Duration of spermatogenesis in the bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus). 2009

T M Segatelli, and S R Batlouni, and L R França
Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. tmsegatelli@icb.ufmg.br

The bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) has substantial economic importance and has also been used as an experimental model for biological studies in the fields of pharmacology, medicine, and reproductive biology, especially studies addressing gametogenesis. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information in the literature regarding testis structure and function in this amphibian. The main objective of the current study was to estimate the duration of the various phases of spermatogenesis in this vertebrate. Sixteen sexually mature bullfrogs received an intracoelomic administration of tritiated thymidine. Testes were analyzed at various times between 1h and 33 d after administration to detect the most advanced germ cell types labeled at each interval, as well as labeled preleptotene spermatocytes, which presumably originated from spermatogonial stem cells. The duration of the spermatogonial, spermatocytic, and spermiogenic phases of spermatogenesis in the bullfrog were approximately 18, 14, and 8 d, respectively. Thus, the total duration of the spermatogenesis process from early spermatogonia through to spermatozoa was 40 d in this species, similar to that of most previously investigated mammalian species. To our knowledge, this is the first reliable report on the duration of the full spermatogenic process in any amphibian species. These findings will be very useful for tracking the pace of germ cells in studies involving spermatogonial transplantation in lower vertebrates.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D009929 Organ Size The measurement of an organ in volume, mass, or heaviness. Organ Volume,Organ Weight,Size, Organ,Weight, Organ
D011892 Rana catesbeiana A species of the family Ranidae (true frogs). The only anuran properly referred to by the common name "bullfrog", it is the largest native anuran in North America. Bullfrog,Bullfrogs,Rana catesbeianas,catesbeiana, Rana
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D013087 Spermatids Male germ cells derived from the haploid secondary SPERMATOCYTES. Without further division, spermatids undergo structural changes and give rise to SPERMATOZOA. Spermatoblasts,Spermatid,Spermatoblast
D013091 Spermatogenesis The process of germ cell development in the male from the primordial germ cells, through SPERMATOGONIA; SPERMATOCYTES; SPERMATIDS; to the mature haploid SPERMATOZOA. Spermatocytogenesis,Spermiogenesis
D013094 Spermatozoa Mature male germ cells derived from SPERMATIDS. As spermatids move toward the lumen of the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES, they undergo extensive structural changes including the loss of cytoplasm, condensation of CHROMATIN into the SPERM HEAD, formation of the ACROSOME cap, the SPERM MIDPIECE and the SPERM TAIL that provides motility. Sperm,Spermatozoon,X-Bearing Sperm,X-Chromosome-Bearing Sperm,Y-Bearing Sperm,Y-Chromosome-Bearing Sperm,Sperm, X-Bearing,Sperm, X-Chromosome-Bearing,Sperm, Y-Bearing,Sperm, Y-Chromosome-Bearing,Sperms, X-Bearing,Sperms, X-Chromosome-Bearing,Sperms, Y-Bearing,Sperms, Y-Chromosome-Bearing,X Bearing Sperm,X Chromosome Bearing Sperm,X-Bearing Sperms,X-Chromosome-Bearing Sperms,Y Bearing Sperm,Y Chromosome Bearing Sperm,Y-Bearing Sperms,Y-Chromosome-Bearing Sperms
D013737 Testis The male gonad containing two functional parts: the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES for the production and transport of male germ cells (SPERMATOGENESIS) and the interstitial compartment containing LEYDIG CELLS that produce ANDROGENS. Testicles,Testes,Testicle
D013936 Thymidine A nucleoside in which THYMINE is linked to DEOXYRIBOSE. 2'-Deoxythymidine,Deoxythymidine,2' Deoxythymidine
D013997 Time Factors Elements of limited time intervals, contributing to particular results or situations. Time Series,Factor, Time,Time Factor

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