Seasonal reproductive activity in the testes and seminal vesicles of the catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

Abstract

A seasonal study of the seminal vesicles i n relation to that of the testes has been conducted i n the catfish, H . fossilis. The annual reproductive cycle of the catfish has been divided into ( i ) Preparatory period (February-April), (ii) Prespawning period (May-June), (iii) Spawning period (July-August) and (iv) Postspawning period (September-January). Testes exhibit initiation of spermatogciiesis in the midpreparatory period, but significant increase i n weight of the testes accompanied by active spermatogenesis occurs during the prespawiiing period. In the spawning period, the testes are maximally enlarged and their seminiferous tubules are packed with spermatozoa. Following spawning; the testes gradually regress in the postspawning period. The seminal vesicles show initiation of secretory activity during the preparatory period but their recrudescence lags behind that of the testes by about a month. The seminal vesicles attain maximum weight and secretory activity during the spawning period. Thereafter, the seminal vesicles regress precipitously and sooner than the testes.The histochemical and biochemical studies on the seminal vesicles indicate that the secretion contains mucoproteins, acid mucopolysaccharides, primary proteoses. besides traces of phospholipids and native proteins.

Seasonal changes in steroid metabolism in the male reproductive organ-system of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus

“…These biochemical data are in agreement with previous histochemical results by Van Den Hurk et al (1986)) showing a strong increase in steroidogenic activity of the interstitial cells in the testes of Clurim guriepinus during the periods of full spermatogenesis and breeding. Although in the testes of the Indian catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, interstitial cells were not prominent during the period of active spermatogenesis and the ensuing breeding period (Nayyar and Sundararaj, 1970)) a correlation between plasma testosterone elevation and growth of testes and seminal vesicles was found by Lamba et al (1983). A similar correlation was observed in Ictalurus nebulosus (Burke et al, 1984).…”

Reproduction of the catfish Iheringichthys labrosus (Lütken) (Pisces, Siluriformes) in Furnas reservoir, Minas Gerais, Brazil

“…The variations of the secretory activity of the cells in tubules of the caudal region of the testis were also observed during the maturational cycle. Seasonal alterations in secretory activity of the seminal vesicles in relation to testis cycle have already been described in few species: Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822) (RASTOGI 1969), Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794) (NAYYAR & SUNDARARAJ 1970) and Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1748) (SINGH & JOY 1999).…”

Testicular structure of three species of neotropical freshwater pimelodids (Pisces, Pimelodidae)

“…Seasonal variations in weight and secretory activity of these vesicles, in relation to testes cycle have been described for other Siluriformes: Mistus tengara (Hamilton, 1822) (RASTOGI 1969), H. fossilis (NAYYAR & SUNDARARAJ 1970) and C. batrachus (SINGH & JOY 1999). However, WEISEL (1949) did not observe any seasonal changes in length nor in the structure of seminal vesicles epithelial cells of Gillichthys mirabilis Cooper, 1864.…”

“…Therefore, FISHELSON et al (1994) demonstrated, through ontogenesis of seminal vesicles of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) that they are formed in the beginning of spermatogenesis, as a simple protrusion on the wall of the spermatic duct and become complex with age. SUNDARARAJ (1958), LEHRI (1967), RASTOGI (1969), NAYYAR & SUNDARARAJ (1970), VAN DER HURK et al (1987), ASAHINA et al (1989) andLAHNSTEINER et al (1990) affirmed to the presence of the seminal vesicle in some teleosts, notably in catfishes, gobids and blenids. For the species studied in the present work, naming testes caudal fringes, as seminal vesicle is inappropriate, as according to their embryonic and ontogenic development they are not homologous to mammal's seminal vesicle.…”