Cell and Tissue Journal

Abstract Aim: To investigate spermatogenesis in the Marsh frog living in Makhmalkooh, Khorramabad, and determine which type of spermatogenesis found in this species.
Material and Methods: 34 male frogs were collected from the study area during September to February. First, the specimens were identified by measuring biometric, meristic characters and according the present keys. Then, abdominal cavity was dissected and the gonads were out and processed to prepare for histological sections methods. The tissue sections were finally examined for histological features and three quantitative parameters.
Results: Microscopic observations showed that in this species the event of sperm releasing starts in March and continue to June, during which spermatogenic cysts are observed on the wall of seminiferous tubules. This event ceases during July to September when spermatogenesis enters to its resting phase. During the resting phase the cysts are not found in the seminiferous tubules. A regenerative phase was distinguished during September to March as the number of cell increased in germinal layer. Quantitative surveys also illustrated that during March to September, diameter of the tubules and their germinal layer initially increased and then declined while the lumen’s diameter showed an opposite flux when compared with two other parameters.
Conclusion: Based on the results presented here, it seems that in this species the spermatogenesis does not occur as continuous but it is carried out in the form of semi-continuous or potentially continuous.