Visceral Pigmentation in Three Species of the Genus Scinax (Anura: Hylidae): Distinct Morphological Pattern

Author(s)

Franco-Belussi, Lilian ^[1] ; Santos, Lia Raquel De Souza ^[2] ; Zieri, Rodrigo ^[3] ; De Oliveira, Classius ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Dept Biol, Postgrad Program Anim Biol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Goias Fed Inst IFG, Dept Biol, Goiania, Go - Brazil

^[3] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Dept Biol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Anatomical Record-Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology; v. 295, n. 2, p. 298-306, FEB 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 7

Abstract

Amphibians share with other ectothermic vertebrates an extracutaneous pigmentary system consisting of melanin-containing cells in various organs and tissues. We describe the interspecific variation in the visceral pigmentation in three anuran species (Scinax similis, S. fuscovarius, and S. fuscomarginatus). We analyzed the visceral pigmentation of 15 adult males from each species during the reproductive period. The individuals were weighed and measured, and the pigmented visceral cells were classified and documented in stereomicroscope. The shape and amount of pigment cells differed among organs and also among species. Significant differences were detected in the cardiorespiratory system, digestory system, urogenital system, and lumbosacral peritoneum. In the urogenital system, the main difference was observed in the testes, in which only S. fuscomarginatus had varying degrees of pigmentation. Anat Rec, 2012. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/01840-7 - Antiinflammatory action of alfa-MSH hormone in anurans: a systemic and in vitro study.
• Grantee: Lilian Franco Belussi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate