Molecular Cloning And Testicular Expression Of Vip In Different Phases Of The Reproductive Cycle Of The Wall Lizard Podarcis Sicula

In this article we studied the sequence and the relative levels of VIP mRNA and the testicular distribution of VIP mRNA and protein in two different phases of the reproductive cycle of the Italian wall lizard Podarcis sicula (reproductive period and summer stasis). We demonstrated that 1) Podarcis VIP sequence is highly preserved, 2) VIP, differently from mammals, is synthesized directly in the testis in both the phases of the reproductive cycle, although at different levels, and 3) the neuropeptide is widely distributed in germ and somatic cells in Podarcis testis. The probable involvement of VIP in the control of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis is discussed.