Parotoid Macrogland of Phyllomedusa sauvagii (Boulenger, 1882)

VALCHI, PAULA; O'DONOHOE, M. E. AILÍN; REGUEIRA, ELEONORA; FARIAS, ALEJANDRO; HERMIDA, GLADYS N

Conferencia; 2023 Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists; 2023

Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles

Amphibian skin is a complex organ, rich in exocrine glands immersed in the dermis. According to morphological criteria, two types of glands are recognized: acinar glands (also known as mucous glands) and syncytial glands. The parotoid is a complex structure located in the postorbital- supratympanic (PoSt) region in several amphibians. It is involved in passive defense, an adaptation to avoid predators in frontal attacks. In particular, hylids are characterized by having macroglands in the mental and lateral regions, which are linked to a reproductive role. The aim of this study was to analyze the histomorphology of the PoSt region of Phyllomedusa sauvagii, a species of tree frog that is widely distributed in different regions of South America, and compare it with the dorsal skin. After histological analysis using light and scanning electron microscopy, it has been observed that the PoSt region is characterized by cluttered large syncytial glands (LSG) disposed in close proximity to each other. The morphology and chemical nature of their secretion is similar to other glands distributed throughout the body. From this work emerges that the LSGs of the PoSt region of P. sauvagii have a secretion rich in lipids. This would be an indication that the parotoid would not only have a defensive role but could also contribute to prevent dehydration of the animal, being involved in the wiping behavior.