transmission electron microscopy. Many of the ultrastructural changes occurring during spermiogenesis within B. imbricata are similar to that of other squamates (i.e., early acrosome formation, chromatin condensation, flagella formation, annulus present, and a prominent manchette). However, there are a few unique characteristics within B. imbricata spermatids that to date have not been described during spermiogenesis in other squamates. For example, penetration of the acrosomal granule into the subacrosomal space to form the basal plate of the perforatorium during round spermatid development, the clover-shaped morphology of the developing nuclear fossa of the flagellum, and the bulbous shape to the perforatorium are all unique to the Imbricate Alligator Lizard. These anatomical character differences may be valuable nontraditional data that along with more traditional matrices (such as DNA sequences and gross morphological data) may help elucidate phylogenetic relationships, which are historically considered controversial within Squamata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Gribbins
- Department of Biology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio 45501, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rheubert J, Touzinsky K, Hernández-Gallegos O, Granados-González G, Gribbins K. Ontogenic development of spermatids during spermiogenesis in the high altitude bunchgrass lizard (Sceloporus bicanthalis). SPERMATOGENESIS 2012; 2:94-103. [PMID: 22670219 PMCID: PMC3364797 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.20410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The body of ultrastructural data on spermatid characters during spermiogenesis continues to grow in reptiles, but is still relatively limited within the squamates. This study focuses on the ontogenic events of spermiogenesis within a viviparous and continually spermatogenic lizard, from high altitude in Mexico. Between the months of June and August, testicular tissues were collected from eight spermatogenically active bunchgrass lizards (Sceloporus bicanthalis) from Nevado de Toluca, México. The testicular tissues were processed for transmission electron microscopy and analyzed to access the ultrastructural differences between spermatid generations during spermiogenesis. Interestingly, few differences exist between S. bicanthalis spermiogenesis when compared with what has been described for other saurian squamates. Degrading and coiling membrane structures similar to myelin figures were visible within the developing acrosome that are likely remnants from Golgi body vesicles. During spermiogenesis, an electron lucent area between the subacrosomal space and the acrosomal medulla was observed, which has been observed in other squamates but not accurately described. Thus, we elect to term this region the acrosomal lucent ridge. This study furthers the existing knowledge of spermatid development in squamates, which could be useful in future work on the reproductive systems in high altitude viviparous lizard species.
Collapse
|
9
|
Gribbins KM. Reptilian spermatogenesis: A histological and ultrastructural perspective. SPERMATOGENESIS 2011; 1:250-269. [PMID: 22319673 PMCID: PMC3271667 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.1.3.18092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, the histology and ultrastructural events of spermatogenesis in reptiles were relatively unknown. Most of the available morphological information focuses on specific stages of spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, and/or of the mature spermatozoa. No study to date has provided complete ultrastructural information on the early events of spermatogenesis, proliferation and meiosis in class Reptilia. Furthermore, no comprehensive data set exists that describes the ultrastructure of the entire ontogenic progression of germ cells through the phases of reptilian spermatogenesis (mitosis, meiosis and spermiogenesis). The purpose of this review is to provide an ultrastructural and histological atlas of spermatogenesis in reptiles. The morphological details provided here are the first of their kind and can hopefully provide histological information on spermatogenesis that can be compared to that already known for anamniotes (fish and amphibians), birds and mammals. The data supplied in this review will provide a basic model that can be utilized for the study of sperm development in other reptiles. The use of such an atlas will hopefully stimulate more interest in collecting histological and ultrastructural data sets on spermatogenesis that may play important roles in future nontraditional phylogenetic analyses and histopathological studies in reptiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Gribbins
- Department of Biology; Wittenberg University; Springfield, OH USA
| |
Collapse
|