Steroidogenesis during Dry and Wet Season of Free-Living Male Scorpion Mud Turtle (<i>Kinosternon scorpioides</i>)

This study aimed to elucidate seasonal reproductive patterns by associating the immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes responsible for estrogen and androgen synthesis, cytochromes P450 aromatases (P450 arom), 17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P450c17) respectively, as well redox partner NADPH cytochrome oxido-reductase (CPR) in male mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides). The animals were collected at São Bento, Maranhão, Brazil. Testicles epidydimes from 38 adult characterized immunohistochemistry (IHC) western blotting. Data analyzed two seasons: dry wet season. In addition, gonadosomatic index, morphometry, concentrations testosterone, corticosterone, estradiol analyzed. changes biometrics, cell testicular steroidogenesis between seasons support that produced Leydig cells might influence germ production during spermatogenesis, expression arom P450c17 play a role quiescence. We found P450arom, P450c17, CPR are present testes epididymides both seasons. These findings state quiescence season active spermatogenesis