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In vitro development of Xenopus skin glands producing 5-hydroxytryptamine and caerulein
T Seki1, S Kikuyama, N Yanaihara
1Department of Anatomy, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Experientia
|November 15, 1995
Summary
Amphibian skin glands develop peptide and amine-producing cells in culture. Fetal calf serum stimulates this development, while 5-hydroxytryptophan influences caerulein and 5-HT synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Amphibian skin biology
- Developmental biology
- Cellular endocrinology
Background:
- Amphibian granular glands produce bioactive amines and peptides.
- These compounds are structurally similar to mammalian brain-gut peptides.
- Understanding the development of these cells is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of peptide- and amine-producing cells in Xenopus laevis tadpole skin.
- To assess the role of fetal calf serum (FCS) in this development.
- To explore the relationship between caerulein and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Culture of dorsal skin explants from Xenopus laevis tadpoles (stages 57-60).
- Measurement of caerulein and 5-HT content in cultured skin.
- Use of standard FCS medium and charcoal-treated FCS (chFCS) medium, with and without thyroxine or 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).
Main Results:
- Caerulein and 5-HT levels increased in cultured skin over six days.
- FCS stimulated higher caerulein and 5-HT levels compared to chFCS.
- 5-HTP addition increased 5-HT but decreased caerulein content, suggesting an inverse relationship.
Conclusions:
- Xenopus laevis skin culture is a viable model for studying granular gland cell development.
- FCS contains factors that promote amine and peptide cell development, some of which are removed by charcoal treatment.
- 5-HT synthesis appears to negatively regulate caerulein accumulation in these glands.