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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Metabolic and endocrine changes during the reproductive cycle of dermatophagic caecilians in captivity

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Author(s):
Gomes, Aline D. [1] ; Navas, Carlos A. [1] ; Jared, Carlos [2] ; Antoniazzi, Marta M. [2] ; Ceballos, Nora R. [3] ; Moreira, Renata G. [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Fisiol, Inst Biociencias, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Inst Butantan, Lab Biol Celular, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Buenos Aires, Fac Ciencias Exactas & Nat, Dept Biodiversidad & Biol Expt, Buenos Aires, DF - Argentina
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: ZOOLOGY; v. 116, n. 5, p. 277-285, OCT 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 5
Abstract

The amphibian order Gymnophiona is poorly known, and studies about their reproduction are mainly comparative and descriptive, focusing on the structure of testes, ovaries and oviducts. However, to understand the reproductive processes, including those of the oviparous dermatophagic species, it is important to know the dynamics of storage and mobilization of energetic substrates to gonads and skin during the reproductive ``cycle of males and females, as well as the endocrine control associated. For the present study, total lipids and proteins were measured during the annual cycle in the plasma, liver, muscle, testes, ovaries and skin of Siphonops annulatus in captivity. Plasma levels of gonadal steroids (estradiol, testosterone and progesterone) were quantified by radioimmunoassay. Histological analyses of ovaries and testes were performed to classify the maturation stages of the animals during the reproductive cycle. Gonadal maturation in males and females of S. annulatus was accompanied by metabolic changes in reserve tissues, which supported gonadal development and prepared the females' epidermis for skin feeding by the offspring. Even in confinement conditions, females and males synchronized the reproductive period. However, due to the absence of environmental cues in captivity inadequate levels of the hormones responsible for gamete release were triggered, leading to a lack of reproductive success. (C) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. (AU)