Study of histology and morphology of Urogenital system of (Paradactylodon gorganensis) (Amphibian - Urodella - Hynobiida)

Paradactylodon gorganensisfrom the family Hynobiidae as a rare species is endemic of Iran.This species is only found in the Shir-Abad Cave and the stream flowing from it, 60 km east of Gorgan (36 57' N, 55 01' E), in the eastern part of the Elburz Mountains, in the Golestan Province, northern Iran. The cave is at an elevation of 310 meters above sea level. In this research we aimed to study the morphological and histological structure of Urogenital system in this species. in order to fulfill this purpose 16 specimens of this salamanders were captured and transferred to laboratory. Afterwards, we examined and measured morphometric characters before dissecting out the reproductive and urinary systems which were then processed for histological examinations.5-6 micron sections were cut and stained with Hematoxylen-Eosin. Morphological and histological studies showed that, in this species testis is ampular and spermatogenesis occurs in cysts which develop within seminiferous lobules. The kidneys are elongate and there is no obvious sexual dimorphism in shape. In other salamanders the kidneys are proportionately shorter and those in males are narrow anteriorly. Average length and diameter of active testis were 32/76 mm and 4/77mm and in the non active gonad were 17/98 mm and 1/64 mm respectively