Abstract

SANZ-OCHOTORENA, Ana et al. Ultraestructura de la gónada del macho de dos subespecies de Bufo longinasus. TIP [online]. 2009, vol.12, n.1, pp.27-33. ISSN 1405-888X.

Bufo longinasus is classified as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. There is very little knowledge about this species as well as the possibility of the existence of subspecies, so the results of this research may help to clarify systematic aspects. The main goal of the study is to describe the male gonad of Bufo longinasus by Transmission Electron Microscopy. Four male toads of B.longinasus longinasus and B. longinasus cajalbanensis in reproductive period were collected in Pinar del Rio Province. Once the specimens were in the laboratory, they were anesthetized with ether. Gonads were observed in situ, and then dissected and placed in transmission electron fixatives. The results show that the male gonad has Bidder´s organ just above the testicles. The testicle has a highly pigmented tunica albuginea. Oocytes from the ovary and Bidder´s organ were morphologically identical. With respect to proliferation and cell differentiation, it appears that the cell types (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, early, middle and late spermatids, and sperm) have a cystic organization, that is, they form groups of cells associated to Sertolli cells. The sperm cells are characterized by an extraordinary nuclear compactness and the presence of an undulating membrane.

Keywords : Bufo longinasus; sperm; gonads; Bidder’s organ; pigments.

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