Open Access

ARTICLE

Sperm ultrastructure and spermatogenesis in the lizard, Tropidurus itambere

ADELINA FERREIRA, HEIDI DOLDER

Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil
Address correspondence to: Dr. Heidi Dolder. Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Campinas. CEP 13084971 Campinas, SP, BRAZIL. Fax: (55-19) 3788 6111; E-mail: heidi@unicamp.br

BIOCELL 2003, 27(3), 353-362. https://doi.org/10.32604/biocell.2003.27.353

Abstract

Spermatogenesis, with emphasis on spermiogenesis, is described for the lizard, Tropidurus itambere, using light microscopy, phase contrast and epifluorescence, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Cellular differentiation involves events of chromatin condensation, nuclear elongation and the formation of structural complexes, such as the acrosomal and axonemal ones. Other new characteristics, exclusive for this species, include various aspects of the subacrosomal granule, the insertion of the proacrosomal vesicle and the development of these structures to participate in the acrosomal complex. Radial projections occur just above the nuclear shoulders, which have been recognized already from the beginning of cellular elongation. The development of the midpiece, the dense bodies, formation of the flagellum and elimination of residual cytoplasm result in the final characterization of the mature spermatozoon. Comparisons between Tropiduridae and other lizard families are made.

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