Individual variation in cardiotoxicity of parotoid secretion of the common toad, Bufo bufo, depends on body size - first results.

Anurans secrete a wide diversity of toxins from skin glands to defend themselves against predators and pathogens. Bufonids produce potent poison in parotoid macroglands located in the postorbital region. Parotoid secretion is a rich source of bioactive compounds with cardiotoxic, cytotoxic and hemolytic activity. Poison content and toxicity may vary between species, populations, and among conspecifics inhabiting the same area. In the present paper, we pre-analyzed the individual variation in cardiotoxicity of parotoid extract of common toads (Bufo bufo Linnaeus, 1758) and impact of body mass (BM), snout to vent length (SVL), and body condition (BC) of toad on the poison toxicity. We hypothesized that large toads produce poison with higher cardiotoxicity than smaller ones. Parotoid extract was fractionated by reverse phase chromatography, and then in vitro physiological bioassays were carried out on the semi-isolated hearts of the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758) to determine cardiotoxicity of the whole poison and separated fractions. Generalized linear mixed models were used to determine effects of BM, SVL, and BC on the poison toxicity. We recorded significant changes in the insect heart contractility after treatment with the whole poison and separated fractions. We found an individual variation in cardiotoxicity of the parotoid extract which was explained by the body size of toad. Poison of smaller toads displayed a negative, whereas poison of larger toads positive, chronotropic effect on the heart contractility. Thus, we conclude that the effectiveness of parotoid secretion in repelling predators may vary depending on the toad individual size.

Comparative morphology and histology of the brain in Chinese toad ( Bufo gargarizans ) and chinese fire-billed newt ( Cynops orientalis ) / Morfología e histología comparada del cerebro en el sapo chino ( Bufo gargarizans ) y el tritón vientre de fuego chino ( Cynops orientalis )

The morphological and histological structure of the brains of Bufo gargarizans and Cynops orientalis were observed by anatomy and light microscopy. The results show that the brains of Bufo gargarizans and Cynops orientalis are divided into 5 parts which include the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, cerebellum and medulla oblongata. The telencephalon consists of the olfactory bulb and the cerebral hemisphere. The olfactory bulb is developed that has two pairs of olfactory nerve. Bufo gargarizan has a symmetrical oval hemisphere optic lobes; Cynops orientalis only has a spherical optic lobe. The cerebellum is situated behind the optic lobe and closely connected with the myelencephalon. In this paper, the morphological and histological differences between the two species are discussed. The proportion of cerebral hemisphere is gradually increasing, which correlated with a progressive increase in the number of neuronal cell classes, and reflected in behavior complexity.

La estructura morfológica e histológica de los cerebros de Bufo gargarizans y Cynops orientalis se observó mediante anatomía y microscopía óptica. Los resultados muestran que los cerebros de Bufo gargarizans y Cynops orientalis se dividen en 5 partes, que incluyen el telencéfalo, diencéfalo, mesencéfalo, cerebelo y mielencéfalo. El telencéfalo consiste en bulbo olfatorio y hemisferio cerebral. El bulbo olfatorio tiene dos pares de nervios olfatorios. Los lóbulos ópticos de Bufo gargarizans son ovalados y simétricos en ambos hemisferios cerebrales; Cynops orientalis tiene solo un lóbulo óptico esférico. El cerebelo está situado detrás del lóbulo óptico y está estrechamente conectado con el mielencéfalo. En este trabajo, se discuten las diferencias morfológicas e histológicas entre las dos especies. El tamaño del hemisferio cerebral aumenta gradualmente, lo que se correlaciona con un aumento progresivo de células neuronales en los núcleos, reflejándose en la complejidad del comportamiento.

Assessing atrazine-induced toxicities in Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor.

Atrazine (AZ), a widely used herbicide has drawn attentions for its potential impacts on amphibians. This study aims to investigate the toxicity of AZ in Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor (B. bufo gargarizans), a species of toad commonly found in China and countries in East Asia. We treated tadpoles with 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 µg/L AZ for 85 days and examined related parameters. The results showed that the mortality of the toads in the treatment group increased dramatically in a U-shaped dose-response relationship. The hindlimb extension and metamorphosis rate of the toads were significantly inhibited by AZ at 10 and 100 µg/L. Under the same condition, there were significant progressive changes in the testicular structures. Moreover, we found that AZ has no significant effects on growth, sex ratios, gonadal morphology, forelimb emergence and histology in the ovaries. Our results support the idea that environmental contaminants including AZ may be relevant to global amphibian decline.

Study on comparative histology of retinas in Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cynops orientalis, Bufo bufo gargarizans, Gekko japonicus, and Columba livia / Estudio histológico comparado de la retina en Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cynops orientalis, Bufo bufo gargarizans, Gekko japonicus, y Columba livia

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the retinal structure and its life adaptation to the environment of Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cynops orientalis, Bufo bufo gargarizans, Gekko japonicus and Columba livia . Measuring retinal thickness of each layer, the nuclei layer, and the diameter of each nuclear layer of the five animals, the statistical data analysis shows that: the nuclei layers of five animals are all 4, and their structures can be divided to 10 layers when observing with optical microscope. The retinal thickness of Ctenopharyngodon idella was 190.49 mm, Cynops orientalis was 173.07 µm, and the Bufo bufo gargarizans was 195.06 µm, Gekko japonicus was 224.32 µm and Columba livia was 174.10 µm. The number of retinal inner nuclear layers of Bufo bufo gargarizans and Gekko japonicus and Columba livia are more than their outer nuclear layers, on the contrary, retinal inner nuclear layers of Ctenopharyngodon idella and Cynops orientalis are less than their outer nuclear layers. The rod and cone layer of retina of Cynops orientalis were more advanced, but their nerve fiber layer (NFL) degraded highly, revealing a strong photosensitivity but a low visual sensitivity; to Columba livia , their NFL of retina are highly developed, so as their vision. The different structures and functions of the retina of Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cynops orientalis, Bufo bufo gargarizans, Gekko japonicus and Columba livia correspond with their behavioral characteristics and the living environment's change from aquatic to amphibious to land.

El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la relación entre las estructuras de la retina y su adaptación al medioambiente en Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cynops orientalis, Bufo bufo gargarizans,Gekko japonicus y Columba livia . La medición del espesor de cada capa de la retina, la capa nuclear y su diámetro en los cinco animales, mostró a través del análisis estadístico que las capas nucleares en todos ellos fueron 4, y sus estructuras se pueden dividir en 10 capas cuando se observan con el microscopio óptico. El espesor de la retina de Ctenopharyngodon idella fue 190,49 µm, de Cynops orientalis fue 173,07 µm, de Bufo bufo gargarizans fue 195,06 µm, de Gekko japonicus fue 224,32 µm y de Columba livia fue 174,10 µm. El número de capas nucleares internas de la retina de Bufo gargarizans, Gekko japonicus y Columba livia fue mayor que sus capas nucleares externas, mientras que las capas nucleares internas de Ctenopharyngodon idella y Cynops orientalis fueron menos que las capas nucleares externas. La capa de conos y bastones de la retina de Cynops orientalis fue más desarrollada, pero su capa de fibras nerviosas presentó una elevada degeneración, lo que muestra una gran fotosensibilidad, pero una sensibilidad visual baja. En Columba livia, la capa de fibras nerviosas de la retina estuvo muy desarrollada, y de esta manera, su visión. El grado de desarrollo de las diferentes estructuras y funciones de la retina de Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cynops orientalis, Bufo bufo gargarizans, Gekko japonicus y Columba livia está relacionada con sus características de comportamiento y el cambio de las condiciones de las vidas acuática y anfibia en la tierra.

Histochemical and structural characterization of egg extra-cellular matrix in bufonid toads, Bufo bufo and Bufotes balearicus: molecular diversity versus morphological uniformity.

The extra-cellular matrix of fertilized eggs in the bufonid toads Bufo bufo and Bufotes balearicus was studied to clear the relationships between structural and molecular diversity. Histochemical (PAS, AB pH 2.5 and pH 1.0, Beta-elimination PAS) and lectin-histochemical (Con A, WGA, Succinyl-WGA, PNA, RCA-1, DBA, SBA, AAA, UEA-I, LTA) techniques were used and the observations were made under light and electron microscopy. Both species present a fertilization envelope (FE) and two jelly layers (J1 and J2). The fibers of J2 are shared among the eggs of a clutch in a jelly ribbon. The FE of both species presents neutral glycoproteins, mostly N-linked. In B. bufo there are also residuals of mannose and/or glucose and N-acetylglucosamine. In the FE fibers run parallel to egg's surface or are in bundles or looser hanks with no clear orientation. The J1 layer of both species presents sialosulfoglycoproteins, mostly O-linked, with lactosaminylated, galactosaminylated, glycosaminylated, and fucosylated residuals. A lower amount of galactosaminylated residuals is observed in B. balearicus in respect to B. bufo, whereas the opposite is seen in the amount of fucosylated residuals. The J2 layer is similar in composition to J1 but in B. balearicus there are no glucosaminylated residuals. J layers present fibers and granules that reduce towards J2 . Several microorganisms, in particular blue algae, are observed in the J2 layer of both species. In respect to other species, B. bufo and B. balearicus have a lower number of jelly layers, but a comparable number of glycan types.

Why do green rods of frog and toad retinas look green?

Amphibian "green" rods express a blue-sensitive cone visual pigment, and should look yellow. However,when observing them axially under microscope one sees them as green. We used single-cell microspectrophotometry (MSP) to reveal the basis of the perceived color of these photoreceptors. Conventional side-on MSP recording of the proximal cell segments reveals no selective longwave absorbing pigment explaining the green color. End-on MSP recording shows, in addition to the green rod visual pigment, an extra 2- to 4-fold attenuation being almost flat throughout the visible spectrum. This attenuation is absent in red (rhodopsin) rods, and vanishes in green rods when the retina is bathed in high-refractive media, and at wide illumination aperture. The same treatments change the color from green to yellow. It seems that the non-visual pigment attenuation is a result of slender green rod myoids operating as non-selective light guides. We hypothesize that narrow myoids, combined with photomechanical movements of melanin granules, allow a wide range of sensitivity regulation supporting the operation of green rods as blue receptors at mesopic-to low-photopic illumination levels.End-on transmittance spectrum of green rods looks similar to the reflectance spectrum of khaki military uniforms. So their greenness is the combined result of optics and human color vision.

A research of peripheral blood cells annually in bufo bufo gargarizans / Investigación de las células sanguíneas periféricas en un periodo anual del bufo bufo gargarizans

The present paper deals with a histological study of the blood cells of Bufo Bufo gargarizans in different months: January, March, May, July and October. The methods used are by routine blood smear in Wright stain and observation in vivo. We found that in smears and in vivo two main types of cells of the red cells: mitotic as well as amitotic. While amitotic occurs all the year round, particularly in July, mitosis so far had been seen only in July. It is also found that there are plenty of neutrophils in the blood cells of Bufo Bufo gargarizans, furthermore, the nuclei of these cells are polymorphic, especially in January and March. Meanwhile, the concentration of red cells was lowest in May and highest in January; The concentration of white blood cells was highest in October and lowest in March; As to granulocytes, eosinophils in July and October had higher proportion, while neutrophils and basophils in July; in agranulocytes, mononuclear cells reached the highest value in March, lowest in January, lymphocytes and the maximum value appeared in May, the lowest value appeared in July. Morphological changes of thrombocytes were not obvious.

Se realizó el presente estudio histológico de las células sanguíneas de Bufo Bufo gargarizans en diferentes meses del año: enero, marzo, mayo, julio y octubre. Fueron utilizados métodos de rutina por frotis de sangre con tinción de Wright y observación in vivo. Encontramos dos tipos principales de células de glóbulos rojos al frotis como también en células in vivo: mitóticas y amitóticas. Por cuanto amitosis se produce durante todo el año, sobre todo en el mes de julio, la mitosis hasta el momento se había observado solamente en julio. Además, se encontró una gran cantidad de neutrófilos en los glóbulos de Bufo Bufo gargarizans. Los núcleos de estas células son polimórficos, especialmente en enero y marzo. La concentración de glóbulos rojos era más bajo en mayo y más alta en enero; la concentración de las células blancas de la sangre fue mayor en octubre y menor en marzo. En cuanto a los granulocitos, eosinófilos estos presentaron una mayor proporción en julio y octubre, mientras que los neutrófilos y basófilos registraran una mayor proporción en el mes de julio. Los agranulocitos y las células mononucleares alcanzaron el valor más alto en marzo, y el valor más bajo en enero. Los linfocitos y el valor máximo fue registrado en mayo, el valor más bajo fue registrado en julio. No fueron evidentes los cambios morfológicos de trombocitos, lo que podría tener relación con su estabilidad.

[Individual variation in the development of the common toad, Bufo bufo (Anura, Bufonidae): I. Timing of development and anomalies of external structure].

Parameters of development have been analyzed in all offspring (1633 ind.) from the same spawn of one pair of common toads under conditions of laboratory rearing, with natural elimination being reduced to a minimum. The results show that the range of developmental options for the species is much wider than it follows from the standard tables of development. "Background anomalies" (Kovalenko, 2003) in the external structure of developing larvae are described and their probable frequencies under nearly optimal conditions are indicated.

[Individual variation in the development of the common toad, Bufo bufo (Anura, Bufonidae): 2. Diagnostic characters of the axial skeleton].

Analysis of individual variation in diagnostic characters of the axial skeleton has been performed in all offspring (1633 ind.) from the same spawn of one pair of common toads under conditions of laboratory rearing, with natural elimination being reduced to a minimum. More than 50 skeletal anomalies have been recorded. Factual data are presented that characterize deviations from the species norm in the frequency of "background anomalies" (Kovalenko, 2003). Correlations between manifestations of different variants of character states are considered. The problem of norm and anomaly in individual variation is discussed.

[Individual variation in the development of the common toad, Bufo bufo (Anura, Bufonidae): 3. Limitations of individual variation and their causes].

The results of studies on the axial skeleton of the common toad (a model species) have been used to analyze factual limitations of individual variations. The results show that the states of the studied characters do not freely combine with each other but are subject to certain morphogenetic limitations. The causes of most these limitations have been revealed during the study. Classification of the main factors limiting individual variation in the course of development is presented.

Endosulfan acute toxicity in Bufo bufo gills: ultrastructural changes and nitric oxide synthase localization.

Endosulfan is an organochlorine pesticide used in agriculture for a wide range of crops. Endosulfan concentrations of up to 0.7 mg/L can be found in ponds and streams near sprayed agricultural fields. We investigated the short-term toxicity of endosulfan in common toad (Bufo bufo) tadpoles after 24, 48, and 96 h of exposure. Acute toxicity was evaluated at nominal concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.6 mg/L: concentrations that could be found after the application of pesticide. Our results show that 0.43 mg/L of endosulfan caused 50% mortality (LC(50)). The effects of a sublethal endosulfan concentration (0.2mg/L) on gill apparatus morphology were evaluated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical methods were also applied to detect the expression pattern of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the gills using the confocal laser scanner microscope. Exposure to 0.2mg/L of endosulfan caused an apparent increase in mucus production, the occurrence of secretory vesicles and lamellar bodies, a widening of intercellular spaces and additionally there was evidence of an inflammatory response in the gill apparatus. The morphological alterations occurred after 24h and were more pronounced after 48 and 96 h of exposure. Altered morphology and increased mucus secretion indicate impaired gas exchange and osmoregulation in the gills. In addition, there was an increase of iNOS expression after 24 and 48 h which may reflect hypoxia and inflammation in the gill epithelium. Our results clearly indicate that short-term exposure to a sublethal concentration of endosulfan, near the high end of the environmental range, disrupts gill morphology and function in B. bufo tadpoles.

Postsynaptic potentials and axonal projections of tegmental neurons responding to electrical stimulation of the toad striatum.

The amphibian telencephalic striatum as a major component of the basal ganglia receives multisensory information and projects to the tegmentum and other structures. However, how striatal neurons modulate tegmental activity remains unknown. Here, we show by using intracellular recording and staining in toads that electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral striatum evoked an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) in presumably binocular tegmental neurons. Seventy-one neurons were intracellularly stained with Lucifer yellow or horseradish peroxidase. They were located in the anterodorsal tegmental nucleus, anteroventral tegmental nucleus, nucleus profundus mesencephali, and superficial isthmal reticular nucleus, with axons projecting to the tectum, nucleus isthmi, and spinal cord. It appears that the striatum can control visually guided behaviors through the striato-tegmento-spinal pathway and the tegmento-spinal pathway mediated by the tectum and nucleus isthmi.

DC electrical stimulation of the pretectal thalamus and its effects on the feeding behavior of the toad (Bufo bufo).

The feeding motivation of the common European common toad (Bufo bufo) can be quantified by the feeding sequence of arousal-orientation-approach-fixate-snap. Previous work has found that the optic tectum is an important structure responsible for the mediation of feeding behaviors, and combined electrical and visual stimulation of the optic tectum was found to increase the animals feeding behaviors. However, the pretectal thalamus has an inhibitory influence upon the optic tectum and its lesion results in disinhibited feeding behaviors. This suggests that feeding behavior of anurans is also subject to influence from the pretectal thalamus. Previous studies involving the application of DC stimulation to brain tissue has generated slow potential shifts and these shifts have been implicated in the modulation of the neural mechanisms associated with behavior. The current study investigated the application of DC stimulation to the diencephalon surface dorsal to the lateral posterodorsal pretectal thalamic nucleus in Bufo bufo, in order to assess effects on feeding motivation. The application of DC stimulation increased the incidence of avoidance behaviors to a visual prey stimulus while reducing the prey catching behavior component of approach, suggesting that the DC current applied to the pretectum increased the inhibition upon the feeding elements of the optic tectum. This can be explained by the generation of slow potential shifts.

Morphological aspects of gonadal morphogenesis in Bufo bufo (Amphibia Anura): Bidder's organ differentiation.

We have described the architecture of Bidder's organ, defined its compartmented structure, and affirmed the presence of basal laminae. We did not find morphological differences between sexes in Bidder's organ. All specimens initially developed gonads with a peripheral fertile layer surrounding a thin primary cavity. The first oogenetic wave was observed early, showing all phases of meiosis, including leptotene, zygotene, and pachytene, which had been previously thought to be lacking. The peculiar presence of an asynchronous germ cell nest was discussed. Diplotene oocytes issued from the peripheral layer and migrated inside the primary cavity. They were surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells, which originated from the peripheral layer somatic cells and were delimited by a basal lamina. There were few medulla or central layer cells. At the end of metamorphosis, while the oocytes of the first oogenetic wave came into close contact with blood vessels, a second oogenetic wave took place just as the first, except for the presence of synchronous germ cell nests. The central layer was not visible and we did not observe the formation of an ovarian pocket. Stocks of stem germ cells remained in the peripheral layer during both the first and second oogenetic waves. The asymmetric model, in which there is a tendency toward a primary female differentiation, was confirmed. The female differentiation becomes stable in the Bidder's organ because of the absence of further interaction between germ and medullary somatic cells, which would have led toward a male differentiation.

Development of the pelvis and posterior part of the vertebral column in the Anura.

The anuran pelvic girdle is unique among all amphibians in that its acetabular portion is located far posterior to the sacrum, lateral to the postsacral (= caudal) vertebral column, which is reduced to a single rod-like element called the urostyle. This situation in the adult is strikingly different not only from that in ancestral temnospondyls but also in other modern amphibians. Because there is no fossil that would document this evolutionary anatomical modification except for Triadobatrachus, the only data may be inferred from development in modern anurans. We chose seven anuran species (belonging to the genera Discoglossus, Bombina, Pelobates, Bufo, Rana and Xenopus), representing the principal locomotory types (saltation, swimming, crawling and burrowing). Development of the pelvic girdle was studied on cleared and stained whole mounts and partly on serial histological sections. The basic developmental pattern was similar in all species: the pelvis on both sides develops from two centres (puboischiadic and iliac, respectively). The ilium then extends vertically towards the sacral vertebra and later rotates posteriorly so that ultimately the acetabulum is lateral to the tail (= urostyle). Only minor deviations from this pattern were found, mainly associated with differences in water and terrestrial dwelling.

Ultrastructural aspects of gonadal morphogenesis in Bufo bufo (Amphibia Anura) 1. Sex differentiation.

The morphogenesis of gonads in Bufo bufo tadpoles was studied, and ultrastructural differences between sexes were identified. All specimens analyzed initially developed gonads made up of a peripheral fertile layer (cortex) surrounding a small primary cavity. Subsequently a central layer of somatic cells (medulla) developed. Both layers were separated by two uninterrupted basal laminae between which a vestige of the primary cavity persisted. During female differentiation, the peripheral layer continued to be the fertile layer. In males, the central layer blended into the peripheral layer and the basal laminae disappeared. The somatic cells of the central layer came into direct contact with the germ cells; this did not occur in females. Testicular differentiation continued with the migration of germ cells towards the center of the gonad. The somatic elements surrounding the germ cells appeared to play an active role in their transfer to the center of the gonad. The peripheral layer shrank and became sterile. Two basal laminae then re-formed to separate the fertile central layer from the peripheral sterile one. Germ cells have always been thought to perform a passive role in sex differentiation in amphibians. Following the generally accepted "symmetric model", the mechanism of gonad development is symmetrical, with cortical somatic cells determining ovarian differentiation and medullary somatic cells determining testicular differentiation. In contrast, we found that sex differentiation follows an "asymmetric" pattern in which germ cells tend primarily toward a female differentiation and male differentiation depends on a secondary interaction between germ cells and medullary somatic cells.

Utilization of yolk platelets during early embryonic development of Rana temporaria and Bufo bufo.

Utilization of yolk platelets in cleaving embryos of Rana temporaria and Bufo bufo was studied by different methods. Morphological observations of yolk platelets of R. temporaria embryos at tail bud stage by transmission electron microscopy indicated four initial phases of platelet degradation. The pattern of these events is similar to that found in embryos of B. bufo. The morphological observations were confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis of the elemental content of platelets and by selected-area electron diffraction of platelet cores. Covalently bound sulphur content decreased during cleavage and the content of different inorganic ions changed, whereas the structure of crystalline core remained constant. Morphological changes found in the amorphous cortex of yolk platelets were due to their utilization. Stereological measurements indicated that utilization during cleavage increased, but only the initial phases of yolk platelet degradation were seen. The volume of the cortex did not decrease and the crystalline core did not fragment.

[Ultrastructural organization of cardiomyocytes in various lower vertebrates]. / Ul'trastrukturnaia organizatsiia kardiomiotsitov nekotorykh nizshikh pozvonochnykh.

Electron microscopy was used to study myocardium in Cyprinus carpio, Bufo bufo and Lacerta agilis. Myofibrils, mitochondria, nuclei and secretory granules in cardiomyocytes (CMC) of atrium and ventricle were analyzed quantitatively. Amphibians and reptiles showed significant complication of both structural organization of CMC and intercellular contacts versus bony fish. The absence of T-systems in bony fish was noted.

Pancreatic endocrine cells in Bufo bufo: immunocytochemistry and ultrastructure.

The endocrine pancreas of the toad consists of rounded islets of various sizes embedded in the exocrine tissue. Isolated cells are also present. At least 4 types of endocrine cell are distinguishable by shape, size and electrondensity of the secretory granules as well as by their immunoreactivity with different antisera: insulin, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide, and glucagon cells. Insulin cells can be divided into 2 types according to their cytoplasmic electrondensity. Colocalisation of different hormones in the same cell is rarely observed. The close contact between endocrine and exocrine cells and the scarcity of nerve supply is indicative of a paracrine control of hormone secretion.

Neural substrate for motor control of feeding in amphibians.

Descending pathways to premotor/motor centers and their cell groups of origin were studied by means of retrograde biocytin tracing experiments in the frog Discoglossus pictus and the plethodontid salamander Plethodon jordani, which differ remarkably in the structure and function of their feeding apparatus and their feeding strategy. Labeled neurons were found in 30 major cell groups located in the telencephalon, diencephalon, synencephalon, mesencephalon and rhombencephalon. The number and distribution of nuclei are very similar in both species. Furthermore, the descending pathways of these groups of neurons take the same courses inside the medulla oblongata. Axons of most nuclei descend either in the ventromedial or ventrolateral medulla oblongata, and it is concluded that the spatial arrangement of pathways is identical in the species studied. Bilateral electrical stimulation of the optic tectum of the plethodontid salamander Hydromantes italicus elicited strong discharges of short latencies in the hypoglossal nerve. In most hypoglossal motor neurons, excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) of short latencies followed paired shocks applied at intervals as short as 3 ms, but showed temporal and spatial facilitation, suggesting that the EPSPs include mono- as well as polysynaptic components. In the ventral white matter, orthodromic single units were found that are candidates for excitatory reticular interneurons. These properties of tectal descending pathways in salamanders strongly differ from those found in toads. Differences in feeding behavior and its control by the premotor/motor networks between the species investigated do not appear to result from anatomically altered input or from a different organization of descending pathways to these premotor/motor centers, but rather from differences in local properties of reticular premotor networks as well as from different effects of neuromodulatory systems.