Trematodes and limb deformities in Rana

Abstract:

Limb abnormalities in natural populations of amphibians might be caused by chemical pollution, UV-B radiation, predation, and parasites including trematodes. Disruption of spatial organization of cells in the limb bud is one of the mechanisms leading to outgrowth of limb deformities. These cells produce signaling molecules that set up the primary limb axes. The authors investigated how trematode cyst infection caused limb deformities in Rana sylvatica and R. pipiens. Infected and uninfected tadpoles were raised to metamorphosis and then examined for limb abnormalities. Deformities by surgical limb bud rotations also were performed for comparison. Trematode cercariae actively targeted hind limb bud regions and histological analysis showed that cysts induced abnormal tissue growth at early stages. Abnormalities resulting from trematode cyst-infestation closely resembled those induced by limb bud rotation, as …

Año de publicación:

2003

Keywords:

Fuente:

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