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Related Experiment Videos

Do prostaglandins regulate external gill regression in anurans?

K M Warkentin1, R J Wassersug

  • 1Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Panama. kmwark2@pop.uky.edu

The Journal of Experimental Zoology
|May 15, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Prostaglandins of the E family (PGEs) accelerate the loss of external gills in anuran embryos and hatchlings. This finding reveals a novel regulatory mechanism for embryonic gill regression in amphibians.

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Area of Science:

  • Amphibian developmental biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Comparative physiology

Background:

  • The mechanism controlling the regression of internal, larval gills in anurans is understood.
  • However, the mechanism regulating the loss of external, embryonic gills remains unknown.
  • Prostaglandins of the E family (PGEs) regulate blood flow in the mammalian ductus arteriosus, which is homologous to amphibian branchial arches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that PGEs regulate anuran external gill loss.
  • To explore the role of prostaglandins in embryonic gill development and regression.

Main Methods:

  • Topical application of PGE2 and misoprostol (a synthetic PGE1 analogue) to red-eyed treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas) embryos and hatchlings.
  • Observation of external gill regression rates under different conditions, including hypoxia.

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Main Results:

  • Both PGE2 and misoprostol accelerated external gill regression.
  • Misoprostol overcame hypoxia-induced inhibition of gill regression in hatchlings.
  • Misoprostol induced rapid external gill loss in embryos, which typically retain gills until hatching.

Conclusions:

  • These findings support the hypothesis that PGEs regulate anuran external gill loss.
  • PGEs secreted in tadpole oral mucus may represent a natural topical source.
  • PGEs provide a tool for further research into the physiological importance of external gills.