[Seasonal changes in the adenosine triphosphatase activity in the germinal cysts of the testis of the common frog Rana temporaria. An enzyme histochemical study].

Calcium activated ATP-ase was studied enzymohistochemically in the testis of the common frog Rana temporaria during an annual reproduction cycle. The enzyme activity was localized in the follicle cells of the cyst wall, in the mature Sertoli cells, in germ cells and in the lamina propria of the seminiferous tubules. The maximum activity was recorded during the hibernation period, the cyst formation and the late maturation phase. The lowest activity was observed during the phases of spermiation and maturation of primary spermatocytes. The intensity of the ATP-ase reaction can be correlated with the seasonal changes during the spermatogenetic cycle of Rana temporaria. The role of ATP-ase in the permeability processes across the cyst wall, in the contractility of Sertoli cells and myoid cells of the lamina propria as well as in the release of sperms has been discussed.