Studies On Annual Variation In Histology And Immunocytochemistry Of The Male Reproductive System Of Zaocys Dhumnades

The morphology and microstructure of testis, epididymis and deferent duct in adult Chinese Rat Snake (Zaocys dhumnades) were observed and analyzed relatively systemically using histological methods during the annual reproduction cycle, in an attempt to investigate its reproductive rule. The concentrations of serum testosterone, estradiol and progesterone were measured by Radioimmunoassay (RIA) during the annual reproductive cycle, in order to elucidate the rules of serum sex steroid hormones, and find out the relationships between sex steroid hormones and spermatogenesis, and reproductive activity. To discuss their effects on spermatogenesis, the localization of androgen receptor, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and aromatese in the testis and deferent duct were studied by immunocytochemistry during annual reproductive cycle. The aims of these studies were to enrich contents of reproductive biology and reproductive endocrinology in reptile, and provide basic datum for the works of reproduction, protection and using of Chinese Rat Snake. The investigation gets the following conclusions.1. The spermatogenetic cycle of Chinese Rat Snake comprises six stages with significant features: Stage â…  in April, the testis were at the stage of spermatogonic proliferation; Stage â…¡ from May to June, spermatocytes was observed in seminiferous tubules; Stage â…¢in July, spermatocytes was in meiotic division state; Stage â…£ from August to October, spermatids were transformed to spermatozoa; Stage â…¤ in November, the testicular activity ceased basically; Stage â…¥ from December to January, the testicular activity ceased completely. Therefore, the spermatogenetic cycle is of discontinuous type, and the reproductive tyle of Chinese Rat Snake belongs to postnuptial.2. The curves of annual variation in testis mass and testis index of Chinese Rat Snake presented doublet and singlet one respectively. Both testis mass and testis index were considered to be criterions for determine stage of spermatogenetic cycle. Thereinto, the first peak of the curve of annual variation in testis mass denoted that the testis was of the stage â…¢, and the second one indicated that the testis in stage â…£. The peak of the curve of annual variation in testis index showed that the testis was in the stage â…¢ of...