Effects of ovariectomy and steroid replacement on the genital tract of the viviparous lizard, Xantusia vigilis

Two glandular components are described in the genital tract of Xantusia : tubal glands in the Fallopian tube and goblet cells in the uterine villi. Sperm or seminal receptacles occur between adjacent villi in the uterus. Forty ovariectomized lizards carrying a silk loop in the wall of the left uterus were treated for two weeks with either progesterone, estradiol‐17 β, progesterone plus estradiol or vehicle. Uteri with loops serving as a local irritant, did not differ significantly from the contra‐lateral uteri in any group, hence a response similar to the deciduomal reaction of mammals is not found in this lizard. The weight of the genital tract is similar in sham‐operated and in ovariectomized lizards injected with either progesterone or the vehicle. Maximal increase in weight of the tract is noted with estradiol treatment, while simultaneous administration of both steroids is followed by a moderate increase of oviducal weight. Tubal glands and sperm receptacles in ovariectomized lizards injected with either the vehicle or progesterone are smaller than those of the sham‐operated or ovariectomized lizards treated with estradiol or with estradiol plus progesterone. Goblet cells are small and lack secretory granules in ovariectomized lizards injected with either the vehicle, or with estrogen or progesterone alone. Both steroids, given together, restore the size and apparent secretory activity of the goblet cells. It is concluded that in this viviparous species, both estrogen(s) and progestin(s) are essential for the maturation of the genital tract in the preovulatory stage.