Journal de cytologie et d'histologie

The Endocrine Pancreas of the Lizard Calotes versicolor: An Immunocytochemical and Physiological Study with Respect to its Reproductive Cycle

Abstract

Vidya. R. Chandavar and Prakash. R. Naik

The present investigation was undertaken to record the distribution and number of insulin immunoreactive (IR) and glucagon-IR cells in the pancreas and to find out their effect on plasma glucose level in Calotes versicolor during different stages of reproductive cycle. It is distinguished as preparatory, reproductive and recrudescent period. Plasma glucose was estimated by enzyme glucose oxidase method. There was variation in pancreatic endocrine cells and plasma glucose with respect to annual seasonal cycle of reproduction. Insulin-IR and glucagon-IR cells never appeared in the form of islets. Cell count for both IR cells of reproductive period was higher and differed significantly from preparatory and recrudescent periods. Plasma glucose recorded the highest value in preparatory period and differed significantly from other two periods. Insulin-IR cells always out numbered glucagon-IR cells. Morphological differences between two cell types were observed under electron microsopy and also pancreas exhibited the presence of nerves. Glycogen localization in liver was carried out by PAS method. Glucose is always utilized to accomplish energy demand rather than converting it as liver glycogen. Results are discussed with those of agamid and other lizards.