Amphibians Used in Research and Teaching

Abstract

Amphibians have long been utilized in scientific research and in education. Historically, investigators have accumulated a wealth of information on the natural history and biology of amphibians, and this body of information is continually expanding as researchers describe new species and study the behaviors of these animals. Amphibians evolved as models for a variety of developmental and physiological processes, largely due to their unique ability to undergo metamorphosis. Scientists have used amphibian embryos to evaluate the effects of toxins, mutagens, and teratogens. Likewise, the animals are invaluable in research due to the ability of some species to regenerate limbs. Certain species of amphibians have short generation times and genetic constructs that make them desirable for transgenic and knockout technology, and there is a current national focus on developing these species for genetic and genomic research. This group of vertebrates is also critically important in the investigation of the inter-relationship of humans and the environment based on their sensitivity to climatic and habitat changes and environmental contamination.

Microbiota and Mucosal Immunity in Amphibians

“…Amphibians and biologists have a long history in common (1). We learned over the years that amphibians share with mammals the same kind of molecular and cellular immunological mechanisms including components of the innate and adaptive branches of the immune responses (Table 1).…”

Intraocular pressure in American Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) measured with rebound and applanation tonometry

“…Its habitat includes lakes, ponds, swamps, and marshes. Bullfrogs are used as laboratory animal models for developmental biology, toxicology, and endocrinology studies as well as to study and teach comparative anatomy and physiology . They are commonly exhibited in zoos and aquaria, used as educational program animals, and kept as pets.…”

Cytochemical and immunocytochemical characterization of blood cells and immunohistochemical analysis of spleen cells from 2 species of frog, Rana (Aquarana) catesbeiana and Xenopus laevis

“…Efforts to collect data on amphibians have involved monitoring population demographics and assessing gross and histologic features of disease . Broad species diversity and difficulty in monitoring wild amphibians have hindered research on immune reactions in diseased amphibians, resulting in limited understanding compared with what is known about domestic animals …”