Prostaglandins and reproduction in male lizard, Podarcis sicula sicula

The possible role of prostaglandins in the reproductive processes of the male lizard, Podarcis sicula sicula, was investigated. The plasma levels of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), progesterone, androgens, and 17β‐estradiol, and the in vitro basal release of these hormones by testis, epididymis and interrental, at different phases of the annual sexual cycle, were studied. In addition, the in vivo and in vitro effects of PGF2α and PGE2 on steroid production were evaluated. In in vivo experiments, PGF2α and 17β‐estradiol plasma levels were highest during the refractory phase; PGE2 values were lowest and androgens highest in fighting phase. PGF2α injection increased 17β‐estradiol in refractory phase; PGE2 increased androgens in fighting phase and 17β‐estradiol in refractory phase. In in vitro experiments, testis released the highest levels of PGF2α and 17β‐estradiol in refractory phase, and of PGE2 and androgens in fighting phase. Interrenal released the highest levels of PGF2α, PGE2, and 17β‐estradiol in refractory phase, and of androgens in fighting phase. Epididymis released the highest values of PGF2α and PGE2 in mating phase. PGF2α treatment increased 17β‐estradiol release by testis and interrenals in refractory phase. PGE2 treatment increased androgen release by testis in fighting phase and 17β‐estradiol release by interrenal in refractory phase. The present data indicate that in male lizards, P. s. sicula, testicular androgen synthesis during the fighting phase is under the control of PGE2, while 17β‐estradiol synthesis during refractory phase is regulated in the testis by PGF2α and in interrenal by PGF2α and PGE2. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Copyright © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company