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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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da Silveira Firmiano EM, Machado‐Santos C, Ribeiro Ricardo Brito A, Sousa BM, Lima Pinheiro N, das Neves Cardoso N, Alves do Nascimento A. Histological study and immunohistochemical location of cytoskeletal proteins in the testis and epididymis of the three species of lizards of the family Leiosauridae (Reptilia: Squamata). ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Enely Maris da Silveira Firmiano
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro‐UFRRJ Seropédica Brazil
| | - Clarice Machado‐Santos
- Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Histology and Compared Embryology (LEPHEC) Federal Fluminense University Niterói Brazil
| | - Amanda Ribeiro Ricardo Brito
- Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Histology and Compared Embryology (LEPHEC) Federal Fluminense University Niterói Brazil
| | - Bernadete Maria Sousa
- Herpetology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora‐UFJF University Campus noc number Juiz de Fora Brazil
| | - Nadja Lima Pinheiro
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro‐UFRRJ Seropédica Brazil
| | - Nathália das Neves Cardoso
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro‐UFRRJ Seropédica Brazil
| | - Aparecida Alves do Nascimento
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro‐UFRRJ Seropédica Brazil
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Rheubert J, Pasternak MA, Ely M, Siegel DS, Trauth SE, Gribbins KM, Sever DM. Seasonal histology and ultrastructure of the urogenital system in two sympatric lizards. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Rheubert
- Department of Biology University of Findlay Findlay OH USA
| | | | - M. Ely
- Department of Biology University of Findlay Findlay OH USA
| | - D. S. Siegel
- Department of Biology Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau MO USA
| | - S. E. Trauth
- Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University (Emeritus) Jonesboro AR USA
| | - K. M. Gribbins
- Department of Biology University of Indianapolis Indianapolis IN USA
| | - D. M. Sever
- Department of Biology Southeastern Louisiana University (Emeritus) Hammond LA USA
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Pewhom A, Srakaew N. Microanatomy of the testes and testicular ducts of the butterfly lizard,
Leiolepis ocellata
Peters, 1971 (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) during the active reproductive period. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akkanee Pewhom
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science Kasetsart University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Nopparat Srakaew
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science Kasetsart University Bangkok Thailand
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Bian X, Zhang L, Yang L, Yang P, Ullah S, Zhang Q, Chen Q. Ultrastructure of epididymal epithelium and its interaction with the sperm in the soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis. Micron 2013; 54-55:65-74. [PMID: 24041582 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2013.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The epididymis of the soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis was examined under light and transmission electron microscopes to determine the morphological characteristics, as well as their changes at different phases of the seasonal reproductive cycle. Three distinct regions, viz., cranial, middle and caudal were identified in the epididymis based on anatomical characteristics. The epididymal epithelium consists of five different cell types: principal, narrow, apical, clear and basal cells. Principal cells, which are the most abundant, together with basal cells are present along the entire length. Ultrastructural evidence suggests that all of the principal cells in each of the regions function in both absorption and secretion. Narrow cells and apical cells are rare and only confined to the cranial region. The clear cells, for the first time reported in the turtle epididymis, are confined to middle and caudal regions; these cells showed strong PAS-positive granulation in apical position, and secretory activity by a holocrine process, especially in the middle region. There was a significant difference in the epithelium height of all the regions between the reproductive season and the non-reproductive season. Sperm are stored in the epididymis throughout the year. Apart from the mature spermatozoa, immature spermatozoa with normal morphology are also observed. Under TEM, the immature spermatozoa showed a large amount of cytoplasm located eccentrically on the midpiece wrapped by plasma membrane, with some cytoplasm extended to the posterior of the head. Furthermore, the interactions of sperm with the epididymal epithelium were observed. Some sperm are associated with the secretory material in the lumen; other sperm are inserted into the intercellular space between the epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunguang Bian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
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Al-Amri IS, Mahmoud IY, Waring CP, Alkindi AY, Khan T, Bakheit C, Al-Mawali KM. The reproductive cycle of the male house gecko, Hemidactylus flaviviridis, in relation to plasma steroid concentrations, progesterone receptors, and steroidogenic ultrastructural features, in Oman. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 187:23-31. [PMID: 23524273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The annual testicular cycle of the house gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis in Oman was studied. Plasma testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) concentrations were measured using a sensitive HPLC-MS/MS detection technique. The ultrastructural steroidogenic features in Sertoli and Leydig cells, which were the major source of steriodogenesis, were examined, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, progesterone receptors (PR) were examined throughout the testicular cycle, using an immunohistochemical technique. The steroidogenic ultrastructural features were characterized by the presence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) in the form of cisternal whorls and tubular cisternae, presence of swollen vesiculated mitochondria, and association between SER, mitochondria and lipid droplets. The rise in plasma steroid concentrations was closely associated with the development of the ultrastructural features and PR expression in Leydig and Sertoli cells. During the active phase (November-May), there was a significant rise in plasma steroid concentrations (P<0.05) related to well developed steroidogenic features and strongly expressed PR. During the quiescent phase (June-August) there was a significant decline in plasma steroid concentrations, undeveloped steroiodogenic features and weakly expressed PR. The Renal Sexual Segment (RSS) was fully developed during the active phase. The data provides strong evidence that these ultrastructural steroidogenic features were related to the plasma sex steroid concentrations during the testicular cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issa S Al-Amri
- Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman.
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Sever DM, Rheubert JL, Hill TA, Siegel DS. Observations on variation in the ultrastructure of the proximal testicular ducts of the Ground Skink, Scincella lateralis (Reptilia: Squamata). J Morphol 2012. [PMID: 23192894 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The North American Ground Skink, Scincella lateralis, is a member of the most speciose family of lizards, the Scincidae. The only descriptions of the testicular ducts of skinks concern the light microscopy of 13 species in eight other genera. We combine histological observations with results from transmission electron microscopy on a sample of skinks collected throughout the active season. The single rete testis has squamous epithelium with a large, indented nucleus and no junctional complexes between cells or conspicuous organelles. Nuclei of sperm in the rete testis area are associated with cytoplasmic bodies that are lost in the ductuli efferentes. The ductuli efferentes have both ciliated and nonciliated cells and show little seasonal variation except for the narrowing of intercellular canaliculi when sperm are absent. When the ductus epididymis contains sperm, the anterior one-third lacks copious secretory material around luminal sperm, whereas in the posterior two-thirds sperm are embedded in a dense matrix of secretory material. Light and dark principal cells exist and both contain saccular, often distended rough endoplasmic reticula, and widened intercellular canaliculi that bridge intracellular spaces. Junctional complexes are lacking between principal cells except for apical tight junctions. Electron-dense secretory granules coalesce at the luminal border for apocrine release. The cranial end of the ductus deferens is similar in cytology to the posterior ductus epididymis. Each of the nine squamates in which the proximal testicular ducts have been studied with electron microscopy has some unique characters, but no synapomorphies for squamates as a group are recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Sever
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA.
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Rheubert JL, Cree A, Downes M, Sever DM. Reproductive morphology of the male Tuatara,Sphenodon punctatus. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2012.00574.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin L. Rheubert
- Department of Biology; Saint Louis University; 3507 Laclede Ave; St. Louis; MO; 63103; USA
| | - Alison Cree
- Department of Zoology; University of Otago; 340 Great King St; Dunedin; 9016; New Zealand
| | - Matthew Downes
- Department of Zoology; University of Otago; 340 Great King St; Dunedin; 9016; New Zealand
| | - David M. Sever
- Department of Biological Sciences; Southeastern Louisiana University; SLU 10736; Hammond; LA; 70401; USA
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Sever DM, Freeborn LR. Observations on the anterior testicular ducts in snakes with emphasis on sea snakes and ultrastructure in the yellow-bellied sea snake, Pelamis platurus. J Morphol 2011; 273:324-36. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.11025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Pagliarini Cabral SR, Zieri R, Franco-Belussi L, De Souza Santos LR, Saranz Zago CE, Taboga SR, Oliveira CD. Morphological Changes of the Epididymis and Description of the Excurrent Ducts of Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines: Chelidae) During the Reproductive Cycle. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2010; 294:145-55. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.21302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Revised: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Rheubert JL, Sever DM, Geheber AD, Siegel DS. Proximal Testicular Ducts of the Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2010; 293:2176-92. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.21282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Sever DM. Ultrastructure of the reproductive system of the black swamp snake (Seminatrix pygaea). VI. Anterior testicular ducts and their nomenclature. J Morphol 2009; 271:104-15. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Akbarsha MA, Kadalmani B, Tamilarasan V. Efferent ductules of the fan-throated lizard Sitana ponticeriana Cuvier: light and transmission electron microscopy study. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2007.00278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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