Expressions and localizations of Bax/Bcl-2 proteins during metamorphosis of Pelophylax ridibundus

Bcl-2 and Bax proteins are expressed in cells of the tails of Pelophylax ridibundus larvae. We investigated the levels of these proteins in tails undergoing apoptosis. Apoptotic cells were observed in the epidermis, muscle and notochord of tails of different lengths. The apoptotic cells in epidermis exhibited the typical features of apoptosis. Amorphous masses and irregularities in striated muscle tissue undergoing apoptosis and apoptotic remnants in the notochord also were observed. In general, Bax staining in the epidermis, subepidermal fibroblast layer, muscle and notochord cells increased, while Bcl-2 staining decreased as the tail regressed. Our results suggest that during tail regression due to metamorphosis, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins play key roles in the apoptosis of tail epidermis, subepidermal fibroblast layer, muscle and notochord cells.     

Fossil evidence for key innovations in the evolution of insect diversity

Explaining the taxonomic richness of the insects, comprising over half of all described species, is a major challenge in evolutionary biology. Previously, several evolutionary novelties (key innovations) have been posited to contribute to that richness, including the insect bauplan, wings, wing folding and complete metamorphosis, but evidence over their relative importance and modes of action is sparse and equivocal. Here, a new dataset on the first and last occurrences of fossil hexapod (insects and close relatives) families is used to show that basal families of winged insects (Palaeoptera, e.g. dragonflies) show higher origination and extinction rates in the fossil record than basal wingless groups (Apterygota, e.g. silverfish). Origination and extinction rates were maintained at levels similar to Palaeoptera in the more derived Polyneoptera (e.g. cockroaches) and Paraneoptera (e.g. true bugs), but extinction rates subsequently reduced in the very rich group of insects with complete metamorphosis (Holometabola, e.g. beetles). Holometabola show evidence of a recent slow-down in their high net diversification rate, whereas other winged taxa continue to diversify at constant but low rates. These data suggest that wings and complete metamorphosis have had the most effect on family-level insect macroevolution, and point to specific mechanisms by which they have influenced insect diversity through time.     

药用两栖动物资源及对辽宁省的调查

目的通过研究论述两栖动物药用价值及辽宁省的资源调查,为资源保护和可持续利用提供依据。方法根据多年来的野外调查,结合已有研究文献进行总结分析。结果辽宁省的药用两栖动物资源丰富,多达11种。11种药用两栖动物占该省所有两栖动物的68.7%,其中东北小鲵、中华蟾蜍、东北林蛙和黑斑蛙的分布广泛、种群数量大,东北林蛙已成为该省主要的野生动物产业。结论两栖动物具有重要的药用价值,是传统中医药的重要组成部分,应加强保护、监测、栖息地恢复和可持续利用管理与研究。     

Effects of head shape variation on growth, metamorphosis and survivorship in larval salamanders (Hynobius retardatus)

The effects of head shape variation on growth and metamorphosis in larval salamander (Hynobius retardatus) were examined by a laboratory experiment and a field experiment. In the laboratory experiment, each larva was fed equal amounts and was prevented from accessing others in both the solitary and group treatments, although chemical cues could be transmitted through water in the group treatment. The relative head width of larvae became larger in the group treatment during the early periods but having a large head width did not finally influence growth rate and days for metamorphosis. In the field experiment, larvae were allowed to contact each other directly in two density conditions. The enlarged relative head width was linked to high growth rate in the high-density treatment but not in the low-density treatment. The larval body size distribution in the high-density condition tended to be smaller, and there was a small proportion of large-sized individuals with a broad head width. Moreover, the small number of large larvae metamorphosed much earlier than the others. The mortality of larvae in high-density conditions was much higher than that in the low-density treatments. This would be a consequence of cannibalism in the high-density condition. From the experimental results obtained, it is argued that for the larvae of H. retardatus having a large head is an adaptive tactic that maximizes fitness, particularly in temporary ponds with an unpredictable environment and in crowded conditions.     

Assessment of rates of deformity in wild frog populations using in situ cages: a case study of Leopard Frogs (Rana pipiens) in Ontario, Canada

High rates of deformity in wild amphibian populations from north-eastern North America have been increasingly reported since 1995. In the St Lawrence River basin (Canada) elevated frequencies of limb and eye deformities in mudpuppies (Necturus maculosus) and leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) were recorded in the early 1990s. A caging study was conducted during 1998 to verify the rates recorded in leopard frogs and pursue the potential causes of deformities seen in juveniles and adults. Week-old leopard frog tadpoles were collected from a reference wetland and maintained through to metamorphosis in cages in previously identified high risk wetlands. Deformity frequencies were measured and compared with frequencies measured in wild populations of leopard frogs inhabiting the same wetlands. The results of caging studies and sampling of wild populations were also compared with corresponding data collected from a reference wetland. No deformities were observed in caged or wild reference animals. Very low deformity frequencies (up to 2.2%) were observed in frogs caged in high risk wetlands, but greater frequencies (3.4-10%) were observed in wild young-of-the-year frogs captured at the same sites. The types of deformities were similar among groups; they included fused, missing or extra digits and disproportionate hindlimb length or eye pupil size. In addition, mortality rates were elevated in two cages in high risk wetlands. In general, the caging procedure was effective in establishing the potential for production of deformities in the waters of a given wetland, but tended to underestimate the rates calculated for samples of wild populations. The ramifications of the first-year findings for similar assessments of amphibian deformity rates and establishment of cause-effect linkages are discussed.     

Release of planula larvae, settlement and development of Siderastrea stellata Verrill, 1868 (Anthozoa, Scleractinia)

We herein provide the first observations on planulation, larval development, and metamorphosis of Siderastrea stellata, an endemic reef-building species that occurs along the northeastern and southeastern coasts of Brazil. The release and settlement of larvae were observed in two distinct periods. The first started 3 days after collection on January 28 during the last quarter, whereas the second started 2 months later, on April 10 during the change from new moon to the first quarter. Planulation continued throughout approximately 48 h. Brooded larvae released from the mouth contained zooxanthellae, and underwent settlement after 48 h. Newly extruded larvae stayed in close contact with parental polyps. Fusion was observed among larvae from the same colony. The first septal cycle was formed by day 2–3, while the third cycle of exosepta became evident 15 days after protosepta development. The development of the corallite of primary polyp was slow, and after 9 months of analyses no evidence of budding was obtained, this indicating that colonial development is likely to be a late event in the S. stellata life history.     

昆虫锌金属蛋白酶研究进展

锌金属蛋白酶是指含有锌离子的蛋白酶,在哺乳动物中参与多项生物学过程的调控.在昆虫中也发现了许多锌金属蛋白酶,能够参与昆虫体内多项生命活动进程如食物的消化与吸收、组织重塑、变态发育、神经系统的调控及免疫防御反应等.本文综述了目前在昆虫中发现的锌金属蛋白酶的结构和底物特异性,聚焦6种锌金属蛋白酶(羧肽酶、基质金属蛋白酶、脑啡肽酶、胰岛素降解酶、血管紧缩素转换酶及氨肽酶)在昆虫中的功能,旨在为昆虫锌金属蛋白酶的深入研究提供参考.