Histologia do aparelho reprodutor masculino de Boa constrictor constrictor e sua relação com aspectos da biologia reprodutiva

Abstract

With approximately 3700 species and belonging to the Squamata Order, the snakes represent the second most diverse group within the reptiles. Characterize snake reproductive organs enables to understand morphological and physiological reproduction aspects, as well as spermatogenesis information, and provides valuable information that improves reproductive techniques application. Thus, the aim of this work was to describe the male Boa constrictor constrictor reproductive system histologically, correlating these findings with reproductive biology aspects. The reproductive and renal systems of two wildlife Boa c. constrictor males and the testicles and part of the vas deferens of male Boa c. constrictor kept in captivity were obtained. The organs were cut to a thickness of 3μm in microtome, stained with 1% Toluidine Blue, Periodic-Schiff Acid (PAS) staining and Masson's trichrome staining, photodocumented and described. Histological findings show particularities in hemipenis (striated musculature with centralized nucleus), as well as adjacent structures of tubular appearance and acinar aspect observed in proximity to the epididymis, in the mid-caudal portion, presenting a secretory aspect, evidenced by Blue of Toluidine and PAS staining. In addition, the histological findings along with the copulation period reported in the literature resemble the pre-nuptial pattern observed in other snakes.