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Degeneration of the tail notochord of Rana temporaria at metamorphic climax

Examination by electron microscopy

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Summary

An electron microscopical study has been made of the notochordal cells of the tail of the larval Rana temporaria, before and after they commence to degenerate at metamorphic climax.

Degeneration of the tail begins at the tip; the necrotic area proceeds to extend proximally and becomes more widespread. Simultaneously during climax the tail shortens and finally disappears as the animal acquires the froglet form.

Notochordal cells autolyse independently and at random, when there is disruption and disorganisation of the surrounding notochordal sheath. The release of lysosomal enzymes intracellularly elicits organelle necrosis.

Evidence is provided to support the view that necrotic notochordal tissue is phagocytosed by invading mesenchymal macrophages.

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  1. Department of Zoology, University College, London, England

    H. Fox

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Fox, H. Degeneration of the tail notochord of Rana temporaria at metamorphic climax. Z.Zellforsch 138, 371–386 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307099

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