Morphological and histochemical study of reproductive system in Leaf-toed Gecko, Asaccus elisae (Werner, 1895) and its relationship to different seasons

Morphological and histochemical study of reproductive system in Leaf-toed Gecko, Asaccus elisae (Werner, 1895) and its relationship to different seasons
Annual reproductive cycle of 17 Asaccus elisae (Leaf-toed Gecko) was studied. Morphology and histochemistry of male genital system was surveyed in spring, summer and fall. After collecting geckoes, they were weighted and SVL (Snout-vent length) were measured. After opening abdominal cavity, the genital system was exposed. Then testicular weight was measured and Gonadosomatic Index was calculated. Then, the genital system was fixed in 10% buffer neutral formalin and routine process of histology was done. The slides were stained with H&E, PAS and PAS-Alcian blue. Results revealed that, testis is active in spring and fall with significant seminiferous tubules enlargement. The epididymis is filled with sperms and the sexual segments in kidney are visible and significant. For the moderate climate in west of Iran, the reproductive cycle of A. elisae is seasonal and it depends on the temperature