EFFECT OF UNILATERAL OVARIECTOMY ON THE CONTRALATERAL OVARY IN DIFFERENT SEASONS IN THE GARDEN LIZARD, CALOTES-VERSICOLOR (DAUD)

Unilateral ovariectomy (ULO) was performed during pre- and late postbreeding seasons in the lizard, Calotes versicolor. They were autopsied on day 31 following ULO. Extrastromal follicles were grouped into stage I-V based on diameter, stage I being smallest and stage V, the largest. In prebreeding phase ULO resulted in significant increase in the weight of the contralateral ovary and that of both the oviducts. There was a significant increase in the number of extrastromal follicles and a reduction in the number of atretic follicles. Stage V vitellogenic follicles were found in ULO lizards while in sham operated controls only upto stage IV follicles were found. ULO performed in the late postbreeding phase had no effect on the contralateral ovary. The study shows that responsiveness of the contralateral ovary to ULO varies with the phase of reproductive cycle in C. Versicolor.