Hormonal induction of spermiation, courting behavior and spawning in the southern bell frog, Litoria raniformis
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2010 |
Authors: |
Reinier M. Mann, Ross V. Hyne, Catherine B. Choung |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
amphibian population decline, captive breeding, dopamine antagonist, gonadotropin (gth), human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg), luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (lhrh) |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract We trialled the efficacy of various exogenous hormones to induce spermiation, courtship behavior, and spawning in the “endangered” southern bell frog, Litoria raniformis. Intralymphatic administration of Lucrin®, a synthetic nonapeptide luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), was used successfully to induce courting behaviors and ejaculation of spermatozoa in males. Various hormones, including Lucrin®, another synthetic LHRH analog ([des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH), human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, and a dopamine receptor antagonist failed to promote oviposition and spawning in females. This and earlier studies indicate that in the efficacy of hormonal induction in amphibians varies between taxa, hormones, and genders. The lack of response in females may limit the use of reproduction technology in the southern bell frog and closely related species of Australian bell frogs. Zoo Biol 29:774–782, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.