Remodeling the exocrine pancreas at metamorphosis inXenopus laevis

Remodeling the exocrine pancreas at metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis.

At metamorphosis the Xenopus laevis tadpole exocrine pancreas remodels in two stages. At the climax of metamorphosis thyroid hormone (TH) induces dedifferentiation of the entire exocrine pancreas to a progenitor state. The organ shrinks to 20% of its size, and approximately 40% of its cells die. The acinar cells lose their zymogen granules and approximately 75% of their RNA. The mRNAs that enco...

Remodeling of the intestine during metamorphosis of Xenopus laevis.

Thyroid hormone controls remodeling of the tadpole intestine during the climax of amphibian metamorphosis. In 8 days, the Xenopus laevis tadpole intestine shortens in length by 75%. Simultaneously, the longitudinal muscle fibers contract by about the same extent. The radial muscle fibers also shorten as the diameter narrows. Many radial fibers undergo programmed cell death. We conclude that mus...

The exocrine pancreas

This seminar text reviews various forms of enzyme supplementation used clinically in digestive and absorption disorders. Enzyme supplementation plays an integral role in the management of various digestive disorders, particularly with regard to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. However, application of enzymes may also be beneficial for other conditions associated with poor digestion including ...

The lateral line system at metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis (Daudin).

Marked changes in the anatomy of the lateral line system occur during the metamorphosis of Xenopus. The distribution of rows differs in larva and adult and the orientation and number of organs are modified at metamorphosis. Larval plaques are functional, as shown by recording from their nerves. Two classes of cells with polarized cilia are present in the tadpole well before the orientation of i...

Exocrine pancreas cancer