Composition of indolealkylamines of Bufo rubescens cutaneous secretions compared to six other Brazilian bufonids with phylogenetic implications

Maciel, Natan Medeiros; Schwartz, Carlos; Júnior, Osmindo Rodrigues Pires; Sebben, Antonio; Castro, Mariana S.; Sousa, Marcelo Valle de; Fontes, Wagner; Schwartz, Elisabeth Ferroni

doi:10.1016/s1096-4959(03)00022-8

Cited by 45 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Granular glands synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds, e.g., proteins, lipids, catecholamines, alkaloids, or glycoconjugates, depending on the group of amphibians (Toledo and Jared, ; Jared et al, ; Antoniazzi et al, ; Ferraro, Topa and Hermida, ). Among anurans, true toads belonging to the family Bufonidae produce highly toxic skin secretions, which are composed of cardiotonic steroids, called bufadienolides, and biogenic amines like catecholamines, with a powerful vasopressor action in vertebrates (Toledo and Jared, ; Maciel et al, ; Cunha‐Filho et al, ; Sciani et al, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphological Changes in Skin Glands During Development in Rhinella Arenarum (Anura: Bufonidae)

Regueira

Dávila

Hermida

2015

The Anatomical Record

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Avoiding predation is critical to survival of animals; chemical defenses represent a common strategy among amphibians. In this study, we examined histologically the morphology of skin glands and types of secretions related to chemical skin defense during ontogeny of Rhinella arenarum. Prior to metamorphic climax the epidermis contains typical bufonid giant cells producing a mucous substance supposedly involved in triggering a flight reaction of the tadpole school. An apical layer of alcianophilic mucus covers the epidermis, which could produce the unpleasant taste of bufonid tadpoles. Giant cells disappear by onset of metamorphic climax, when multicellular glands start developing, but the apical mucous layer remains. By the end of climax, neither the granular glands of the dorsum nor the parotoid regions are completely developed. Conversely, by the end of metamorphosis the mucous glands are partially developed and secrete mucus. Adults have at least three types of granular glands, which we designate type A (acidophilic), type B (basophilic) and ventral (mucous). Polymorphic granular glands distribute differently in the body: dorsal granular glands between warts and in the periphery of parotoids contain protein; granular glands of big warts and in the central region of parotoids contain catecholamines, lipids, and glycoconjugates, whereas ventral granular glands produce acidic glycoconjugates. Mucous glands produce both mucus and proteins. Results suggest that in early juveniles the chemical skin defense mechanisms are not functional. Topographical differences in adult skin secretions suggest that granular glands from the big warts in the skin produce similar toxins to the parotoid glands. Anat Rec, 299:141-156, 2016. V C 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphological Changes in Skin Glands During Development in Rhinella Arenarum (Anura: Bufonidae)

Regueira

Dávila

Hermida

2015

The Anatomical Record

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“…The product secreted by such glands consists of a wide variety of chemical compounds including proteins, peptides, biogenic amines, toxic steroidal bufadienolides, toxic samandarine alkaloids, and indolic pseudophrynamine alkaloids, depending on the species [3, 4]. In comparison to the enormous range of molecules secreted by these animals [5–8], studies evaluating the biochemical and pharmacological activities of these compounds are still scarce [9, 10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Differences and Similarities among Parotoid Macrogland Secretions in South American Toads: A Preliminary Biochemical Delineation

Sciani

Angeli

Antoniazzi

et al. 2013

The Scientific World Journal

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Amphibians are known by cutaneous glands, spread over the skin, containing toxins (proteins, peptides, biogenic amines, steroidal bufadienolides, and alkaloids) used as chemical defense against predators and microbial infection. Toads are characterized by the presence of parotoid macroglands. The common toads have lately been divided into two genera: Bufo (Europe, Asia, and Africa) and Rhinella (South America). Basal Rhaebo genus is exclusively of Central America and Amazon region. Although Rhinella and Rhaebo are related, species may share differences due to the diversity of environments that they live in. In this work, we have performed a biochemical characterization of the components of the poison of eight Rhinella species and one Rhaebo by means of RP-HPLC with either UV or MS detection and by SDS-PAGE, in order to verify whether phylogenetic and biological differences, such as habitat, diet, and defensive strategies, between them may also be reflected in poison composition. Although some components were common among the secretions, we were able to identify exclusive molecules to some species. The fact that closely related animals living in different habitats secrete different molecules into the skin is an indication that biological features, and not only evolution, seem to directly influence the skin secretion composition.

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“…R. jimi is geographically restricted to northwestern of Brazil (Stevaux, 2002), and information about its ecology and natural history has been limited to a few publications describing its periods of activity (Silva et al, 2007) and its parasitic infections (Anjos et al, 2008). In addition to their pharmacological interest, toad skin secretions (aromatic amines) can be useful to taxonomic studies (biochemical taxonomy) and to evaluate the evolutionary relationships, especially in the genus Rhinella (Maciel et al, 2003).…”

Section: Research Articlementioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of the cytocidal potential ofRhinella jimiskin methanol extracts

Brito

Sales

Costa

et al. 2012

Pharmaceutical Biology

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Composition of indolealkylamines of Bufo rubescens cutaneous secretions compared to six other Brazilian bufonids with phylogenetic implications

Cited by 45 publications

References 11 publications

Morphological Changes in Skin Glands During Development in Rhinella Arenarum (Anura: Bufonidae)

Morphological Changes in Skin Glands During Development in Rhinella Arenarum (Anura: Bufonidae)

Differences and Similarities among Parotoid Macrogland Secretions in South American Toads: A Preliminary Biochemical Delineation

Investigation of the cytocidal potential ofRhinella jimiskin methanol extracts

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