Seasonal changes in plasma calcium and inorganic phosphate levels in relation to parathyroid structure of the grey quail, Coturnix coturnix coturnix Linnaeus

 

R.R. Dhande¹, S.A.? Suryawanshi² and A.K. Pandey³

¹Department of? Zoology, Amravati University,? Amravati-444 602, India

²Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded-431 606, India

³Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751 002, India

 

(Received: 23 March, 2004 ; Accepted: 7 September, 2004)

 

Abstract: Plasma? Ca concentration (annual mean)? in males Coturnix coturnix coturnix was 10.27 ? 0.14 mg/100 ml while it was slightly higher (11.85 ? 0.15 mg/100 ml) among females. Plasma Pi levels (annual mean) in males and females were 5.62 ? 0.12 mg/100 ml and 6.52 ? 0.20 mg/100 ml, respectively. While the males did not exhibit marked fluctuation in plasma? Ca and Pi levels either in winter or summer,? the females did? record significant elevation in the levels of both these electrolytes during breeding season. The peak values of plasma Ca (17. 66 ? 0.38 mg/100 ml) and Pi (8.64 ? 0.22 mg/100 ml) in females were observed during June. Parathyroid gland of the grey quail exhibited hyperactivity (hypertrophy and hyperplasia) during breeding season, however, the activity was more conspicuous among females than in males. The maximum increase in cell and nuclear diameters were observed in females during May - July. The follicles were also filled with AF- and PAS-positive materials during these months. The glands depicted signs of hypoactivity? and degeneration during peak winter season (November-December) as evident by decrease in cell and nuclear diameters as well as? vacuolation in the chief? cells.

 

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