| Popis: |
Using three species of Korean frogs (Rana dybowskii, R. rugosa and R. nigromaculata), the annual spermatogenic pattern, the seasonal changes in the steroidogenic competence, and responsiveness of testis to gonadotropins in terms of testosterone secretion in vitro were examined. The spermatogenic pattern of R. dybowskii was classified as a discontinuous type since spermatogenesis stops completely after spawning in late winter (February) until mid‐summer (July). In contrast, the pattern of R. nigromaculata and R. rugosa was classified as a potent continuous type since sperm was always present in the seminiferous tubules all year round. In all three species, the levels of testicular testosterone and that of testosterone secreted by testis following in vitro culture were very low in late summer (August), but increased thereafter until winter (hibernation period). Interestingly, responsiveness of testis in vitro to gonadotropins in terms of testosterone secretion increased markedly in November (early hibernati... |
