1996 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Dynamic Aspects of Pterin metabolism in anuran skin during metamorphosis
Project/Area Number |
07640911
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Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
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Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
Section | 一般 |
Research Field |
動物生理・代謝
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Research Institution | Sophia University |
Principal Investigator |
KOBAYSHI Ken-ichiro Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, Instructor, 理工学部, 講師 (30158901)
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Project Period (FY) |
1995 – 1996
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Keywords | Amphibia / Metamorphosis / skin / Pterin |
Research Abstract |
1. Amphibian skin contains pterins, which are thought to function as pigments concerning body color. Pterins are fluorescent compounds, showing their own color such as blue or purple under ultraviolet light. In this study, we analyzed pterins in the skin of bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, throughout metamorphosis by a HPLC method using a fluorescent monitor. 2. Most abundant pterin in the extract of tadpole skin was biopterin. The amount was estimated to account for 99% of total biopterin in the body. More than 90% of biopterin in the skin seemed to be an oxidized form, because reduced forms was little detected in the extract. 3. Tadpoles at metamorphic climax released pterins into water for rearing. Released biopterin was estimated to be 123-175mug, and it was comparable to the amount of biopterin in tail skin (119mug) at the onset of metamorphosis. Biopterin content in the body skin of tadpole was similar to that of froglet just after metamorphosis. These results suggest that pterins in water for rearing derive mainly from the regressing tail skin of metamorphosing tadpoles. Pterins are probably excreted via urine. 4. Pterins found in the skin of tadpoles, froglets and adult frogs were the same. But adult skin differed with tadpole skin and froglet skin about the content of isoxanthopterin and 6-hydroxymethylpterin ; the former pterin was less abundant and the latter was more abundant in adult skin. In conclusion, pterin excretion may be useful as an indicator of tail regression during anuran metamorphosis.
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Research Products
(2 results)