Journal of Endocrinology and Reproduction

M. S. Sastry ¹, S. B. Pillai ¹, D. Tembhare ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur-44003, IN

Abstract

A study of ovaries during a complete reproductive cycle in mature females of Hipposideros speoris showed the presence of thecal type interstitial gland tissue during the late-recrudescence and breeding phases. Luteal-like transformation of fibroblasts of theca of multilaminar atretic follicles results in the formation of thecal interstitial gland tissue. This interstitial tissue undergoes a variety of cellular alterations till its complete differentiation. After persisting for a short while in the wall of degenerating follicles it reverts back as stromal cells and thus is very transient. Cyclical variations in the histochemical localization of lipids, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSDH), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSDH), succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) were observed. The histochemical shift in the enzyme activities and substrates during the reproductive cycle, corresponding to changes in the metabolic requirements as well as steroidogenesis suggests role for this tissue in ovarian physiology.

Keywords

Microchiroptera, Hipposideros, Ovary, Thecal Interstitial Gland.

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M. S. Sastry ¹, Sushmita Choudhury ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur-440033, IN

Abstract

Hipposideros speoris is an insectivorous bat which breeds once in a year. The adult males show peak in their testicular activity from November-December, corresponding to the mid-December ovulation in the females. The testis of this bat was investigated for histochemical localization of succinic dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the Leydig cells. Specific changes in the enzyme reactions were observed correlative to the reproductive status. Thus, during the quiescent phase (April-August) proliferation of the atrophied Leydig cells was observed, along with a moderate activity of both the enzymes. With the approach of maturity (recrudescent phase: September-October) an enhancement in the enzyme activities was noticed. The onset of breeding period (November-December) brought about an abundance of Leydig cells and increase in the intensity of the enzyme reactions. During the post-mating phase (mid-December) the Leydig cells were not only regressed but decreased in abundance, with corresponding decrease in the localization of the enzymes. During the regression phase (January-March) there was a dramatic decrease in the abundance of the cells as well as intensity of reaction of the enzymes. It is concluded that G-6-PDH and SDH would generate NADPH that is needed for hydroxylation of steroids during steroidogenesis and the histochemical demonstration of these two enzymes provides an additional evidence for the steroid generating capacity of the Leydig cells, which follows a seasonal pattern.

Keywords

Bat, Hipposideros speoris, Leydig Cells, G-6-PDH, SDH.

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M. S. Sastry ¹, S. B. Pillai ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Nagpur University Campus, Nagpur - 440 033, IN

Abstract

The ovaries of Hipposideros speoris were observed throughout the reproductive cycle from July 2001 to 2002. The interstitial cells or so called "epithelial cords" showed variations in their distribution, morphology and association with other ovarian structures. These cords appear to be formed in the ovarian cortex by the transformation of granulosa ceils of primordial follicles and small preantral follicles whose ova regress and disappear. Mostly, these cords were conspicuous, hypertrophied, abundant and in clusters or in zones occupying major portion of the cortex during 4-5 months of gestation and also during lactation period. The accumulation of sudanophilic lipid droplets in these cords suggests their role in steroid biosynthesis, most probably the progestins. An increase in lipid droplets parallels the development of alkaline phosphatase reactivity. The origin and the fate of the cords were not determined but their absence or reduction in number suggests their transformation into stroma during non-pregnancy.

Keywords

Lipid Droplets, Progestins, Reproductive Cycle of Bat, Epithelial Cords.

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M. S. Sastry ¹, S. N. Guta ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Nagpur University Campus, Nagpur-440010, IN

Abstract

1 mg DMPA dissolved in olive oil was administered intramuscularly to eight squirrels daily for 30 and 60 days respectively. The other four control animals received same amount of olive oil instead. Thirty days treatment on test is resulted into an arrest of spermatogenesis at pachytene stage of primary spermatocyte, decrease in the seminiferous tubule size, noticeable thickness of lamina propria, extensive vacuolation and necrosis of germinal epithelium thereby sloughing of apoptotic cells into the testicular and epididymal lumen. Caput epididymis from both the groups showed extensive growth of intertubular fibromuscular tissue resulting into noticeable reduction in the size of tubules.

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