Adrenal testis inter-relationship in male Indian palm squirrel Funambulus pennanti Wroughton

The present work attempts to study adrenal-testes relationship in a seasonal breeder, Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti. To assess the functional status of the adrenals, its two major components i.e. cholesterol and ascorbic acid were estimated biochemically and the results related with testicular functioning and its cholesterol concentration. In addition, histological studies of the above tissues were also carried out. Variation in adrenal function is clearly manifested by fluctuations in its cholesterol and ascorbic acid contents. However, no alteration in adrenal histology was discernible. Testicular recrudescence starts in January and peak activity is reached in April and May when adrenals are most inactive. End of June markes the beginning of testicular regression and maximal regression is reached in October.