Annual cycles in plasma testosterone and thyroxine in the male aspic viper Vipera aspis L., (Reptilia, Viperidae), in relation to the sexual cycle and hibernation

Abstract

Blood samples were taken monthly from males of Vipera aspis kept in outdoor terraria. Plasma testosterone was estimated by radioimmunoassay and plasma thyroxine by the technique of isotopic competition, between October 1979 and September 1985. Plasma testosterone showed an annual bimodal profile. The highest peak was observed from February 15 to the end of March, 2 to 5 weeks after the first emergence from hibernation. Values then decreased greatly, to reach a minimum level when the vernal spermiogenesis was at its maximum. The secondary peak of plasma testosterone was lower and less well marked. It occurred at the end of summer, during the strongest spermiogenesis, and preceded the autumnal facultative mating period. Plasma thyroxine was at a maximum concentration from February to March after which levels decreased markedly. The seasonal profile of plasma thyroxine was clearly marked during the period of hibernation. From September to October, 2 months before the beginning of hibernation, thyroxine levels began to decrease, and they reached a minimum in November–December. Endocrine reactivation of the thyroid appeared at the end of hibernation. However, in contrast to the plasma testosterone, endocrine activity of the thyroid began 2 to 3 weeks before the end of hibernation. Mechanisms of reactivation for testicular and thyroidal endocrine structures are discussed.