Rapid and selective removal of larval erythrocytes from systemic circulation during metamorphosis of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana.
Mechanisms of hemoglobin transition during bullfrog metamorphosis were investigated by labeling red blood cells from larvae (L-RBC) and from froglets (A-RBC) with a fluorescent dye, PKH26. The life span of the labeled L-RBC in systemic circulation was significantly shorter when they were injected into the animals at the metamorphic climax, compared to injection into pre- or postmetamorphic animals. The A-RBC had a long life span regardless of the metamorphic stage of the recipient animal. Therefore, L-RBC were selectively removed from the systemic circulation at the time of metamorphic climax. During climax, the labeled L-RBC were ingested by hepatic and splenic macrophages, indicating that macrophages are involved in the specific elimination of L-RBC.
Hasebe
T
T
Department of Biology, School of Education, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
Oshima
H
H
Kawamura
K
K
Kikuyama
S
S
D000818:Animals; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007814:Larva; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development; D008675:Metamorphosis, Biological; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D011892:Rana catesbeiana / Q000097:blood / Q000254:growth & development*; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D009930:Organic Chemicals; C070080:PKH 26