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Related Experiment Videos

Stump currents in regenerating salamanders and newts.

R B Borgens, M E McGinnis, J W Vanable

    The Journal of Experimental Zoology
    |August 1, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary

    Salamanders and newts generate an electric current from their limb stumps after amputation. This bioelectric current, driven by sodium ions, is common across many amphibian species and aids in understanding limb regeneration.

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    Area of Science:

    • Amphibian physiology
    • Regenerative biology
    • Bioelectricity

    Background:

    • Limb amputation in amphibians triggers physiological responses.
    • Previous studies noted bioelectric phenomena in amphibians, like the red-spotted newt.
    • The role of electrical currents in urodele limb regeneration remains an active area of research.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the presence and characteristics of electric currents at limb stumps in various salamander and newt species.
    • To determine the ionic dependency of these stump currents.
    • To assess the prevalence of post-amputation electrical phenomena in urodeles.

    Main Methods:

    • Forelimb amputation was performed on various salamander and newt species.
    • Ionic electric current density at the stump tip was measured using microelectrodes.
    • Measurements were taken over time and in varying external sodium ion (Na+) concentrations.

    Main Results:

    • A steady ionic electric current was detected exiting the forelimb stump tip in all tested species post-amputation.
    • Current density ranged from 10 to 100 microA/cm2 several hours after amputation, decreasing over time.
    • The magnitude of the stump current was dependent on external Na+ concentration, suggesting it is driven by Na+-dependent transcutaneous voltage.

    Conclusions:

    • Post-amputation limb stump currents are a widespread phenomenon in salamanders and newts.
    • The sodium-dependent transcutaneous voltage is likely the electromotive force driving these stump currents.
    • These findings contribute to understanding the bioelectrical aspects of urodele limb regeneration.

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