Ultrastructural Features of Sperm Storage Tubules in the Oviduct of the Indian Garden Lizard, Calotes Versicolor.
This study provides the first description of the ultrastructural features of sperm storage tubules (SSTs) in the uterovaginal region of the oviduct of the Indian garden lizard, Calotes versicolor. Abundant spermatozoa along with copious secretory material were found in the lumen of the SSTs. These secretory granules appeared similar in electron density to those found in the epithelial cells lining the SSTs indicating their similar origin. The close physical proximity of sperm with these granules suggests an intimate association between the two. The present study is also the first report of recovery of motile sperm from the flushings of SSTs in C. versicolor. The density of sperm found in the flushings varied, being most abundant during the reproductive phase and minimum/absent during the regressive phase. Understanding the microenvironment of the SSTs, the nature of the secretory granules and their interaction with sperm can guide us in unraveling the biology of oviductal sperm storage.
Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka, India.|Department of Zoology, St. Philomena's College, Bannimantap, Mysore, Karnataka, India.
Goutham
G
Shankar
Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Institute of National Importance), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Bhadravathi Kenchappa Chandrasekhar
BK
Sagar
Department of Zoology, St. Philomena's College, Bannimantap, Mysore, Karnataka, India.
Titus Ruth Shantha
TR
Kumari
Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka, India.
Gopal Kedihithlu
GK
Marathe
D000818:Animals; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D008116:Lizards; D008297:Male; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D010057:Oviducts / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012098:Reproduction; D022142:Secretory Vesicles / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*
secretory material; sperm storage tubules; uterovaginal junction