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Journal Vol 48 (3)

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Amphibians Used in Research and Teaching

Dorcas P. O'Rourke

Dorcas P. O'Rourke, D.V.M., M.S., DACLAM, is Chair, Department of Comparative Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Dorcas O'Rourke, Department of Comparative Medicine, 208 Ed Warren Life Science Bldg., East Carolina University-The Brody School of Medicine, 600 Moye Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834, or email orourked@ecu.edu.

Abstract

Amphibians have long been utilized in scientific research and in education. Historically, investigators have accumulated a wealth of information on the natural history and biology of amphibians, and this body of information is continually expanding as researchers describe new species and study the behaviors of these animals. Amphibians evolved as models for a variety of developmental and physiological processes, largely due to their unique ability to undergo metamorphosis. Scientists have used amphibian embryos to evaluate the effects of toxins, mutagens, and teratogens. Likewise, the animals are invaluable in research due to the ability of some species to regenerate limbs. Certain species of amphibians have short generation times and genetic constructs that make them desirable for transgenic and knockout technology, and there is a current national focus on developing these species for genetic and genomic research. This group of vertebrates is also critically important in the investigation of the inter-relationship of humans and the environment based on their sensitivity to climatic and habitat changes and environmental contamination.

Key Words: amphibians; frogs; research; salamanders