title: Circadian system controlling release of sperm in the insect testes.
abstract: Release of mature sperm from the testis into seminal ducts of the gypsy moth exhibits a circadian rhythm. The rhythm of sperm release was shown to persist in vitro, in isolated complexes of testis and seminal ducts cultured in light-dark cycles or in constant darkness. The phase of the rhythm was also reset in vitro by exposure to shifted light-dark cycles. Therefore, the testis-seminal ducts complex from the gypsy moth is photosensitive and contains a circadian pacemaker, which controls the rhythm of sperm movement. This finding extends the range of structures in multicellular organisms that are known to contain circadian oscillators and provides a new model system in which circadian mechanisms may be studied.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Giebultowicz
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Riemann
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Raina
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Ridgway