Seasonal variations of androgens and of several sexual parameters in male Meriones shawi in southern Morocco.
Seasonal changes of several parameters related to sexual activity were studied in the gerbil (Rodentia: Gerbillidae). The weight of the testes, seminal vesicles, and adrenals fluctuate throughout the year. Plasma androgen levels and histological aspect of the testes also vary throughout the year. Spermatogonial and steroid activities are synchronous and are maximal in winter and spring. The relationship between these activities and environmental climatic parameters is discussed: the beginning of sexual activity seems correlated with the first rains.
Zaime
A
A
Département de Physiologie et Thérapeutique, Rabat-Instituts, Morocco.
Laraki
M
M
Gautier
J Y
JY
Garnier
D H
DH
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood*; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D005849:Gerbillinae / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009018:Morocco; D009929:Organ Size / Q000502:physiology; D012621:Seasons; D012669:Seminal Vesicles / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
D000728:Androgens