Quantitative evaluation of the interrelationship of certain endocrine glands of Hemiechinus auritus collaris (Gray) during the reproductive cycle.

The paper deals with the alterations in the size and functions of the endocrine glands in relation to the reproductive and the seasonal sexual activity of the male hedgehog. Results show that the seasonal variations in body weight, testis, adrenal and the thyroid follow the general pattern of most of the hibernating mammals. Histometric measurements of the seminiferous tubule, Leydig's cells, thyroid follicles and the thyroid follicular epithelial cells also present an interrelationship in the seasonal cyclical activity with each other. This indicates that in Hemiechinus hormones fluctuate during the summer and winter months of the year or one can say that they are regulated seasonally thereby affecting the seasonal pattern of breeding. It has also been proposed that the cyclic activity of the endocrine glands is partly correlated with the hibernation of the animal and partly with the increased metabolic activity of the body incidental to the events of the annual cycle.