Objective: 

The localization and distribution of the galanin in the brain of desert lizard Uromastyx acanthinura and the research of the relationship between this peptide and reproduction.

Methods: 

The distribution of galanin-like immunoreactive perikarya and nerve fibers in the brain of the desert lizard Uromastyx acanthinura was studied by means of immunofluorescence using an antiserum against rabbit galanin.

Results: 

In the wild, these animals experience successive arid and wet seasons that alternately stimulate their antidiuretic and diuretic systems. In this study, animals were captured during the activity season before vitellogenesis (March) and during eggs retention in the oviduct (June). Immunoreactive neurons were mostly detected in the infundibular recess nucleus. Immunoreactive fibers were found in the telencephalic, diencephalic and mesencephalic areas. Differences in galanin expression between females collected under both sets of conditions indicate changes during the reproductive cycle. Few galanin immunoreactive neurons and fibers were observed in the females at eggs retention stage, while many neurons and fibers were expressed before vitellogenesis.

Conclusions: 

Furthermore, the distribution of labelled neurons in the brain of this lizard was less restricted than that described in a snake. The wide hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic distribution of labelled fibers suggests that galanin peptides may have hypophysiotropic, neuromodulator and neurotransmitter roles in the lizard U. acanthinura.