Changes in plasma thyroxine levels during and after spontaneous metamorphosis in a natural population of the green frog, Rana clamitans

Gen Comp Endocrinol. 1986 Apr;62(1):8-12. doi: 10.1016/0016-6480(86)90088-2.

Abstract

Plasma thyroxine (T4) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in a spontaneously metamorphosing population of green frog, Rana clamitans, tadpoles. In accordance with species previously studied, a sharp rise in plasma T4 was seen at metamorphic climax, followed by a decline at final transformation. Unlike other species studied thus far, T4 levels were also moderately high in growing tadpoles (stages X-XIII). These early elevated levels may be due to daily rhythmicity in thyroid secretion coupled with the restricted hours of blood collection used in this study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Larva / metabolism
  • Metamorphosis, Biological*
  • Rana esculenta / blood*
  • Rana esculenta / growth & development
  • Thyroxine / blood*

Substances

  • Thyroxine