Histological Study On The Testes of African Striped Ground Squirrel (Xerus Erythropus)

Abstract

In this study, the testes of African striped ground squirrels (Xerus erythropus)obtained between the months of January and May were studied at histological level using Haematoxilin and Eosin stain, Masson Trichome stain and Periodic acid Schiff to examine the histo-architechure, collagen and glycogen localizations in the testes respectively. The results showed that the testes had finely arranged cells within the seminiferous tubules which were positive for both Masson-trichome and Periodic acid shiff by reacting to the blue and magenta colours respectively. However, the histoarchitechture of the testes did not show spermatogenic activity. In conclusion, the testes of African striped ground squirrel obtained between the months of January and May did not show detailed spermatogenic activity. This suggests that the squirrel is a seasonal breeding rodent with a dormant reproductive phase occurring around January to May. The testes also contains cells that express glycogen which suggests that energy in form of glycogen may be needed for the initiation of spermatogenesis.