Spermatogenesis without spermiogenesis in Laudakia caucasia (Reptilia: Agamidae): the role of hibernation

During hibernation period from Mid October to Late March, we removed testis of Laudakia caucasia. Based on histological and statistical analyses we obtained two phases in spermatogenesis in this lizard as follows: (a) from October to December, in which the spermatogenesis is inactive and (b) from January to March, in which the spermatogenesis is active. Spermatogenesis during late hibernation occurred without spermiogenesis. An evidence for this is that the first and secondary spermatocytes produced but lumen of the seminiferous tubules were without spermatozoa.

Keywords:

Spermatogenesis , Spermiogenesis , Hibernation , Laudakia caucasia , Iran