Aluminium localization in amphibian skin with the electron microprobe and ion microanalyzer

EMP and IMA studies show the presence of A1 in the epidermis of larvae and young adults of Discoglossus pictus and Rana esculenta, which disappears during later stages of development. A1 is practically absent in the epidermis of Xenopus laevis and Pleurodeles waltlii. The localization of A1 with EMP and IMA supports the biochemical results. The function of A1 in the epidermis is not known at present.