Hormones and the Regulation of Vocal Patterns in Amphibians: Xenopus laevis Vocalizations as a Model System

Yang, Eun Jin; Kelley, Darcy B.

doi:10.1016/b978-008088783-8.00020-6

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…As sexually dimorphic laryngeal features are under the developmental control of gonadal hormones in both X. laevis and S. tropicalis (Zornik and Kelley, 2011), we propose that specific, hormonally mediated developmental processes have been lost in X. borealis, resulting in reduced sexual dimorphisms. In X. laevis, gonadal androgens masculinize overall laryngeal size, and muscle fiber size, number and twitch type from initial values shared by the sexes (Zornik and Kelley, 2011;Yang and Kelley, 2009).…”

Section: Borealis Has Lost Certain Male-specific Laryngeal Charactersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Species-specific loss of sexual dimorphism in vocal effectors accompanies vocal simplification in African clawed frogs (Xenopus)

Leininger

Kitayama

Kelley

2015

Journal of Experimental Biology

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Phylogenetic studies can reveal patterns of evolutionary change, including the gain or loss of elaborate courtship traits in males. Male African clawed frogs generally produce complex and rapid courtship vocalizations, whereas female calls are simple and slow. In a few species, however, male vocalizations are also simple and slow, suggesting loss of male-typical traits. Here, we explore features of the male vocal organ that could contribute to loss in two species with simple, slow male calls. In Xenopus boumbaensis, laryngeal morphology is more robust in males than in females. Larynges are larger, have a more complex cartilaginous morphology and contain more muscle fibers. Laryngeal muscle fibers are exclusively fasttwitch in males but are both fast-and slow-twitch in females. The laryngeal electromyogram, a measure of neuromuscular synaptic strength, shows greater potentiation in males than in females. Malespecific physiological features are shared with X. laevis, as well as with a species of the sister clade, Silurana tropicalis, and thus are likely ancestral. In X. borealis, certain aspects of laryngeal morphology and physiology are sexually monomorphic rather than dimorphic. In both sexes, laryngeal muscle fibers are of mixed-twitch type, which limits the production of muscle contractions at rapid intervals. Muscle activity potentiation and discrete tension transients resemble female rather than male X. boumbaensis. The demasculinization of these laryngeal features suggests an alteration in sensitivity to the gonadal hormones that are known to control the sexual differentiation of the larynx in other Xenopus and Silurana species.

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Section: Borealis Has Lost Certain Male-specific Laryngeal Charactersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Species-specific loss of sexual dimorphism in vocal effectors accompanies vocal simplification in African clawed frogs (Xenopus)

Leininger

Kitayama

Kelley

2015

Journal of Experimental Biology

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“…Vocal behaviors are exquisitely sensitive to endocrine action with marked effects during development and in adulthood [12]. Brain regions that express receptors for pituitary and steroid hormones have been identified [7; 13; 14].…”

Section: Introduction: Hierarchical Control Of Reproductive Behavimentioning

confidence: 99%

A neuroendocrine basis for the hierarchical control of frog courtship vocalizations

Zornik

Kelley

2011

Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology

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Seasonal courtship signals, such as mating calls, are orchestrated by steroid hormones. Sex differences are also sculpted by hormones, typically during brief sensitive periods. The influential organizational-activational hypothesis [1] established the notion of a strong distinction between long-lasting (developmental) and cyclical (adult) effects. While the dichotomy is not always strict [2], experimental paradigms based on this hypothesis have indeed revealed long-lasting hormone actions during development and more transient anatomical, physiological and behavioral effects of hormonal variation in adulthood. Sites of action during both time periods include forebrain and midbrain sensorimotor integration centers, hindbrain and spinal cord motor centers, and muscles. African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) courtship vocalizations follow the basic organizationactivation pattern of hormone-dependence with some exceptions, including expanded steroidsensitive periods. Two highly-tractable preparations-the isolated larynx and the fictively calling brain-make this model system powerful for dissecting the hierarchical action of hormones. We discuss steroid effects from larynx to forebrain, and introduce new directions of inquiry for which Xenopus vocalizations are especially well-suited.

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“…,Yamaguchi and Kelley (2003),Yang and Kelley (2009), Bass andRemage-Healey (2008),Zakon and Smith (2009).…”

mentioning

confidence: 97%

Communication and Hormones

Smith

2010

Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior

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Hormones and the Regulation of Vocal Patterns in Amphibians: Xenopus laevis Vocalizations as a Model System

Cited by 4 publications

References 50 publications

Species-specific loss of sexual dimorphism in vocal effectors accompanies vocal simplification in African clawed frogs (Xenopus)

Species-specific loss of sexual dimorphism in vocal effectors accompanies vocal simplification in African clawed frogs (Xenopus)

A neuroendocrine basis for the hierarchical control of frog courtship vocalizations

Communication and Hormones

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