Spermatogenetic cycle in Salamandrina terdigitata (Lacépède, 1788) (Amphibia: Salamandridae)
Brizzi, R.; Calloni, C.; Vanni, S.
Zeitschrift für Mikroskopisch-Anatomische Forschung 99(2): 271-292
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-3107 PMID: 4024700 Document Number: 243570
A histological study of the testis in S. terdigitata shows that it has an annual spermatogenetic cycle. The annual regeneration is accomplished mainly by the residual spermatogonia I in the cysts, which renew mitotic division before or during spermiation. This regenerative mechanism also seems supported by that due to the cranial germcord spermatogonia I, so that the testicular regeneration can be defined as mixed or double. During the winter, spermatogonial mitoses in the testicular cysts slow down but do not stop, thus undergoing a winter hemostasis. The sperm, totally evacuated from the testis between the end of the summer and the autumn, accumulate in the Wolffian ducts where a large number remain until the following spring, probably in relationship to the existence of several breeding periods.