Induced ovulation and egg deposition in the direct developing anuran <it>Eleutherodactylus coqui</it>

• Main Authors: Estrada Alberto R, Toro Esteban, Buckley Christine, Michael Scott F, Vincent Shawn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2004-01-01
• Series: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
• Online Access: http://www.rbej.com/content/2/1/6

<p>Abstract</p> <p>This study investigates ovulation and egg deposition behaviors in the anuran <it>Eleutherodactylus coqui </it>from Puerto Rico in response to stimulation with gonadotropin and gonadotropin releasing hormones. Five hormones were tested by injection over a range of doses, including mammalian LHRH, avian LHRH, fish LHRH, D-Ala6, des-Gly10 ethylamide LHRH and hCG. We report a low level of ovulation and egg deposition in response to all hormones, with the most complete and consistent results from the non-natural D-Ala6, des-Gly10 ethylamide LHRH derivative. To confirm the viability of eggs produced in this manner we performed <it>in vitro </it>fertilization experiments that resulted in the development of normal frogs. Reproductive behaviors in <it>E. coqui </it>are apparently not controlled by a mammalian form of LHRH as reported in other common laboratory anuran species. D-Ala6, des-Gly10 ethylamide LHRH induces ovulation and deposition of mature and fertilizable eggs in <it>E. coqui</it>.</p>