Effect of gonadotropins and testosterone on the initiation of spermatogenesis in the hypophysectomised Indian house lizard, Hemidactylus flaviviridis Ruppell

Abstract

The action of gonadotropins (FSH, LH, PMS, and HCG) and testosterone on the initiation of spermatogenesis was studied in the Indian House Lizard Hemidactylus during the non-breeding season after pituitary ablation. Both ovine FSH and PMS initiated spermatogenesis leading to the formation of mature spermatozoa after 45 days while LH, HCG, or TP had no stimulatory effect on the testis. Synergistic action was not observed when FSH or PMS was injected in combination with LH, TP, or HCG as evidenced by the germ cell counts in the seminiferous tubules. The androgen-dependent sexual segment of the kidney was also fully developed in the animals treated with FSH or PMS. These results indicate that the initiation of gametogenic and androgenic functions in the testis of the Indian house lizard are dependent on an FSH-like protein.