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An Investigation into Tetrodotoxin (TTX) Levels Associated with the Red Dorsal Spots in Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) Efts and Adults

Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: We investigated the concentration of tetrodotoxin (TTX) in sections of skin containing and lacking red dorsal spots in both Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) efts and adults. Several other species, such asPleurodeles waltlandEchinotriton andersoni,have granular glands concentrated in brightly pigmented regions on the dorsum, and thus we hypothesized that the red dorsal spots of Eastern newts may also possess higher levels of TTX than the surrounding skin. We found no difference between the concentrations of TTX in the red spots as compared to neighboring skin lacking these spots in either efts or adults. However, efts with more red dorsal spots had elevated TTX levels relative to efts with fewer spots.
DOI: 10.1155/2018/9196865
Authors: Mackenzie M. Spicer, Amber N. Stokes, Trevor L. Chapman, Edmund D. Brodie, Edmund D. Brodie, Brian G. Gall
Institutions: University of Iowa, California State University, Bakersfield, East Tennessee State University, Utah State University, University of Virginia, Hanover College
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,100
OpenAlex ID: W2889178922
FWCI: 0.578
Cites: 24
Cited by: 6
Related to: 10