Vitamin A-Mediated Homeotic Transformation of Tail to Limbs, Limb Suppression and Abnormal Tail Regeneration in the Indian Jumping Frog Polypedates maculatus |
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Authors: | Pravati Kumari Mahapatra Priyambada Mohanty-Hejmadi |
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Institution: | Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar 751 004, Orissa, INDIA |
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Abstract: | In this study the effects of vitamin A on tadpoles of Polypedates maculatus with an amputated tail were investigated. After amputation of half the tail at the hindlimb-bud stage, tadpoles were exposed to vitamin A (palmitate) 10 IU/ml solution for 24 hr (Group I), 48 hr (II), 72 hr (III), 96 hr (IV), 120 hr (V) or 144 hr (VI). Vitamin A was deleterious to survival of the tadpoles since 10, 30 and 30% tadpoles died from Group IV, V and VI, respectively before the emergence of forelimbs. Regeneration of the tail was abnormal in 91.7% of the tadpoles. Vitamin A induced homeotic transformation of the amputated tail to hindlimbs in 11.6% of the animals. Normal limb development was suppressed partially or completely in 48.3% tadpoles. These results indicate that in addition to traumatic effects, vitamin A can lead to homeotic transformation of the tail into hindlimbs and can also interfere with normal development of limbs. |
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