Changes in the tail of Ambystoma maculatum at different stages of metamorphosis: observations on tissue remodeling and its relationship to hydrolytic enzymes

Abstract

A system for staging A. maculatum during growth and metamorphosis was devised, based on several parameters of body size; body length, tail length and tail width. Animals at various stages of metamorphosis were employed to study the relationship between specific biochemical and histological changes that occur in the tail of this urodele during metamorphosis. The specific and total activity of two hydrolytic enzymes, acid phosphatase and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, were measured in tail tissues at progressive stages of development. The activities of these enzymes increased in both the fins and muscular portion of the tail during metamorphosis. These activities can be correlated with resorption of the tail fins and the remodeling of tissues in the muscular portion of the tail.