Histochemical and biochemical changes in the ovary during sexual maturity of the soft-shelled turtle, Lissemys punctata punctata Bonnoterre

Abstract Changes in some histochemical and biochemical aspects of the ovary between juvenile and adult (breeding) soft-shelled turtles, Lissemys punctata punctata have been studied. 3 ss-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the ovary was higher in adults than in juveniles. While cholesterol and ascorbic acid levels decreased, concentrations of sialic acid, glycogen, DNA and RNA with the phosphatases (both acid and alkaline) activities increased significantly in adults from those of juveniles. It is suggested that alterations in the above parameters are related to ovarian steroidogenesis as well as to gonadotropic activity.