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Journal of Experimental Biology 31,631-638 (1954)
Published by Company of Biologists 1954

The Role of Peripheral Nervous System in Colour Changes of Bufo Arenarum Hensel

A. O. M. STOPPANI ¹, P. F. PIERONI ¹, and A. J. MURRAY ¹

¹ Department of Biochemistry and Institute ‘Telemaco Susini’ of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires

1. Stimulation of the peripheral nerves of Bufo arenarum Hensel produces a partial paling of the skin due to concentration of pigment in the intracutaneous melanophores, and dispersion of guanin-granules in the guanophores. This effect is attributed to the liberation in situ of an adrenergic-like substance. Noradrenalin and the cutaneous secretion (which contains adrenalin and active bases) play no part in the blanching of the skin.

2. The nervous system plays a secondary role in the paling of the skin which follows hypophysectomy.

3. There is no evidence that stimulation of the peripherai nervous system is essential for the colour changes of B. arenarum.