Survey differences in testicular tissue during pre and post hibernation in European pond turtle Emys orbicularis (Reptilia: Turtle) from Anzali lagoon,Iran

In this reseach , macroscopic and microscopic testicular tissue of the24 European pond turtle Emys orbicularis from Anzali wetlands which were taken during the December 92 to October 93 , were studied. Emys orbicularis has a pair of white and oval testicular in abdominal cavity with dimensions 8 mm length, 4 mm width and 2 mm in depth. Epididymis were observed in the distal part Which has a dark color and a length of approximately 3 mm. Based on these observations after hibernation mode, testis and sperm duct was folded. This can be seen in all adult specimens. Testicular volume is highest at this time. The samples were collected before hibernation appear testis and spermiduct is smooth. On the other hand, testicular volume and spermiduct comes down after hibernation. During the pre-hibernation and testicular volume is relatively lower. Histological study showed that during pre-hibernation spermatocytes in germ layer can not be seen, the sperm can not be seen within the lumen. But after hibernation spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes was observed. Thus it can be concluded that in the period of active spermatogenesis after hibernation, but during pre-hibernation is disabled spermatogenesis.

Keywords:

Testis , spermiduct , spermatogenesis , spermatogonia , primary spermatocytes , secondary spermatocytes , Emys orbicularis