Ovarian, oviductal, and placental morphology of the reproductively bimodal lizard, Sceloporus aeneus

Abstract

Sceloporus aeneus exhibits reproductive bimodality. That is, one taxon (Sceloporus aeneus bicanthalis) is viviparous whereas the other (Sceloporus aeneus aeneus) is oviparous. Morphological differences in luteal and oviductal structure were examined. Oviparous and viviparous females have distinct corpora lutea that form immediately after ovulation and remain active until just prior to oviposition or parturition. Luteal activity is correlated positively with follicular atresia. The oviduct of both subspecies is divided into three distinct morphological regions: an anterior infundibulum, a median uterus, and a posterior vagina. The infundibulum and vagina of females exhibiting either parity type are similar, whereas distinct differences in utering morphology are apparent. Primarily, these differences include the loss of uterine glands and a reduction in epithelial cell height in the viviparous form. Moreover, viviparous females possess a simple but well-developed chorioallantoic placenta and a simple choriovitelline placenta. Chorioallantoic placentation is associated with a significant increase in uterine vascularity, indicating a role in gas and/or water exchange. The evolution of viviparity and placentation are discussed in relation to these observations.