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Volume 10, Issue 3 (2-2010)
Abstract
Abstract
In lizards spermatogenesis takes place in two different ways: seasonal and non-seasonal. In seasonal type usually found in temperate-climate lizards, the process of spermatogenesis is limited to a defined period of the year, whereas in non-seasonal type observed in tropical-climate lizards this process occurs continuously year-round. In this research the spermatogenesis activity was studied in species of Laudakia caucasia occur in central Zagros Mountains. To fulfill this task, we collected 34 specimens of this species from Norabad, Lorestan province, during two seasons of their biological activity. The specimens were then killed and their testes were removed. After measuring the testis dimensions the specimens were prepared for histological observations. The results obtained from morphometric, histometric as well as histological examinations showed that the spermatogenesis in this taxon is seasonal and contains two phases: active and inactive. The active phase which coincides with late spring to early summer is the period in which cells in seminiferous tubules are actively involved in sperm-making process and all shapes of spermatogenic cells are seen within the tubules. During the inactive phase which begins in late-summer and lasts until the next spring, no spermatozoids is seen in the tubules as the process of spermatogenesis has been ceased. However, in this period, the regeneration activity is taking place in the gonad and the animal is preparing for its next spermatogenesis season.
