1
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Herrboldt MA, Wright CNC, Bonett RM. Seasonal heterochrony of reproductive development and gene expression in a polymorphic salamander. Dev Dyn 2024. [PMID: 39360498 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Life cycle evolution includes ecological transitions and shifts in the timing of somatic and reproductive development (heterochrony). However, heterochronic changes can be tissue-specific, ultimately leading to the differential diversification of traits. Salamanders exhibit alternative life cycle polymorphisms involving either an aquatic to terrestrial metamorphosis (biphasic) or retention of aquatic larval traits into adulthood (paedomorphic). In this study, we used gene expression and histology to evaluate how life cycle evolution impacts temporal reproductive patterns in males of a polymorphic salamander. RESULTS We found that heterochrony shifts the distribution of androgen signaling in the integument, which is correlated with significant differences in seasonal reproductive gland development and pheromone gene expression. In the testes, androgen receptor (ar) expression does not significantly vary between morphs or across seasons. We found significant differences in the onset of spermatogenesis, but by peak breeding season the testes were the same with respect to both histology and gene expression. CONCLUSION This study provides an example of how seasonal heterochronic shifts in tissue-specific ar gene expression can disparately impact seasonal development and expression patterns across tissues, providing a potential mechanism for differential diversification of reproductive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire N C Wright
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Ronald M Bonett
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
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2
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López-Flórez C, Ruíz MAO, Gómez-Ramírez E. Effect of sublethal concentrations of glyphosate-based herbicides (Roundup Active®) on skin of the tropical frog (Dendropsophus molitor). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:109618-109626. [PMID: 37775634 PMCID: PMC10622380 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29816-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
In Colombia, glyphosate (GP) is used to control weeds, with Roundup Active® being the most widely used. This use has affected aquatic ecosystems, causing malformations in amphibians. The Savannah frog (D. molitor) is a tropical frog inhabiting the mountain of Colombia. In the present study, we determined the effect of sublethal concentrations of GP (Roundup Active®) on the skin of D. molitor. Twenty-four tadpoles were exposed to concentrations of GP (T1: 0, T2: 1.4, T3: 3.6, and T4: 5.6 a.e mg/L) during 31 days. In 10 individuals per treatment, two skin regions were evaluated: dorsal cranial and caudal ventral to determine histopathological alterations. Morphometric analysis of the layers of the skin was performed: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis-muscular. T1 did not present histopathological alterations. Since T2 was identified, glandular cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy increased melanophores and melanin accumulations in the highest concentrations of GP. The ultrastructure revealed an increase in excretory glands in the dermis. In the other layers, an increase of melanophores and melanocyte clusters was observed accompanied by vacuolization of basal cells. The morphometry showed an increase in the thickness of the dermis in the dorso-cranial region in T2 compared to the other treatments, while the ventral caudal region exhibited a variation in the thickness of the dermis from T2 and a decrease in T4. Despite evaluating sublethal concentrations, the skin of D. molitor tadpoles presents histopathological, ultrastructural, and morphometric alterations that could affect the survival of the species in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina López-Flórez
- Faculty of Applied Basic Sciences, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Cajicá, Km 3, Cajica, Colombia.
| | - Monica Andrea Ortíz Ruíz
- Faculty of Applied Basic Sciences, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Cajicá, Km 3, Cajica, Colombia
| | - Edwin Gómez-Ramírez
- Faculty of Applied Basic Sciences, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Cajicá, Km 3, Cajica, Colombia
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3
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DeBruin JH, Wilburn DB, Feldhoff RC, Staub NL. Presence of sodefrin precursor-like factor pheromone candidates in mental and dorsal tail base glands in the plethodontid salamander, Karsenia koreana. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289296. [PMID: 37527281 PMCID: PMC10393140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Plethodontid salamanders are well known for their distinct courtship rituals and the associated pheromonal signaling. However, little is known about pheromones produced in the lone Asian plethodontid species Karsenia koreana. Here, we examined the localization patterns of proteins of the sodefrin precursor-like factor (SPF) pheromone system in K. koreana. Using an antibody generated against SPF proteins from another plethodontid, Desmognathus ocoee, we tested three types of skin glands in K. koreana males via immunohistochemistry: the mental gland and two types of dorsal tail base glands-caudal courtship glands and dorsal granular glands. SPF immunoreactivity was detected in the known courtship gland, the mental gland, as well as granular glands, but not in caudal courtship glands. Due to immunoreaction specificity, we hypothesize the proteins of the SPF system in K. koreana and D. ocoee are structurally and functionally related and are used as courtship pheromones in K. koreana. Also, we hypothesize that K. koreana males transmit SPF to the female during the tail-straddling walk via dorsal granular glands. Finally, K. koreana male caudal courtship glands may be producing SPF proteins that are not recognized by our SPF antibody or these glands may play a different role in courtship than anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared H DeBruin
- Department of Biology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
| | - Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Richard C Feldhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Nancy L Staub
- Department of Biology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
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4
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Cox JL, Fitzpatrick BM. Biofluorescent sexual dimorphism revealed in a southern Appalachian endemic salamander, Plethodon metcalfi. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3588. [PMID: 36869050 PMCID: PMC9984499 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29051-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofluorescence occurs when a living organism absorbs high energy light and reemits it at longer wavelengths. Many species within clades of vertebrates are known to fluoresce including mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish. Most, if not all, amphibians exhibit biofluorescence when exposed to either blue (440-460 nm) or ultra-violet (360-380 nm) wavelengths of light. Salamanders (Lissamphibia: Caudata) appear to consistently fluoresce in green wavelengths (520-560 nm) when excited by blue light. Biofluorescence is theorized to have many ecological functions including mate signaling, camouflage, and mimicry. Despite the discovery of their biofluorescence, its role in salamander ecology and behavior remains unresolved. In this study we present the first case of biofluorescent sexual dimorphism within Amphibia and the first documentation of the biofluorescent pattern of a salamander within the Plethodon jordani species complex. This sexually dimorphic trait was discovered in the southern Appalachian endemic species, Southern Gray-Cheeked Salamander (Plethodon metcalfi, Brimley in Proc Biol Soc Wash 25:135-140, 1912), and may extend into other species within the Plethodon jordani and Plethodon glutinosus species complexes. We propose that this sexually dimorphic trait could be related to fluorescence of ventral modified granular glands used in plethodontid chemosensory communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan L Cox
- National Park Service, Twin Creeks Science and Education Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 1316 Cherokee Orchard Rd., Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, USA.
| | - Benjamin M Fitzpatrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 596 Dabney Hall, 1416 Circle Dr, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
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5
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Trame SD, Denova JR, Pereira KE, McClelland SJ, Gribbins KM, Rheubert JL, Siegel DS. External nasal gland morphology of Eurycea bislineata (Amphibia, Urodela, Plethodontidae). J Morphol 2022; 283:1094-1105. [PMID: 35719125 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Plethodontid salamanders possess numerous courtship glands. Previous studies have shown that the glands are more prominent in male individuals than females, and often experience periods of atrophy and hypertrophy throughout the year that correlate to the nonmating and mating seasons, respectively. We sampled male and female Eurycea bislineata throughout the year to test the hypothesis that external nasal glands are courtship glands. External nasal glands are paired, branched tubular glands that extend from excretory ducts dorsal to the nares to terminal secretory units posterior to the eyes. We found that the glands hypertrophy and stain/react more intensely with histochemical procedures during the mating season. Hypertrophy of the glands is more pronounced in males, and seasonal variation in epithelial height of external nasal glands of males is significantly correlated to that of seasonal variation in mental gland epithelial height, a known courtship gland found in males, when compared throughout the year. This correlation was not as strong in females, confirming sexual dimorphism of external nasal glands in terms of seasonal variation. We found no ultrastructural differences between male and female external nasal glands. In all specimens, the glandular tubules were lined by a simple, columnar epithelium that was packed with secretory granules that often obscured other cytoplasmic contents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha D Trame
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
| | - Jacob R Denova
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
| | - Kenzie E Pereira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sara J McClelland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Moravian University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin M Gribbins
- Department of Biology, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Dustin S Siegel
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
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6
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Mauricio B, Mailho-Fontana PL, Sato LA, Barbosa FF, Astray RM, Kupfer A, Brodie ED, Jared C, Antoniazzi MM. Morphology of the Cutaneous Poison and Mucous Glands in Amphibians with Particular Emphasis on Caecilians ( Siphonops annulatus). Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110779. [PMID: 34822563 PMCID: PMC8617868 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Caecilians (order Gymnophiona) are apodan, snake-like amphibians, usually with fossorial habits, constituting one of the most unknown groups of terrestrial vertebrates. As in orders Anura (frogs, tree frogs and toads) and Caudata (salamanders and newts), the caecilian skin is rich in mucous glands, responsible for body lubrication, and poison glands, producing varied toxins used in defence against predators and microorganisms. Whereas in anurans and caudatans skin gland morphology has been well studied, caecilian poison glands remain poorly elucidated. Here we characterised the skin gland morphology of the caecilian Siphonops annulatus, emphasising the poison glands in comparison to those of anurans and salamanders. We showed that S. annulatus glands are similar to those of salamanders, consisting of several syncytial compartments full of granules composed of protein material but showing some differentiated apical compartments containing mucus. An unusual structure resembling a mucous gland is frequently observed in lateral/apical position, apparently connected to the main duct. We conclude that the morphology of skin poison glands in caecilians is more similar to salamander glands when compared to anuran glands that show a much-simplified structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Mauricio
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05509-000, Brazil; (B.M.); (P.L.M.-F.); (L.A.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Pedro Luiz Mailho-Fontana
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05509-000, Brazil; (B.M.); (P.L.M.-F.); (L.A.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Luciana Almeida Sato
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05509-000, Brazil; (B.M.); (P.L.M.-F.); (L.A.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Flavia Ferreira Barbosa
- Multipurpose Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-000, Brazil; (F.F.B.); (R.M.A.)
| | - Renato Mancini Astray
- Multipurpose Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-000, Brazil; (F.F.B.); (R.M.A.)
| | - Alexander Kupfer
- Department of Zoology, State Museum of Natural History, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Edmund D. Brodie
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA;
| | - Carlos Jared
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05509-000, Brazil; (B.M.); (P.L.M.-F.); (L.A.S.); (M.M.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Maria Antoniazzi
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05509-000, Brazil; (B.M.); (P.L.M.-F.); (L.A.S.); (M.M.A.)
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7
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Staub NL, Stiller AB, Kiemnec-Tyburczy KM. A New Perspective on Female-to-Male Communication in Salamander Courtship. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 60:722-731. [PMID: 32573720 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Courtship behavior in salamanders is often complex and involves well-documented communication from males to females in multiple sensory modalities. Historically, behaviors exhibited during the major stages of courtship have been predominately framed as a male acting and signaling to "persuade" a passive female to participate in courtship and remain with him until sperm release is completed. In this review, we use courtship descriptions for lungless salamanders (Plethodontidae) as a case study to illustrate this historical bias of a male-centered perspective. We then re-examine the literature and summarize the many ways females are active participants during plethodontid courtships. We also relate female behaviors to the types of female-to-male communication that may occur. For example, females have been documented to approach a male and initiate courtship, participate in mutual head rubbing, and step astride the male's tail to begin the tail-straddling walk (a key courtship behavior observed in all plethodontids). Additionally, females have glands that may produce chemical signals that males respond to during courtship. We conclude that communication during courtship is more accurately described as a two-way interaction where each partner's behavior is coordinated with the other's via multi-modal signaling. Shifting the lens through which we view courtship and behavior provides insight into which female behaviors and anatomical features are most likely to be used for communication with males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy L Staub
- Biology Department, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA 99258, USA
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8
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Siegel DS, Long CL, Waltz JT, Wren SA, Pereira KE, McClelland SJ, Murray CM, Sever DM. Sexually Dimorphic Heads of Eurycea bislineata. COPEIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1643/ch2020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dustin S. Siegel
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - Cody L. Long
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - J. Trent Waltz
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - Shelby A. Wren
- Department of Biology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701; (DSS) ; (CLL) ; (JTW) ; and (SAW) . Send reprint requests to DSS
| | - Kenzie E. Pereira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282; (KEP) ; and (SJM)
| | - Sara J. McClelland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282; (KEP) ; and (SJM)
| | - Christopher M. Murray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402; (CMM) ; and (DMS) deceased
| | - David M. Sever
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402; (CMM) ; and (DMS) deceased
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9
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Pereira KE, Crother BI, Sever DM, Fontenot CL, Pojman JA, Wilburn DB, Woodley SK. Skin glands of an aquatic salamander vary in size and distribution and release antimicrobial secretions effective against chytrid fungal pathogens. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.183707. [PMID: 29880633 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.183707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian skin is unique among vertebrate classes, containing a large number of multicellular exocrine glands that vary among species and have diverse functions. The secretions of skin glands contain a rich array of bioactive compounds including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Such compounds are important for amphibian innate immune responses and may protect some species from chytridiomycosis, a lethal skin disease caused by the fungal pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). While the bioactivity of skin secretions against Bd has been assessed for many amphibian taxa, similar studies are lacking for Bsal, a chytrid fungus that is especially pathogenic for salamanders. We studied the skin glands and their potential functions in an aquatic salamander, the three-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma tridactylum). Skin secretions of captive adult salamanders were analyzed by RP-HPLC and tested against the growth of Bd and Bsal using in vitro assays. We found that compounds within collected skin secretions were similar between male and female salamanders and inhibited the growth of Bd and Bsal. Thus, skin secretions that protect against Bd may also provide protection against Bsal. Histological examination of the skin glands of preserved salamanders revealed the presence of enlarged granular glands concentrated within caudal body regions. A site of potential gland specialization was identified at the tail base and may indicate specialized granular glands related to courtship and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenzie E Pereira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA .,Department of Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
| | - Brian I Crother
- Department of Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
| | - David M Sever
- Department of Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
| | - Clifford L Fontenot
- Department of Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
| | - John A Pojman
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sarah K Woodley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
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10
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Rollins RE, Staub NL. The Presence of Caudal Courtship-Like Glands in Male and Female Ouachita Dusky Salamanders (Desmognathus brimleyorum). HERPETOLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-17-00003.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nancy L. Staub
- Department of Biology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA 99258, USA
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11
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Rupp AE, Sever DM. Histology of mental and caudal courtship glands in three genera of plethodontid salamanders (Amphibia: Plethodontidae). ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ariana E. Rupp
- Department of Biology; University of Louisiana Lafayette; Lafayette LA USA
| | - David M. Sever
- Department of Biological Sciences; Southeastern Louisiana University; Hammond LA USA
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12
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Siegel DS, Al-baghdadi YH, Frangello M, Herrboldt M, Alvino S, Trauth SE, Sever DM. “Sexual tears” in a salamander? ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-016-0342-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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13
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Sever DM, Pinsoneault AD, Mackenzie BW, Siegel DS, Staub NL. A Description of the Skin Glands and Cloacal Morphology of the Plethodontid SalamanderKarsenia koreana. COPEIA 2016. [DOI: 10.1643/cg-16-468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Sever DM. Ultrastructure of the mental gland of the Red-Backed Salamander,Plethodon cinereus(Amphibia: Plethodontidae). ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David M. Sever
- Department of Biological Sciences; Southeastern Louisiana University; Hammond LA 70402 USA
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15
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von Byern J, Dicke U, Heiss E, Grunwald I, Gorb S, Staedler Y, Cyran N. Morphological characterization of the glandular system in the salamander Plethodon shermani (Caudata, Plethodontidae). ZOOLOGY 2015; 118:334-47. [PMID: 26163863 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Amphibians have evolved a wide variety of mechanisms that provide a certain degree of protection against predators, including camouflage, tail autonomy, encounter behavior and noxious or toxic skin secretions. In addition to these strategies, some amphibians release a glue-like secretion onto the surface of their skin when threatened. While some information regarding the origin and production of these adhesive secretions is available for frogs such as Notaden bennetti, these aspects are only partially understood in salamanders. We contribute to an earlier study and provide additional information regarding the origin, production, and characterization of the adhesive secretion in the red-legged salamander (Plethodon shermani) at a microanatomical level. When stressed, this salamander secretes a milky, viscous liquid from its dorsal and ventral skin. This secretion is extremely adhesive and hardens within seconds upon exposure to air. This study describes two cutaneous gland types (mucous and granular) in the dorsal and ventral epithelial tissue that differ considerably in their secretory content. While the smaller mucous glands contains flocculent to granular material, mostly acidic glycoproteins, the granular glands synthesize various granules of differing size and density that consist of basic proteinaceous material. The results strongly indicate that the secretions of both gland types from the dorsal as well as the ventral side form the adhesive mucus in Plethodon shermani, consisting of basic and acidic glycoproteins, glycoconjugates with mannose and α-L-fucose residues as well as lipid components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janek von Byern
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Dr. Bohr Gasse 9, A-1030 Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstraße 13, A-1200 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ursula Dicke
- Brain Research Institute, Department of Behavioral Physiology, University of Bremen, D-28334 Bremen, Germany
| | - Egon Heiss
- Department of Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Universiteit Antwerpen, Department of Biology, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ingo Grunwald
- Department of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Wiener Straße 12, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Stanislav Gorb
- Zoological Institute: Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9, D-24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Yannick Staedler
- Division of Structural and Functional Botany, Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, A-1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Cyran
- Core Facility Cell Imaging & Ultrastructure Research, Faculty of Life Science, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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