Spermatogenesis and Testicular Cycle in Rough Greensnakes,Opheodrys aestivus, from Arkansas

Abstract

Abstract Spermatogenesis, the production of sperm, is a fundamental part of the reproductive cycle in vertebrates and warrants detailed study. Reptiles exhibit a hybrid pattern of spermatogenesis that has similarities with both anamniotes and amniotes. Researching this interesting transition will help us better understand vertebrate evolution. To this end, we histologically examined the spermatogenic and testicular cycle of Rough Greensnakes (Opheodrys aestivus) from Arkansas. We hypothesized that spermatogenesis in Rough Greensnakes would follow the different spermatogenic stages found in previously published studies on temperate snakes. In addition, we hypothesized that both season and seminiferous tubule diameter would have a significant effect on seminiferous tubule epithelial height. Finally, we hypothesized that Rough Greensnakes would exhibit postnuptial spermatogenesis. We constructed a cell wheel illustrating the chronological development of all germ cell stages for this species and measured semi...