Carbenoxolone-sensitive and cesium-permeable potassium channel in the rod cells of frog taste discs

The rod cells in frog taste discs display the outward current and maintain the negative resting potential in the condition where internal K⁺ is replaced with Cs⁺. We analyzed the properties of the Cs⁺-permeable conductance in the rod cells. The current–voltage (I/V) relationships obtained by a voltage ramp were bell-shaped under Cs⁺ internal solution. The steady state I/V relationships elicited by voltage steps also displayed the bell-shaped outward current. The activation of the current accelerated with the depolarization and the inactivation appeared at positive voltage. The gating for the current was maintained even at symmetric condition (Cs⁺ external and internal solutions). The wing cells did not show the properties. The permeability for K⁺ was a little larger than that for Cs⁺. Internal Na⁺ and NMDG⁺ could not induce the bell-shaped outward current. Carbenoxolone inhibited the bell-shaped outward Cs⁺ current dose dependently (IC₅₀: 27 μM). Internal arachidonic acid (20 μM) did not induce the linear current–voltage (I–V) relationship which is observed in two-pore domain K⁺ channel (K_2P). The results suggest that the resting membrane potentials in the rod cells are maintained by the voltage-gated K⁺ channels.     

云南腾冲北海湿地自然保护区两栖动物多样性现状

21世纪以来,全球近半的两栖动物在物种和种群水平正受到威胁,我国云南尤为突出。云南腾冲北海湿地具有独特的漂浮状苔草沼泽植被,两栖类是评价生态系统健康的指示类群,进行两栖类资源调查有助于推进湿地保护工作。2019年5月、7月和8月以及2020年5月、6月和9月采用了以样线法为主、访问为辅的方法进行了野外调查,共记录两栖动物21种,包括入侵种1种,其中20种土著种属于2目7科17属。与上一次调查名录（2008年）相比,此次调查增加北海湿地两栖动物新记录5种,包括腾冲掌突蟾（Leptobrachella tengchongensis）、红蹼树蛙（Rhacophorus rhodopus）、白颌大树蛙（Zhangixalus smaragdinus）、背条螳臂树蛙（Chiromantis doriae）以及入侵种牛蛙（Lithobates catesbeianus = Rana catesbeiana）;新修订2科8种。用G-F指数进行数据分析,与周边县域进行平均动物区系相似性比较。结果显示,北海湿地两栖类G-F指数为0.432;由平均动物区系相似性比较可知,北海湿地与腾冲（高黎贡山国家级自然保护区）、泸水（高黎贡山国家级自然保护区）、龙陵小黑山省级自然保护区和铜壁关自然保护区盈江片区为周缘关系;外来入侵种牛蛙数量远多于土著种,亟需采取针对性保护措施;需建立北海湿地两栖动物监测体系,作为湿地生态系统健康的指示标准之一。     

辽宁蛙科一新种：无尾目

１９８６－１９８７年４月在辽宁省桓仁县采到２５只成蛙。其鉴别特征为,头宽大于头长;鼓膜约为眼径的１／２;背侧褶细而折曲;胫长于足;趾间全蹼,缺刻浅;雄性无声囊,无雄性线。此蛙与林蛙其它种均有明显区别,故定为新种,桓仁林蛙Ｒａｎａ ｈｕａｎｒｅｎｅｎｓｉｓ ｓｐ．ｎｏｖ．     

中国臭蛙属两新种记述(无尾目：蛙科)

对云南臭蛙Odorrana andersonii各地居群的形态特征进行了深入研究,将原定名为云南臭蛙的9个地区标本分为3个形态型。这3个形态型被确定为3个不同的种,即云南臭蛙和2个新种：景东臭蛙O.jingdongensis sp.nov.和海南臭蛙O.hainanensis sp.nov.。海南臭蛙Odorrana hainanensis sp.nov.,正模CIB64Ⅲ3916,雄性成体59.5mm;采自海南白沙县鹦歌岭,海拔520;1964年8月25日。景东臭蛙Odorrana jingdongensis sp.nov.,正模CIB581505,雌性成体体长90.4mm;采自云南景东县新民乡,海拔1480m,1958年5月29日。模式标本保存在中国科学院成者生物研究所。     

Development of the pseudothumb in frogs

Frogs have highly conserved hand and foot morphology, possessing four fingers and five toes. As an exception, two Japanese ranid frog species, the Otton frog Babina subaspera and the dagger frog Babina holsti, possess a unique thumb-like structure (the pseudothumb) in the forelimb, giving an appearance of a total of five fingers on the hand. To obtain insights into the developmental mechanisms that generate this novel character, we investigated the hand morphogenesis of the Otton frog. The unique morphological pattern of the pseudothumb was already established in juveniles. Surprisingly, the bud-like structure, which is similar to the area of inductive activity (e.g. feather buds in birds and the carapacial ridge in turtles), was detected over the site where the future prepollex develops in larvae. By contrast, this bud-like structure was not found in larvae of other ranid species. We discuss possible scenarios that would favour the evolution of this very unusual trait in frogs.     

中国蛙类一新种(无尾目,蛙科)

描述了1种采自广西猫儿山国家级自然保护区的蛙类1新种,模式标本保存于沈阳师范大学自然博物馆.猫儿山林蛙,新种Rana maoershanensis sp.nov.(图1～17)正模:SYNU 06020120,雄性成体,李丕鹏和王绍能于2006年2月采集自广西壮族自治区猫儿山国家级自然保护区,海拔1 980 m.配模:SYNU 06020091,SYNU 06020122和SYNU06020124,雄性成体;SYNU06020121,SYNU06040153,SYN 0604154和SYNU 06040155,雌性成体.李丕鹏和王绍能于2006年2月和4月采集,采集地点与正模相同.蝌蚪:SYNU0602001和SYNU 0604001系列,采集信息与配模标本相同.新种具有如下主要鉴别特征:1)体略大;2)头宽略大于头长;3)背侧褶明显且略弯曲;4)胫跗关节前达眼角;5)雄性婚垫2团,无内声囊,腹部无雄性线;6)蝌蚪唇齿式多为Ⅰ:3-3/Ⅲ:1-1,少数为Ⅰ:3-3/Ⅳ.新种在头型上与中国林蛙相似,在体形上与昭觉林蛙相似.但与已知林蛙均有明显不同.新种的背侧褶略显弯曲,这一特点明显不同于主要分布于中国北方的黑龙江林蛙种组Rana amurensis group和中国林蛙种组R.chensinensis group的成员.新种与长肢林蛙种组R.longicrus group的镇海林蛙R.zhenhaiensis在背侧褶的弯曲特点上相似,但前者有别于后者的主要特点有:头型较宽扁,雌蛙后腿相对较长,蝌蚪唇齿式多为Ⅰ:3-3/Ⅲ:1-1.新种与长肢林蛙种组的其他林蛙不仅在背侧褶和头型等方面明显有别,而且蝌蚪唇齿式也显著不同.通过对四川、贵州和云南的昭觉林蛙R.chaochiaoensis成体和蝌蚪标本(包括地模标本)的核查和比较,新种的胫跗关节前达眼角,皮肤光滑,缺乏疣粒,雄性腹侧无雄性线,蝌蚪下唇乳突排列规则,中央无缺刻;而昭觉林蛙胫跗关节前达鼻孔或超过吻端,体侧和背部有圆疣或长疣,雄性背腹侧均有雄性线,蝌蚪下唇中央乳头排列稀疏或有缺刻.     

云南臭蛙的分类学研究 (无尾目：蛙科)

作者采用形态特征比较、标准判别分析方法和DNA批纹技术对云南臭蛙Odorrana andersonii9个居群进行了综合研究,结果表明：9个居群可以分为以云南龙陵、景东、海南标本为代表的3个形态型,它们的形态特征差异明显;3者的标准判别分析和DNA指纹图谱结果均有明显不同,印证了形态性状研究结果。据此上述3个形态型标本被确定为3个种,其中包括2新种,本文对原隶属于云南臭蛙的各地标本的分类地位作了讨论。     

中国蛙科一新种——版纳大头蛙(两栖纲:无尾目)

经核查和鉴定中国云南等地原定名为大头蛙[Limnonectes kuhlii(=Rana kuhlii Tschudi,1838)]的标本及相关文献资料,并与产地为印度尼西亚的爪哇大头蛙(Limnonectes kuhlii)模式标本的有关描述相对比,两者在其形态、染色体及线粒体基因分化等特征上均有明显区别,因此将云南、广西等地标本的种名改订为新种,即版纳大头蛙(Limnonectes bannaensis,sp.nov.)。其主要鉴别特征是:1)背面较光滑,具少数细肤棱,体后部有小圆疣;2)体背面浅褐色或灰褐色,肤褶上有黑纹;3)蝌蚪尾部具深色斑纹,但尾后半段不呈黑色;4)其染色体组型为2n=22(20m 2st)。而爪哇产大头蛙:1)背面粗糙,体背部、胫部和肛部周围满布圆形疣粒;2)体背面为黑大理石色或为黑色;3)蝌蚪尾部后半段为黑色;4)染色体组型为2n=26,5对大染色体,8对小染色体,除第8对为亚端部着丝粒外,其余均为中部和亚中部着丝粒。     

中国臭蛙属一新种

通过形态学比较和12Sm tDNA序列比对发现,采自福建省武夷山的臭蛙标本与模式标本产地花臭蛙差异显著,鉴定为1新种黄岗臭蛙Odorrana huanggangensis sp.nov.。其主要鉴别特征为:1)雄性个体约为雌性个体长的1/2;2)头长与头宽几相等;3)犁骨齿2短列,约等于两内缘间距宽;4)外侧3指有窄的指侧缘膜,第1、5趾侧缘膜达趾基部;5)股、胫部背面有3～4条宽的褐色横纹,股后部褐色斑大而密集;6)趾间全蹼,各趾之蹼达趾吸盘基部;7)雄性具1对咽侧下外声囊,背面有粉白色雄性线;8)雄性腹面咽胸部、腹部以及前臂内侧和上、下颌缘密布细小白刺;9)雌性腹内成熟卵动物极棕褐色,植物极米黄色,卵径2.6mm左右。对新种发现所揭示的含义进行了探讨。     

太行隆肛蛙补充描述(无尾目,蛙科)

对采自我国河南济源市邵原镇太行山的隆肛蛙标本进行了形态学观察分析,发现该地标本在形态上与模式产地巫山隆肛蛙标本及其它种群存在明显差异,这表明太行山的隆肛蛙应是一独立种,即太行隆肛蛙Paa(Feirana)taihangnicus.本文对该种进行了详细的记述,并依据遗传学资料做了相应的分类讨论.     

中国四川省蛙科一新种——南江臭蛙(两栖纲:无尾目)

对分布于四川、重庆市、贵州、湖北、湖南、安徽和福建的花臭蛙[Odorrana(Odorrana)schmackeri(Boettger,1892)]标本进行了形态比较,结果发现四川省南江和万源县的花臭蛙标本与其他产地的花臭蛙标本在形态特征上存在明显区别,主要是:1)成体雄雌体长之比值较小,约为1∶1.34;2)犁骨齿列短,两内侧间距宽,距内鼻孔远;3)背面深色斑点周围无浅色边缘;4)股后部深色斑大而稀疏;5)趾间蹼较弱,第四趾蹼达远端关节下瘤;6)腹内成熟卵的动植物极均为乳白色。故将四川省南江和万源的标本订为新种--南江臭蛙[Odorrana(Odorrana)nanjiangensis,sp.nov.]。     

Morphometric and DNA investigations into European water frogs (Rana kl. esculenta Synklepton (Anura, Ranidae)) from different population systems

The population specific variability of diploid and triploid R. kl. esculenta individuals was investigated by means of morphometric methods (canonical discriminant analysis, UPGMA cluster analysis) and DNA fingerprinting. As a result of the morphometric investigations, as well as of the DNA investigations, a clear separation of single populations was possible. However, no correlations between the morphometry and different population systems could be recognized. Clear morphometric differences could be seen between diploid ♀♀ and ♂♂ and triploid ♀♀ on the one hand, and triploid ♂♂ on the other. While the diploid ♀♀ and ♂♂ and the triploid ♀♀ were located in the intermediate area between the parental species R. lessonae and R. ridibunda according to their morphometric parameters, the triploid ♂♂ showed a great overlap with R. lessonae. Up to now, this phenomenon has not been explained. The first results of the DNA investigations provided further hints at the high inter-individual and population-specific variability of R. kl. esculenta. R. kl. esculenta individuals of the R. lessonae/esculenta population Toter See could be distinguished from conspecific individuals of the R. ridibunda/esculenta-♀♀ population Alte Oder according to their fingerprint patterns. Moreover, in the R. lessonae / esculenta population, the fingerprints or the diploid R. kl. esculenta-♀♀ and the investigated R. lessonae-♀ were very similar. Furthermore, in this population, many R. kl. esculenta genotypes resemble R. lessonae in their morphometric features. This finding suggests the occurrence of recombination in R. kl. esculenta. In general, every population seems to have its own genetic background. A classification of water-frog populations according to population systems is only possible under certain conditions.     

A morphological re-examination of the frog genus Nannophrys (Anura: Ranidae) with comments on its biology, distribution and relationships

The morphology of Nannophrys Günther, 1869, a genus of ranid frogs endemic to Sri Lanka, is reexamined. The three species comprising the genus are redescribed, and a detailed account of the osteology of the type-species, N. ceylonensis Günther, is given for the first time. Adults of two species show heavy secondary cranial ossification, a feature known in only one other ranid genus, the Solomon Islands Ceratobatrachus. New information on the tapdole of N. ceylonensis is provided. N. marmorata Kirtisinghe, 1946, is accorded full species status. Reference is made to the ecological niches of N. ceylonensis and N. marmorata. The resemblance of Nannophrys to the myobatrachine leptodactylids is noted, both groups possessing a cartilaginous omosternum and dilated sacral diapophyses. On the basis of this resemblance and other data presented in the present paper, it is suggested that Nannophrys may be interpreted as a primitive ranid genus which has independently acquired a large number of derived features. Comparison is made with a selected group of related Indian ranid genera, and with Ceratobatrachus. Results indicate that Nannophrys show some affinity with the southern Indian genera Nannobatrachus and Nyctibatrachus , and also with Ceratobatrachus. Comment is made on the correlation of the zoogeographical subdivision of the southern Indian region and Nannophrys relationships.     

Phylogeography of Ptychadena mascareniensis suggests transoceanic dispersal in a widespread African-Malagasy frog lineage

Aim The Mascarene ridged frog, Ptychadena mascareniensis, is the only African amphibian species thought to occur on Madagascar and on the Seychelles and also Mascarene islands. We explored its phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific genetic differentiation to contribute to the understanding of transoceanic dispersal in amphibians. Methods Fragments of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were sequenced from specimens collected over most of the distribution area of P. mascareniensis, including populations from Madagascar, Mascarenes and Seychelles. Results We identified five deeply divergent clades having pairwise divergences >5%, which probably all represent cryptic species in a P. mascareniensis complex. One of these seems to be restricted to Madagascar, the Mascarenes and the Seychelles. Sequences obtained from topotypic material (Réunion) were identical to the most widespread haplotype from Madagascar. The single Mauritian/Seychellean haplotype differed by only one mutation from a Malagasy haplotype. Main conclusions It is likely that the Mascarene and Seychellean populations were introduced from Madagascar by humans. In contrast, the absence of the Malagasy haplotypes from Africa and the distinct divergences among Malagasy populations (16 mutations in one divergent hapolotype from northern Madagascar) suggest that Madagascar was populated by Ptychadena before the arrival of humans c. 2000 years ago. Because Madagascar has been separated from Africa since the Jurassic, this colonization must have taken place by overseas rafting, which may be a more widespread dispersal mode in amphibians than commonly thought.     

Amphibians distribution and habitats in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia

This study surveyed 205 wetland sites in the Southwestern Saudi Arabia. We found seven species of amphibians (Anura), which belong to four families: Bufonidae; which includes four species, Sclerophrys tihamica; S. Arabica, Duttaphrynus dhufarensis, and Bufotes viridis; Hylidae, represented by only one species, the tree frog Hyla savignyi; Ranidae, which represented by one species, Pelophylax ridibundus and finally the Dicroglossidae, represented by one species, Euphlyctis ehrenbergii. The reasonable amount of rain received in southwest Arabia, and habitat diversity contribute to the relative abundance of amphibians in the region. Five types of wetland habitats were found in the study area. Valley streams, irrigated farms, seasonal ponds, dam reservoir and lagoons of treated sewage water. The current study revealed the wide spread of amphibians in southwestern Saudi Arabia than what had been reported earlier and confirmed the presence of the Bufotes viridis at three new sites in Asir Heights. It also showed the wide spread of S. arabica in all types of habitats in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Habitat degradation was evident in the region, which might lead to species loss.     

Biological invasions and the acoustic niche: the effect of bullfrog calls on the acoustic signals of white-banded tree frogs

Invasive species are known to affect native species in a variety of ways, but the effect of acoustic invaders has not been examined previously. We simulated an invasion of the acoustic niche by exposing calling native male white-banded tree frogs (Hypsiboas albomarginatus) to recorded invasive American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) calls. In response, tree frogs immediately shifted calls to significantly higher frequencies. In the post-stimulus period, they continued to use higher frequencies while also decreasing signal duration. Acoustic signals are the primary basis of mate selection in many anurans, suggesting that such changes could negatively affect the reproductive success of native species. The effects of bullfrog vocalizations on acoustic communities are expected to be especially severe due to their broad frequency band, which masks the calls of multiple species simultaneously.     

Localization of hematopoietic cells in the bullfrog (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lithobates catesbeianus</Emphasis>)

Amphibians represent the first phylogenetic group to possess hematopoietic bone marrow. However, adult amphibian hematopoiesis has only been described in a few species and with conflicting data. Bone marrow, kidney, spleen, liver, gut, stomach, lung, tegument, and heart were therefore collected from adult Lithobates catesbeianus and investigated by light microscopy and immunohistochemical methods under confocal laser microscopy. Our study demonstrated active hematopoiesis in the bone marrow of vertebrae, femur, and fingers and in the kidney, but no hematopoietic activity inside other organs including the spleen and liver. Blood cells were identified as a heterogeneous cell population constituted by heterophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, erythrocytic cells, lymphocytes, and their precursors. Cellular islets of the thrombocytic lineage occurred near sinusoids of the bone marrow. Antibodies against CD34, CD117, stem cell antigen, erythropoietin receptor, and the receptor for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor identified some cell populations, and some circulating immature cells were seen in the bloodstream. Thus, on the basis of these phylogenetic features, we propose that L. catesbeianus can be used as an important model for hematopoietic studies, since this anuran exhibits hematopoiesis characteristics both of lower vertebrates (renal hematopoiesis) and of higher vertebrates (bone marrow hematopoiesis).