LPS-induced alterations in reproductive organs and liver pigmentation in the toad Rhinella diptycha (Bufonidae)

Author(s)

Gregorio, L. S. ^{[1, 2]} ; Freitas, J. S. ^[3] ; Franco-Belussi, L. ^[4] ; De Oliveira, C. ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP, Dept Biol, Grad Program Anim Biol, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Rua Cristovao Colombo, 2264 Jardim Nazareth, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Engn Sao Carlos, Ctr Ecotoxicol & Appl Ecol, Dept Hydraul & Sanitat, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[4] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP, Dept Biol, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY; v. 96, n. 12, p. 1336-1345, DEC 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Anurans can be naturally infected by the bacterium Escherichia coli (Migula, 1895) Castellani and Chalmers, 1919, which contain lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in their external membrane. LPS affects reproductive functions in mammals and extracutaneous pigmentary system of anurans. Besides the functional gonad, bufonid amphibians have an undeveloped female organ (Bidder's organ), whose function is poorly known. We aimed to investigate the effects of LPS on testis and Bidder's organ germ cells and on liver pigmentation in the toad Rhinella diptycha (Cope, 1862). Animals were inoculated with 0.1 mL of saline solution (control) or LPS solution (18 mg/kg) and then euthanized after 24 or 48 h. The organs were processed for histology and then evaluated with morphometric analysis. The LPS decreased the area of bundle spermatozoa and increased lumen spermatozoa, while in Bidder's organ, the number of degenerating oocytes decreased. Liver melanin increased after 24 h and decreased after 48 h. Our results suggest that LPS delays the release of spermatozoa, possibly due to alterations in serum levels of testosterone and (or) gonadotropins, which may also explain fewer degrading cells in Bidder's organ. Increased melanin in the liver was expected due to the bactericidal role of this pigment. Thus, LPS affected reproductive organs and induced cytoprotective responses in the liver of amphibians. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/00946-4 - Internal Pigmentation in Ectotherms: Innate immunity and UV defense
• Grantee: Lilian Franco Belussi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 11/21519-9 - Action of Escherichia coli LPS in Bidders organ, testis and liver of males Rhinella schneideri (Anura: Bufonidae)
• Grantee: Lara Salgueiro de Gregorio
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 13/02067-5 - Toxic effects of the herbicides Atrazine and Roundup in Eupemphix nattereri (Leiuperidae) and Rhinella schneideri (Bufonidae): morphological changes under different concentrations and abiotic conditions (pH, temperature and photoperiod)
• Grantee: Classius de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/16948-3 - Influence of the temperature in the toxicity of herbicides 500SC® and Gamit® in tadpoles of Eupemphix nattereri (Leptodactylidae) and Rhinella schneideri (Bufonidae)
• Grantee: Juliane Silberschmidt Freitas
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate