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Changes in Plasma Testosterone, Estrogen, and Progesterone Concentrations throughout the Annual Reproductive Cycle in Male Viviparous Blue-Tongued Skinks, Tiliqua nigrolutea, in Tasmania

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 12:53 authored by Ashley EdwardsAshley Edwards, Susan JonesSusan Jones
Few published studies have detailed comprehensively the correlations between plasma steroid hormone peaks and the timing of reproductive events in male squamate reptiles. We examined the patterns of plasma testosterone (T), estrogen (E) and progesterone (P4) concentrations in males of the viviparous blue-tongued skink, Tiliqua nigrolutea, throughout the annual cycle. Plasma T concentrations varied throughout the annual cycle, peaking at 10.9 ± 3.00 ng ml -1 during spermiogenesis, coincident with agonistic male-male interactions, but falling prior to the mating period. Mean plasma T concentrations were basal (2-3 ng ml -1 ) during reproductive quiescence. Mean plasma E concentrations were significantly elevated (778.0 ± 120.00 pg ml -1 ) during the mating period but basal ( < 300 pg ml -1 ) both before and after mating. Mean plasma P4 concentrations peaked during the mating period (1.1 ± 0.17 ng ml -1 ) and declined significantly after mating. We propose a potential role for E and P4 in the stimulation of male reproductive behavior during the mating period.

History

Publication title

Journal of Herpetology

Volume

35

Pagination

293-299

ISSN

0022-1511

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles

Place of publication

USA

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences

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