This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Kruczek, M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Kruczek, M.

Seasonal effects on sexual maturation of male bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus)

Summary. The weights of the testes and accessory glands, and the degree of morphological and functional development of the seminiferous tubules, were used as indicators of sexual maturation in male bank voles. Males reared under constant laboratory conditions showed a significant relationship between the seasons and sexual maturation. Young males reached maturity most rapidly in the reproduction season (mid-April to mid-October), while adult males matured earlier, in the spring season (mid-January to mid-April). The influence of season on animals reared in outdoor cages was much more pronounced. One of the important factors was the photoperiod: animals reared from 3 to 12 weeks of age in a short photoperiod (8L:16D) matured less rapidly than did those reared in 16L:8D.