Seasonal variation in steroid biosynthesis by the testis of the lizard Tiliqua Rugosa

1. Seasonal change in the biosynthesis of androgens by testicular tissue from a scincid lizard Tiliqua rugosa has been studied in vitro using [7-3H]pregnenolone and [4-14C]progesterone as substrates. 2. Evidence is presented for the synthesis of epitestosterone, testosterone, androstenedione, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, 20 beta-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, and 17 alpha, 20 beta-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one. 3. Epitestosterone was the major conversion product. Its yield was highest (68%) during summer and lowest (14%) during spring. The yield of testosterone was maximal (10%) during spring (mating season). The production of 20 beta-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one was highest during spring and undetectable during summer. 4. Histological evidence and changes in testicular weight indicated that spermatogenic activity was greatest during spring. Pronounced regression of the testis occurred immediately after the breeding season and lasted until autumn.