Showing papers on "Toad published in 2015"

Development of integument and cutaneous glands in larval, juvenile and adult toads (Rhinella granulosa): a morphological and morphometric study

Abstract: In this study, the development of integument and cutaneous glands in the toad Rhinella granulosa (Bufonidae) at different larval stages and in postmetamorphic and adult forms was examined. The analyses were conducted using histological, ultrastructural and morphometric methods. The results showed that cellular aggregations of precursor epidermal glands start to appear in stage 31 of (Herpetologica, 16, 1960 and 183) and then proliferate and invade the dermis. After stage 41, granular and mucous glands are very similar to those found in adults. The granular glands are syncytial and are surrounded by a distinct layer of myoepithelial cells. In the region of parotoid macroglands, the granular glands accumulate and their alveoli progressively increase until they reach adult size. An analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed the inner distribution of the syncytial nuclei and the myoepithelial cells. The morphological changes observed in the integument of tadpoles are associated with the gradual adaptation to terrestrial environments by preparing the individual for future chemical defence against predators and micro-organisms.

Influence of the Concentration of Dissolved Oxygen on Embryonic Development of the Common Toad (Bufo bufo)

Abstract: Several series of experiments investigating the influence of dissolved oxygen concentrations on the growth rates and mortality in the embryogenesis of the common toad Bufo bufo were carried out. The experiments showed that, when the eggs develop singly, the lack of oxygen does not lead to an increase in mortality by the time of hatching and results only in a change in the dynamics of mortality: mortality occurs at an earlier stage of development than in the conditions of normal access to oxygen. Taking into account the combined effect of the density of eggs and the dissolved oxygen concentration, we increase the accuracy of analysis of the experimental results and improve the interpretation of the results. In the conditions of different initial density of eggs, the impact of the concentration of dissolved oxygen on mortality and rates of development of the common toad embryos is manifested in different ways. At high density, only a small percentage of embryos survives by the time of hatching, and the embryos are significantly behind in their development compared with the individuals that developed in normal oxygen conditions. The lack of oxygen dissolved in the water slows down the development of embryos of the common toad.

Toad cortex artificial collection method and toad cortex separator

Abstract: The invention relates to a toad cortex artificial collection method and a toad cortex separator with which the quality and yield of collected toad cortex can be improved. The method comprises the steps of toad collection, excretion, aging, disease prevention, liquid preparation, cortex molting, and collection. With the toad collection, excretion and aging steps, toad cortex quality can be improved. With the disease prevention, liquid preparation and cortex molting steps, toad cortex yield can be improved. The toad cortex separator comprises a glass tank, and the bottom of the glass tank is provided with a water injection port and a water discharge port. A plurality of movably connected transparent cells with communicating bottoms are arranged in the glass tank. A night vision camera is arranged above the glass tank, and is arranged on the glass tank through a stand.

Reproduktivne značajke smeđe krastače Bufo bufo Linnaeus (Amphibia, Anura) na bjelovarsko-bilogorskom području

Abstract: Common toad, Bufo bufo, is one of the most frequent amphibian species in Croatia, but there is only few data about her reproduction in Bjelovar-Bilogora area and in Croatia This paper includes research of reproductive capacity of common toad females and males and research of tadpoles morphometry 7 males and 5 females of common toad, collected on locations Rajic near Bjelovar and location near Grubisno Polje, was used for determination of total number of sperm from males and number of eggs/mass of eggs from females For 63 tadpoles of common toad was performed determination of stages of their development (according Gosner 1960) and measurement of 29 morphometry measures Results show that mass and lenght of the body don't affect total number of male sperm and that the number of sperm decrease with age of males Relation of female body mass and number of eggs is not statisticaly significant, probably because of presence of females with non-viabile eggs Abundance of population of tadpoles don't have the same effect on all tadpoles and at small tadpoles can cause mortality or slower development

Muscarinic activity of aqueous leaves extract of Excoecaria grahamii Stapf 1913 on rabbit blood pressure and toad isolated perfused heart

Abstract: Excoecaria grahamii, African shrub, is used in many West African countries traditional medicine against different diseases as powerful purgative and biopesticide. There is little work about pharmacological effects of this plant because of its high toxicity. The effects of the aqueous extract of the plant was investigated on rabbit blood pressure and toad isolated and perfused heart activity. E. grahamii extracts (EGE) injection exhibited a dose dependent blood pressure decrease like acetylcholine effect. This activity was inhibited by atropine, suggesting muscarinic effect. Same results (inhibition effects) were found on both electrical and mechanical actions of toad isolated and perfused heart. Previous results obtained with aqueous extracts on smooth intestine muscle exhibit a muscarinic effect (hypotensive principle) then alcoholic extracts showed hypertensive and cardiotonic effects on rabbit. Our results confirm existence of muscarinic activity on rabbit blood pressure and toad heart activity. Key words: Excoecaria grahamii, rabbit blood pressure, toad heart, electrocardiogram.

Pola Protein Sekret Kelenjar Parotoid Tiga Spesies Kodok dan Sekret Kelenjar Kulit Katak Kongkang Racun (Odorrana hosii Boulenger,1891) Melalui SDS-PAGE Protein Pattern of Parotoid Glands Secretion in Three Species Toads and Skin Gland Secretion of Poisonous Rock-Frog (Odorrana hosii Boulenger,1891) Through SDS-PAGE

Abstract: Toads (Phrynoidis aspera, Ingerophrynus biporcatus, Duttaphrynus melanostictus) and poisonous rock-frog (Odorrana hosii) are members of the class Amphibian from different Families. Previously, those three species toads were in the same genus called Bufo, but now they are clustered in a different genus based on the molecular systematic. Proteins secrete from the parotoid and skin glands are one of self-defense mechanisms against to predators. The aims of this study were to determine and compare the protein patterns in secretes from toad parotoid gland and skin gland of poisonous rock-frog. The specimens were obtained from sampling at several different locations according to their habitats. Secrete collections were done by stressing both physically and chemically. Secrete was extracted by the addition of acid and sonication. The secrete protein concentration was measured by the Bradford test, whereas protein patterns were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The protein concentrations of secrete from toad's parotoid gland are higher (Phrynoidis aspera 3.50 µg/ml; Duttaphrynus melanostictus 6.7 µg/ml Ingerophrynus biporcatus 1.32 µg/ml) than in skin gland secretion of poisonous rock- frog (1.07 µg/ml). There are 6 protein bands in parotoid gland secretion of Phrynoidis aspera, 5 protein bands in parotoid gland secretion Ingerophrynus biporcatus and 7 protein bands in secrete of Duttaphrynus melanostictus parotoid glands with molecular weight ranges 12.09-172.51 kDa. However, those proteins are different size of molecular weights for each species. Furthermore, two protein bands (with different densities) are founded in skin gland secretion of poisonous rock-frog with molecular weight of 66.17 kDa and 78.73 kDa. The differences of genes, habitats and predators may influence the differences of protein patterns in secrete from toad's paratoid gland and frog's skin glands. Those protein patterns could be useful for further studies, especially on Bufo systematic, also for exploring the potential of protein secrete as antibacterial or antifungal.