Influence of reproductive season upon plasma biochemistry values in green iguanas

Abstract

The trial involved eleven 10-month-old green iguanas (Iguana iguana rhinolopha, 5 males/6 females) from a single clutch of captive breeding program. Lizards were housed in an experimental room and maintained in terraria (75 cm × 85 cm × 85 cm), with a constant light/temperature/air humidity regime (12 h/12 h, 24-35°C, 60-80%). The body condition and health status of the iguanas was monitored at regular intervals. At the age of 34 months three females laid eggs spontaneously whereas the other three females suffering from pre-ovulatory follicle stasis (POFS) were ovariectomized (OVE) at the end of 35 months. Within the period of the reproductive activity (February - March, November-January) plasma concentrations of calcium, cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in females than in males. Significantly higher concentrations of calcium and triglycerides were found in plasma samples of POFS females than in healthy females after oviposition. Plasma concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly higher in intact females than in OVE females. The mechanism of hormonal control for seasonal changes of calcium, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in blood of female green iguana remains to be examined in the future.