Multidisciplinary Research on Reproductive Biology in Japanese Toads

应用多学科研究技术，对日本蟾蜍(Bufo Japan Onicus)生殖的生物学特性进行了研究。用形态学技术观察性腺的发育和成熟模式。内分泌途径。提纯催乳素(PRL)、卵泡刺激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)等腺垂体激素，建立其放射免疫分析方法。RIAs测定的催乳素、卵泡刺激素和促黄体生成素等激素的季节变化与生殖活动相对应。此外，用重组DNA技术测定了血管催产素和催产素的mRNAs的核苷酸序列。对蟾蜍繁殖行为的人种图比较表明，蟾蜍逐渐终止冬眠，并开始迁徙到特定的繁殖池。蟾蜍可以通过关于嗅觉线索的记忆来检测池塘的位置。性腺成熟和生殖行为的启动不需要冬眠。男性生殖行为的触发中心位于视前核，特别是其前部(Apon)。配偶的叫声是由对APON的电刺激引起的。APON神经元的活动可能受LHRH和TRH这两种下丘脑神经激素的刺激。曾傑瑞卵子周围的外套是受精所需的钙离子的储存库。

Biological aspects of reproduction in the Japanese toad (Bufo japonicus) were examined by use of multidisciplinary research techniques.Development and maturation of reproductive organs. Patterns of development and maturation of gonads were examined by morphological techniques.Endocrine approaches. Adenohypophysial hormones, e.g., prolactin (PRL), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), were purified to establish radio immunoassay methods for them. Seasonal variations of various hormones including PRL, FSH and LH measured by RIAs corresponded reproductive activity. In addition, nucleotide sequences of mRNAs for vasotocin and mesotocin were determined by a recombinant DNA technique.Ethology. Comparisons of ethograms of toad reproductive behavior showed that the toad gradually terminates hibernation and initiates migration to a particular breeding pond. The toad may detect the location of the pond by a memory concerning olfactory cues. Hibernation is not necessitated for maturation of gonads and initiation of reproductive behavior.Neuroethology. A triggering center for male reproductive behavior was localized in the preoptic nucleus, especially in its anterior part (APON). Mate calling was evoked by an electrical stimulation of the APON. Activities of APON neurons may be motivated by LHRH and TRH, hypothalamic neurohormones.Developmental chemistry. Jerry coats surrounding eggs are a reservoir for Ca ions required for fertilization.