Phagocytosis of spermatozoa by epithelial cells in the vagina of the lizard Hemidactylus mabouia (Reptilia, Squamata).
Micron
; 42(5): 377-80, 2011 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21185731
Hemidactylus mabouia is an Africa oviparous lizard that is now distributed on other continents and has been introduced to Brazil. In the majority of reptiles, the females have the ability to store spermatozoa in specialized regions of the genital tract. Considering that in H. mabouia the storage of spermatozoa is restricted to the region of the uterine tube, in this study we utilized optical and transmission electron microscopy to investigate the processes related to the large number of spermatozoa in the vagina. Although it was possible to visualize spermatozoa in the vagina, an ultrastructural analysis of the region revealed that significant phagocytosis occurs, which is mediated by the epithelial cells. Such a process indicates that the anterior portion of the vagina is related to the elimination of supernumerary or deficient spermatozoa and not storage.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Fagocitose
/
Vagina
/
Células Epiteliais
/
Lagartos
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Micron
Assunto da revista:
DIAGNOSTICO POR IMAGEM
Ano de publicação:
2011
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil
País de publicação:
Reino Unido