Immunoidentification of CRF-like material in the intermaxillary glands during Bufo arenarum development
1Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas/Instituto Technológico de Chascomús (CONICET/UNSAM), Camino de Circunvalación Laguna, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. lmiranda@intech.gov.ar
Insights
Corticotropin-releasing factor-like material was found in the intermaxillary glands of Bufo arenarum tadpoles during metamorphosis. This suggests a role for CRF-like substances in amphibian development and tadpole ingestion.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
- Amphibian Biology
Background:
- The intermaxillary gland's function during amphibian metamorphosis is not well understood.
- Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays crucial roles in stress response and development in vertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of CRF-like material in the intermaxillary glands of Bufo arenarum during metamorphosis.
- To explore the potential role of this material in amphibian development.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemical techniques were employed to detect CRF-like material.
- The study focused on various stages of Bufo arenarum metamorphosis.
Main Results:
- CRF-like material was detected in the intermaxillary glands starting from mid-metamorphosis (stage XV).
- Immunoreactivity was strongest at the apices of secretory cells during metamorphic climax.
- Collecting ducts open to the palatal surface, suggesting potential ingestion by tadpoles.
Conclusions:
- CRF-like material is present and potentially secreted by the intermaxillary glands during Bufo arenarum metamorphosis.
- The presence and likely ingestion of this material suggest an important role in amphibian development.
Abstract:
The presence of corticotropin-releasing factor-like material in the intermaxillary glands was studied by immunocytochemical techniques during the metamorphosis of Bufo arenarum. The intermaxillary glands appeared at stage XV (midprometamorphosis) with CRF-like material slightly immunoreactive. These glands are located posterior to the premaxillae and between the nasal capsules in the roof of the mouth and are formed of alveoli or tubules. During metamorphic climax, corticotropin-releasing factor-like material was identified strongly immunostained at the apices of the secretory cells. It was observed that collecting ducts of the gland open to the anterior palatal surface suggesting that the secretion could be ingested by tadpoles. Our results clearly showed that ir-CRF-like material present in the intermaxillary glands is ingested by tadpoles during metamorphosis and could play an important role during amphibian development.
