info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Histology and microscopic anatomy of the thyroid gland during the larval development of Pseudis platensis (Anura, Hylidae)
Fecha
2019-11-08Registro en:
Cruz, Julio Cesar; Fabrezi, Marissa; Histology and microscopic anatomy of the thyroid gland during the larval development of Pseudis platensis (Anura, Hylidae); Veterinary and Human Toxicology; Journal of Morphology; 281; 1; 8-11-2019; 122-134
0362-2525
1097-4687
CONICET Digital
CONICET
Autor
Cruz, Julio Cesar
Fabrezi, Marissa
Resumen
Several hormones regulate anuran larval development, most notably thyroid hormones (THs). In anurans, metamorphosis fails when the thyroid gland is absent or inactivated, resulting in giant tadpoles. Larval gigantism occurs naturally in neotropical frogs of the genus Pseudis as a result of a prolonged larval period. Its thyroid function is poorly investigated and the focus of this study. We describe qualitative and quantitative variations in larval development for field‐captured specimens of Pseudis platensis and compare those to the development of two sympatric species, Phyllomedusa sauvagii and Pithecopus azureus, which have small tadpoles and a shorter larval period. We describe morphological changes in the thyroid glands of larval and adult specimens. In contrast to other species with similar ecological requirements, P. platensis exhibits distinct glandular activity. During premetamorphosis, there was little or no thyroid activity, a period in which the tadpole reached 70% of its maximum size. Development and degree of activity of the thyroid gland determine the duration of the early stages of the larval period. Thyroid gland histology in tadpoles appears to correlate with the TH activity, and in turn with the diversity in anuran life history transitions.