Distribution of prolactin receptor in frog (Rana ridibunda) dorsal skin during hibernation.

The role of prolactin in the regulation of frog skin functions is still unclear particularly during environmental changes. In this study, prolactin receptor (PRLR) was detected in active and hibernating frog dorsal skin using immunohistochemical method. PRLR immunoreactivity in active frogs was observed in the epidermis, in the secretory epithelium of granular glands and the secretory channel cells of the glands. Myoepithelial cells of granular glands that started accumulating secretory material or those with a full lumen were PRLR immunoreactive, while some myoepithelial cells of empty granular glands were negative for PRLR. In hibernating frogs, this immunoreactivity was observed in the same regions; however, immunoreactivity was more intense than that in active frogs. PCNA was employed for detection of proliferative activity of PRL in the dorsal skin, and immunoreactivity was detected in the nuclei of a few epidermis cells and in the duct of glands of active frogs. The number of immunoreactive nuclei in these regions increased in hibernating and in prolactin injected groups. We conclude that prolactin provides morphological and functional integrity of skin stimulating the proliferation and regulating the function of granular glands and plays an important role in the adaptation of amphibians to the long winter period.

Localisation of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GRH) in the forebrain and neurohypophysis of the trout (salmo gairdneri). An immunofluorescence study.

The double antibody immunofluorescence technique was applied to serial coronal and sagittal sections of the brains of the trout, Salmo gairdneri, using an antibody against mammalian LH-RH. Immunoreactive material was found in small perikarya, situated at both sides of the ventriculus communis in the area dorsalis pars medialis of the telencephalon. The axons of these perikarya, also containing immunoreactive material, do not form a tract, but run diffusely in a caudo-ventral direction towards the pituitary stalk. The ending of these fibres has not yet been established.