Abstract
The spermatogenesis of Pseudis limellum, from the Southern Pantanal, Brazil, was studied from July 1995 to May 1996, through histological sections of the testis. The cells could be differentiated as: primary spermatogonia, large cells, generally with bilobed nucleus; secondary spermatogonia, smaller cells, with darker cytoplasm, chromatin of radial form; primary and secondary spermatocytes, differentiated according to the different stages of the nucleus during the successive cells divisions. Furthermore, we observed cells in process of morphologic differentiation: rounded spermatids much smaller, with nucleus containing chromatin in compacting process and cytoplasm reduction; elongated spermatids, generally parallel organized in well defined bundles, with the anterior region directed toward the periphery of the seminiferous tubule and the tail directed toward the lumen. Spermatozoa are free in the lumen of the seminiferous tubule. All the cells are organized as cysts, which are supported by a large amount of Sertoli cells. The spermatogenesis in P. limellum is very similar to that of other anurans, but peculiarities were observed regarding the organization of the germ cells, the great amount of free Sertoli cells in the lumen of testis collected in May, and the long cytoplasmatic extensions of the cells bearing pigments and involving the seminiferous tubule. The diameter of the seminiferous tubule (SD) exhibited an annual mean of 251.79 +/- 37.57 microm. Spermatozoa number by seminiferous tubule (SN) exhibited an annual mean of 306.66 +/- 39.83, also with higher and lower values at each month. Variations in SD and SN were not significantly correlated with climatic variables. In this species, reproduction occurs throughout the year in ponds and flooded areas, despite the seasonal climate of the Pantanal. Although males varied in their annual reproductive activity, they were considered potentially reproductive in all months throughout the year.
Highlights
The reproductive activity in anurans is correlated with the climatic conditions of the environment where they live
Primary spermatogonia are characterized by their basal location within the seminiferous tubule, they are much larger than the other germ cells and their nuclei
According to Oliveira et al (2003), spermatogenesis occurs in structures called seminiferous tubules, where the germinal epithelium is organized into spermatocysts
Summary
The reproductive activity in anurans is correlated with the climatic conditions of the environment where they live. Pseudis limellum adults are small size frogs, snoutvent length of 15.9 - 23.0 mm for females and 14.4 20.2 mm for males (Prado and Uetanabaro, 2000) They are typically aquatic (Gallardo, 1988), occurring in open habitats, such as the Chaco and Cerrado, but they are found in forest habitats (Bosch et al, 1996). We described spermatogenesis and verified testis histological variations along the year Such variations were correlated with the seasonal climate of the Pantanal, where the species occurs in high densities throughout the year. Adult males of Pseudis limellum (N = 36) were collected in the Southern Pantanal (19o34’S, 57o00’W), municipality of Corumbá, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The recognition of cells was made according to Hermosilla et al (1983)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
