Biochemical, histochemical and immuno-cytochemical changes in the adrenal cortex of adult male domestic pigeon, <i>Columba livia</i> in relation to annual testicular and environmental cycles

The present study was conducted to investigate the seasonal physiological relationship between the gonad and adrenal gland of the adult male domestic pigeon, Columba livia . This study reports the seasonal activity cycle of the testes and adrenal gland in relation to lipids, ascorbic acid, alkaline and acid phosphatases and P450 side chain cleavage enzyme (SCC). The mean maximum daily temperature and minimum relative humidity were recorded in April, 2007 (primary breeding phase) during which both testicular and adrenal cholesterol and ascorbic acid levels were significantly low. Maximum relative humidity was lowest in December. The maximum total monthly rainfall was recorded in June and the minimum in December, January and February. Cholesterol and ascorbic acid levels in the testis and adrenal gland increased in June, July, August, December, January and February. Testicular and adrenal alkaline and acid phosphatase activity was found to be higher during the breeding period (March, April and May) and lowest in the non-breeding period (June, July and August). The accumulation of sudanophilic lipid materials was found to increase within the seminiferous tubules and decrease in both the sub-capsular (SCZ) and central zone (CZ) during the primary breeding phase. Sudanophilic lipids increased in the interstitium of testes, SCZ and CZ during regressive phase-I. High intensities of alkaline phosphatase activity were found to be localized within the interstitium and basement membrane during the breeding period. Acid phosphatase was also higher in the interstitium regions during the breeding period. The reactions of SCC enzymes were highly positive in the CZ than in the SCZ during the primary breeding phase. Keywords: adrenal gland; acid phosphatase; alkaline phosphatase; gonadal; histochemistry; immuno-cytochemistry; primary breeding phase; regressive phase. DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v39i2.3000 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 39 (2): 137-146, 2010