Seasonal changes in plasma testosteron and leydig cell activity during the male reproductive cycle of Hipposideros speoris (Schneider).
Keywords:
Testosterone, Leydig cell, Testis, Accessory gland, Cauda epididymis, SpermatogenesisAbstract
Males of H. speoris exhibit defined breeding season and seasonal spermatogenesis (September-January). Spermatogenesis commences in September and peak spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis occur during November-December and becomes slightly subdued in January. Regression sets in the testis by mid-January and the testes becomes completely regressed by March. The Leydig cells are observed in the testis throughout the year with variation in the number of cells per group. The plasma testosterone levels are low during the non-breeding period (July-August). Spermatogenetic activity commences in September-October and thus there is an increase in the plasma testosterone level. Peak spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis occur during November-December when there is considerable elevation in plasma testosterone concentration. Most adult females undergo copulation in the last week of December. Few adult females which miss copulation in December or females born in the previous year (especially July) are sexually immature in December. They copulate until the middle of March and since the testes does not produce sperms; the sperms stored in the cauda epididymides are viable and are able to fertilize the ovum released by these females.
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