Annual variation and role of male hormone in the renal β-glucuronidase activity of the chequered water snake, Natrix piscator

Abstract In a local water snake, Natrix piscator , the effects of castration and testosterone on kidney weight, renal β-glucuronidase (lysosomal enzyme) and height of the cells lining the sexual segment were studied. Renal β-glucuronidase activity was high in the progressive and peak phases of the testis while the weight of the kidney was high during the regressive phase. Castration decreased renal β-glucuronidase activity, height of the cells lining the sexual segment and weight of the kidney. Testosterone increased the activity of the enzyme and height of the cells lining the sexual segment of castrated snakes. Kidney weight in castrated snakes was not affected by testosterone administration.