Description of the Seminiferous Epithelium Cycle Stages in the Zebra Finch <i>Taeniopygia guttata</i>.

ABSTRACT: Spermatogenesis in passerine birds remains poorly characterized. Previous studies focused on the steps of spermiogenesis, while a detailed staging of the seminiferous epithelium cycle is still lacking for this order. In this study, we provide the first comprehensive histological characterization of spermatogenesis in a model passerine species, the zebra finch. We defined ten distinct steps of spermiogenesis based on acrosomal and nuclear morphology of spermatids in Periodic acid-Schiff-stained histological sections. Using this classification, we further defined seven stages of the seminiferous epithelium, encompassing cytological features associated with the programmed DNA elimination, which is unique to passerines. Our analysis revealed that seminiferous tubules of the zebra finch exhibit

SUBMITTER: Bikchurina T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12691532 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature