Title

Morphological and histological changes in the genital ducts of the male Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina, during the seasonal reproductive cycle

Authors

Authors

A. Piercy; J. Gelsleichter;F. F. Snelson

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Fish Physiol. Biochem.

Keywords

seminal vesicle; epididymis; PCNA; Dasyatis sabina; PORT-JACKSON SHARK; MACROPUS-EUGENII MACROPODIDAE; ESTROGEN-RECEPTOR-ALPHA; ST JOHNS RIVER; HETERODONTUS-PORTUSJACKSONI; TAMMAR WALLABY; EPITHELIUM PROLIFERATION; EURYHALINE ELASMOBRANCH; CALLORHYNCHUS-MILII; EFFERENT DUCTULES; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Fisheries; Physiology

Abstract

Changes in the morphology and histology of the epididymis and seminal vesicle in male Atlantic stingrays (Dasyatis sabina) were examined in relation to the seasonal reproductive cycle. Observations on the size and structure of these organs were accompanied by analysis of cell proliferation in genital duct epithelia using proliferating cell nuclear antigen ( PCNA) as a marker for mitotic activity. No signs of reproductive tract growth or histological alteration were apparent during the initial stages of spermatogenesis. However, increased PCNA expression in the seminal vesicle epithelium was observed during this period, suggesting that this organ begins to undergo preparatory changes at an early stage in the reproductive cycle. During late spermatogenesis, heightened expression of PCNA in epithelial cells of the epididymis and seminal vesicle was observed in conjunction with dramatic increases in size and semen content of these organs. Extensive changes in the histological architecture of the genital ducts also were evident at this time, including regression of the stroma and an increase in size and secretory activity of the epithelium. Although the epididymis regressed in size and structure shortly after sperm production was completed, the seminal vesicle retained its appearance and activity for the duration of the 7-month copulatory period. Afterwards, immune cell content increased considerably in both ducts, likely reflecting clearance of residual spermatozoa in preparation for the subsequent reproductive season. The present study provides a basis for future reports on the physiological regulation of reproductive tract function in elasmobranchs, and establishes PCNA immunocytochemistry as a novel tool for such investigations.

Journal Title

Fish Physiology and Biochemistry

Volume

29

Issue/Number

1

Publication Date

1-1-2003

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

23

Last Page

35

WOS Identifier

WOS:000222877300003

ISSN

0920-1742

Share

COinS