Testicular activity during different phases of reproductive cycle in the adrenalectomized lizard, Mabuya carinata...

The effects of bilateral adrenalectomy on the spermatogenetic and steroidogenic activity of the testis in different phases of the reproductive cycle of Mabuya carinata have been investigated. Adrenalectomy results in a significant decrease in the mean number of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes, the diameters of the testis and tubule, and the activity levels of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in recrudescent, breeding, regressing, and quiescent phases of the reproductive cycle when compared with those of controls. Further, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa were absent in the adrenalectomized lizards in all the phases of the cycle. The results indicate the involvement of the adrenals in the recrudescence and maintenance of testicular activity in M. carinata.