Fatbodies and spermatogenesis in South Indian green frog Rana hexadactyla Lesson

Abstract

The role of fatbodies in the normal gonadal function of the male frog Rana hexadactyla has been studied. Present experiments have revealed that the hypothalamus exercises a control through hypophysis over the mobilization of fatbody contests which in turn control the testicular activity. The metabolites of the fatbody contents are released into the testis through the direct blood supply between the two organs which has been established by earlier workers. The role of A1 and B2 cells of the pars distalis in the mobilization of fatbody contents has already been reported. It has been found in the present study that gonadrotrophins could not stimulate gonads in the absence of fatbodies. In view of these observations, a possible modus operandi has been discussed. © 1978 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.