Histological structure of the male reproductive organs and spermatogenesis in a copulating sculpin, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Radulinopsis taranetzi</Emphasis> (Scorpaeniformes: Cottidae) |
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Authors: | Takuzo Abe Hiroyuki Munehara |
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Institution: | (1) Shizugawa Nature Center, 40 Sakamoto, Minamisanriku-cho Togura, Motoyoshi-gun, Miyagi 986-0781, Japan;(2) Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Usujiri Fisheries Laboratory, Hokkaido University, 152 Usujiri-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-1613, Japan |
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Abstract: | Characteristics of the structure and function of male reproductive organs in the copulating sculpin Radulinopsis taranetzi were investigated based on histological observations. The male reproductive organs comprised three parts: a pair of testes,
a seminal vesicle, and a penis. Germinal cells matured in cysts located in the small seminal lobules. Asynchronous spermatogenesis
advanced rapidly from the posterior to the anterior region of the testes. After sperm matured in the posterior part of the
testes, the seminiferous epithelium of the seminal lobules synthesized and secreted eosinophilic fluid that showed a positive
periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) reaction into the seminal lobules. Spermatozoa excreted from the posterior part of the testes were
stored together with the secretion in the seminal vesicle and showed no activity in the seminal fluid. Histological observations
throughout the year suggest that the fluid is secreted and spermatozoa are stored in the seminal vesicles during February
to July, which is presumably when mating occurs. The importance of testicular maturation and the secretion of eosinophilic
fluid during this long reproductive period is also discussed. |
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Keywords: | Testicular structure Asynchronous spermatogenesis Copulation Reproductive cycle Seminal fluid |
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