Germ cell proliferation and apoptosis during different phases of swordfish (Xiphias gladius L.) spermatogenic cycle

Seasonal changes of testicular activity of the swordfish Xiphias gladius and correlations of plasma levels of testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) with proliferation and apoptosis of germ cells, determined, respectively, with monoclonal antibodies against proliferating cell nuclear antigen and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d’UTP nick end labelling, are described. Three phases of the reproductive cycle were found: active spermatogenic (May), spawning (June to July) and spent (August to September) stages. Germ cell proliferating activity was highest in May, decreased during June to July and remained stable during August to September. Apoptotic germ cells, primary spermatocytes and spermatogonia, were present in all the specimens analysed and were more abundant in May. The levels of 11-KT in plasma were always higher than T and were highest in May, in concomitance with the maximum proliferation and apoptosis rate of germ cells.