Excitement Darkening and the Effect of Adrenaline on the Melanophores of Xenopus Laevis

Burgers, A. C. J.; Boschman, Th.A.C.; Kamer, J. C. van de

doi:10.1530/acta.0.0140072

Cited by 28 publications

(8 citation statements)

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“…In considering the possible identity of the factor responsible for pigment dispersion in animals undergoing adaptation to a black background, our attention was drawn to earlier studies showing that adrenaline causes pigment dispersion in Xenopus melanophores (Burgers et al, 1953;Burgers, 1956), functioning through a P-adrenergic receptor (Graham, 1961;van de Veerdonk and Konijn, 1970). Our experiments with isolated Xenopus webs confirm that the melanophores are sensitive to adrenaline and noradrenaline.…”

Section: Black-adaptedmentioning

confidence: 63%

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Dynamics of background adaptation in Xenopus laevis: Role of catecholamines and melanophore-stimulating hormone

Zoest

Heijmen

Cruijsen

et al. 1989

General and Comparative Endocrinology

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The pars intermedia of the pituitary gland in Xenopus laevis secretes alpha-melanophore-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), which causes dispersion of pigment in dermal melanophores in animals on a black background. In the present study we have determined plasma levels of alpha-MSH in animals undergoing adaptation to white and black backgrounds. Plasma values of black-adapted animals were high and decreased rapidly after transfer to a white background, as did the degree of pigment dispersion in dermal melanophores. Plasma MSH values of white-adapted animals were below the detection limit of our radioimmunoassay. Transfer of white animals to a black background resulted in complete dispersion of melanophore pigment within a few hours, but plasma MSH levels remained low for at least 24 hr. This discrepancy between plasma MSH and degree of pigment dispersion suggested the involvement of an additional factor for stimulating dispersion. Results of in vitro and in vivo experiments with receptor agonists and antagonists indicated that a beta-adrenergic mechanism, functioning at the level of the melanophore, is involved in the stimulation of pigment dispersion during the early stages of background adaptation.

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Section: Black-adaptedmentioning

confidence: 63%

“…There have been reports that catecholamines induce pigment dispersion in X. laevis (Burgers et al, 1953;Brouwer and van de Veerdonk, 1972;Graham, 1961;van de Veerdonk and Konijn, 1970). The presence of endogenous catecholamines in the skin (Brouwer and van de Veerdonk, 1969) suggests a possible involvement in the regulation of pigment dispersion.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Dynamics of background adaptation in Xenopus laevis: Role of catecholamines and melanophore-stimulating hormone

Zoest

Heijmen

Cruijsen

et al. 1989

General and Comparative Endocrinology

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“…The drugs and hormones were dissolved in amphibian Ringer according to Burgers and Van Oordt (1953) and injected into the dorsal lymph spaces.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A number of authors have also described the effects of catecholamines on pigment migration (Burgers et al, 1953;Whright and Lerner, 1960;Abe et al, 1969;Van de Veerdonk and Konijn, 1970;Brouwet, 1970).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Possible involvement of α- and β-receptors in the natural colour change and the MSH-induced dispersion in Xenopus laevis in vivo

Brouwer¹,

Veerdonk²

1972

European Journal of Pharmacology

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“…It has been shown that both alpha and beta receptors may be present on amphibian chromatophores. While both epinephrine and norepinephrine lighten the skins of R. pipiens by overriding the MSH effects [65], catecholamines darken the skin of both Xenopus [66] and Scaphiopus [67]. Apparently, alpha receptors are present in R. pipiens [68,69], accounting for the paling reaction, whereas in Xenopus [70,71] and Scaphiopus [67], beta receptors predominate, allowing darkening to occur in the presence of catecholamines.…”

Section: The Pharmacology Of Adrenoceptorsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Vertebrate melanophores as potential model for drug discovery and development: A review

Salim¹,

Ali²

2011

Cellular and Molecular Biology Letters

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Drug discovery in skin pharmacotherapy is an enormous, continually expanding field. Researchers are developing novel and sensitive pharmaceutical products and drugs that target specific receptors to elicit concerted and appropriate responses. The pigment-bearing cells called melanophores have a significant contribution to make in this field. Melanophores, which contain the dark brown or black pigment melanin, constitute an important class of chromatophores. They are highly specialized in the bidirectional and coordinated translocation of pigment granules when given an appropriate stimulus. The pigment granules can be stimulated to undergo rapid dispersion throughout the melanophores, making the cell appear dark, or to aggregate at the center, making the cell appear light. The major signals involved in pigment transport within the melanophores are dependent on a special class of cell surface receptors called G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Many of these receptors of adrenaline, acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, endothelin and melatonin have been found on melanophores. They are believed to have clinical relevance to skin-related ailments and therefore have become targets for high throughput screening projects. The selective screening of these receptors requires the recognition of particular ligands, agonists and antagonists and the characterization of their effects on pigment motility within the cells. The mechanism of skin pigmentation is incredibly intricate, but it would be a considerable step forward to unravel its underlying physiological mechanism. This would provide an experimental basis for new pharmacotherapies for dermatological anomalies.

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Excitement Darkening and the Effect of Adrenaline on the Melanophores of Xenopus Laevis

Cited by 28 publications

References 0 publications

Dynamics of background adaptation in Xenopus laevis: Role of catecholamines and melanophore-stimulating hormone

Dynamics of background adaptation in Xenopus laevis: Role of catecholamines and melanophore-stimulating hormone

Possible involvement of α- and β-receptors in the natural colour change and the MSH-induced dispersion in Xenopus laevis in vivo

Vertebrate melanophores as potential model for drug discovery and development: A review

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