Seasonal variations in the intermediate metabolism in South American tree-frog Boana pulchella

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of seasonal variations on energy metabolism in different tissues of the freshwater crayfish Parastacus brasiliensis (von Martens, 1869). Crayfish were collected monthly from January 2001 to January 2003 in São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in a stream and in a culture tank. Haemolymph samples were collected from each crayfish in the field with a syringe, by puncturing the membrane at the base of the chelipeds. Hepatopancreas, gills, and abdominal muscle were removed for determination of free glucose, glycogen, total lipids, and triglycerides. The haemolymph samples were used for determination of glucose, total proteins, total lipids, and triglycerides. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in biochemical composition in crayfish collected in the stream compared to the experimental tank during the year, principally in glucose and triglycerides in haemolymph, glycogen and total lipids in all tissues study, and triglycerides only in abdominal muscle. The regular food intake partially modified these seasonal variations of the metabolic pattern. Environmental conditions (e.g., food availability and water temperature) and reproductive period appeared to be the main factors influencing the seasonal patterns of variation in energy metabolism.

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Peptide secretion in the cutaneous glands of South American tree frog Phyllomedusa bicolor: an ultrastructural study

European Journal of Cell Biology ◽

10.1078/0171-9335-00085 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 79 (9) ◽

pp. 631-641 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Claire Lacombe ◽

Carmen Cifuentes-Diaz ◽

Irène Dunia ◽

Michèle Auber-Thomay ◽

Pierre Nicolas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ultrastructural Study ◽

Tree Frog ◽

South American ◽

Peptide Secretion

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Magnesium and sulfur in mast cell and basophil granules of lower vertebrates in relation with histamine

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100132613 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 1596-1597

Author(s):

Kenichi Takaya

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽

Mast Cell ◽

Mast Cells ◽

Tree Frog ◽

X Ray ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Scanning Transmission ◽

Fresh Frozen ◽

Ultrathin Sections

Mast cell and basophil granules of the vertebrate contain heparin or related sulfated proteoglycans. Histamine is also present in mammalian mast cells and basophils. However, no histamine is detected in mast cell granules of the amphibian or fish, while it is shown in those of reptiles and birds A quantitative x-ray microanalysis of mast cell granules of fresh frozen dried ultrathin sections of the tongue of Wistar rats and tree frogs disclosed high concentrations of sulfur in rat mast cell granules and those of sulfur and magnesium in the tree frog granules. Their concentrations in tree frog mast cell granules were closely correlated (r=0.94).Fresh frozen dried ultrathin sections and fresh air-dried prints of the tree frog tongue and spleen and young red-eared turtle (ca. 6 g) spleen and heart blood were examined by a quantitative energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis (X-650, Kevex-7000) for the element constituents of the granules of mast cells and basophils. The specimens were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (80-200 kV) and followed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) under an analytical electron microscope (X-650) at an acceleration voltage of 40 kV and a specimen current of 0.2 nA. A spot analysis was performed in a STEM mode for 100 s at a specimen current of 2 nA on the mast cell and basophil granules and other areas of the cells. Histamine was examined by the o-phthalaldehyde method.

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