title: Induced ovulation and egg deposition in the direct developing anuran Eleutherodactylus coqui.
abstract: This study investigates ovulation and egg deposition behaviors in the anuran Eleutherodactylus coqui 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 in vitro fertilization experiments that resulted in the development of normal frogs. Reproductive behaviors in E. coqui 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 E. coqui.
authors.affiliation: Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. smichael@tulane.edu
authors.forename: Scott F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Michael
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Buckley
authors.forename: Esteban
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Toro
authors.forename: Alberto R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Estrada
authors.forename: Shawn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vincent
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001001:Anura / Q000502:physiology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000494:pharmacology; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D010058:Oviposition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D011647:Puerto Rico
chemical_list: D006062:Gonadotropins; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone