Seasonal changes in spermatogenesis and ultrastructure of developing spermatids in the Japanese rat snake, Elaphe...

Seasonal changes in spermatogenesis and the ultrastructure of developing spermatids in the Japanese rat snake, Elaphe climacophora, were observed by light and transmission electron microscopy. Spermatogenesis in this species began in August, continued through October and ceased in November. No spermatozoa were found during other periods. Japanese rat snakes mate from May to July, and spermatogenesis occurs after the mating season. Therefore, according to Girons' classification (1982), the reproduction of this species was classified as a postnuptial type. Although the morphological changes in developing spermatids during spermiogenesis in these snakes fundamentally resembled those in mammals, some unique features were detected. The most prominent characteristic of the developing spermatids was lipid-like structures. These structures first appeared in early round spermatids, gradually increased in size and number, and, finally, aligned around the nucleus of mature spermatids. Although spermatozoa with lipid-like structures were released from the epithelium, stored spermatozoa in vas deferenses had none of these structures. Lipid-like structures that apparently separated from spermatozoa were scattered in the vas deferens. Prominent elongation of mitochondria was also remarkable in elongated spermatids.