The sexual segment of the kidney of a tropical rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus (Reptilia, Squamata, Viperidae), and its relationship to seasonal testicular and androgen cycles.

Abstract

The sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) is a hypertrophied region of the nephron, which occurs in males of most squamate species that have been investigated, at least, during the active season. Many studies have shown that the SSK has a seasonal secretory cycle that could be correlated to the mating season, testicular activity, and androgen synthesis. However, to date, no study has investigated the presence of androgen receptors (AR) in cells of the SSK, nor the relation between the expression of AR, testosterone levels, and testicular condition. The SSK in Crotalus durissus corresponds to the distal segment of the nephron and presents a peak of hypertrophy during the period of testicular activity (spermatogenesis) and high testosterone levels, suggesting that seasonal variation of the SSK might be under the control of androgens. Testosterone concentrations and expression of AR varied seasonally with increased values for both parameters directly correlated to hypertrophy of the SSK. This study is, therefore, the first to target the SSK of a tropical snake and to establish a relationship between the secretory cycle of the SSK, testicular cycle, and levels of androgens. Furthermore, this study is the first to identify the presence of AR in the nucleus of the SSK cells.