PROSTAGLANDINS AND REPRODUCTION IN MALE LIZARD, PODARCIS-SICULA-SICULA

The possible role of prostaglandins in the reproductive processes of t he male lizard, Podarcis sicula sicula, was investigated. The plasma l evels of prostaglandin F-2 alpha (PGF(2 alpha)), prostaglandin E(2) (P GE(2)), progesterone, androgens, and 17 beta-estradiol, and the in vit ro basal release of these hormones by testis, epididymis and interrent al, at different phases of the annual sexual cycle, were studied. In a ddition, the in vivo and in vitro effects of PGF(2 alpha) and PGE(2) o n steroid production were evaluated. In in vivo experiments, PGF(2 alp ha) and 17 beta-estradiol plasma levels were highest during the refrac tory phase; PGE(2) values were lowest and androgens highest in fightin g phase. PGF(2 alpha) injection increased 17 beta-estradiol in refract ory phase; PGE(2) increased androgens in fighting phase and 17 beta-es tradiol in refractory phase. In in vitro experiments, testis released the highest levels of PGF(2 alpha) and 17 beta-estradiol in refractory phase, and of PGE(2) and androgens in fighting phase. Interrenal rele ased the highest levels of PGF(2 alpha), PGE(2), and 17 beta-estradiol in refractory phase, and of androgens in fighting phase. Epididymis r eleased the highest values of PGF(2 alpha) and PGE(2) in mating phase. PGF(2 alpha) treatment increased 17 beta-estradiol release by testis and interrenals in refractory phase. PGE(2) treatment increased androg en release by testis in fighting phase and 17 beta-estradiol release b y interrenal in refractory phase. The present data indicate that in ma le lizards, P. s. sicula, testicular androgen synthesis during the fig hting phase is under the control of PGE(2), while 17 beta-estradiol sy nthesis during refractory phase is regulated in the testis by PGF(2 al pha) and in interrenal by PGF(2 alpha) and PGE(2). (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss ,Inc.