Biomaterial Database

The effect of the divalent cation ionophore A23187 on amphibian melanophores and iridophores. 1977

R R Novales

Calcium ions are required in the medium for the full darkening action of melanocyte-stimulating hormone, but not for its second messenger, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, on isolated frog skin. Thus, the possible effect of the divalent cation ionophore A23187 was studied, using the skin of Rana pipiens. It is a potent darkening agent over the range of 1-2 micrometer, as measured by reflectance change and microscopic observation. During the darkening response of A23187, melanosome dispersion takes place in both dermal and epidermal melanophores, as well as aggregation of iridophore reflecting platelets. The darkening is slowly reversible in Ringer's solution, thus it is not due to toxicity. The darkening is partially dependent on the presence of calcium in the medium under certain conditions, suggesting that the response involves both the uptake and release of calcium ions. Cytochalasin B reversibly inhibits the darkening produced by A23187. Since this drug is known to bring about the breakdown of microfilaments, its inhibitory action is in accord with the concept that the ionophore is stimulating microfilament function. A23187 administered to tissue cultured embryonic salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) melanophores produced an irreversible rounding up of the cells, suggesting a toxic effect. The results with frog skin are interpreted as supporting the concept that the action of melanocyte-stimulating hormone involves the production of pigment granule movements as a result of the interaction of calcium ions with intracellular microfilaments and possible also the breakdown of microtubules. The mobilization of calcium ions could be brought about by cyclic adenosine monophosphate.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008547	Melanophores	Chromatophores (large pigment cells of fish, amphibia, reptiles and many invertebrates) which contain melanin. Short term color changes are brought about by an active redistribution of the melanophores pigment containing organelles (MELANOSOMES). Mammals do not have melanophores; however they have retained smaller pigment cells known as MELANOCYTES.	Melanophore
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D002856	Chromatophores	The large pigment cells of fish, amphibia, reptiles and many invertebrates which actively disperse and aggregate their pigment granules. These cells include MELANOPHORES, erythrophores, xanthophores, leucophores and iridiophores. (In algae, chromatophores refer to CHLOROPLASTS. In phototrophic bacteria chromatophores refer to membranous organelles (BACTERIAL CHROMATOPHORES).)	Chromatophore
D003571	Cytochalasin B	A cytotoxic member of the CYTOCHALASINS.	Phomin
D000001	Calcimycin	An ionophorous, polyether antibiotic from Streptomyces chartreusensis. It binds and transports CALCIUM and other divalent cations across membranes and uncouples oxidative phosphorylation while inhibiting ATPase of rat liver mitochondria. The substance is used mostly as a biochemical tool to study the role of divalent cations in various biological systems.	4-Benzoxazolecarboxylic acid, 5-(methylamino)-2-((3,9,11-trimethyl-8-(1-methyl-2-oxo-2-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)ethyl)-1,7-dioxaspiro(5.5)undec-2-yl)methyl)-, (6S-(6alpha(2S,3S),8beta(R*),9beta,11alpha))-,A-23187,A23187,Antibiotic A23187,A 23187,A23187, Antibiotic
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D000900	Anti-Bacterial Agents	Substances that inhibit the growth or reproduction of BACTERIA.	Anti-Bacterial Agent,Anti-Bacterial Compound,Anti-Mycobacterial Agent,Antibacterial Agent,Antibiotics,Antimycobacterial Agent,Bacteriocidal Agent,Bacteriocide,Anti-Bacterial Compounds,Anti-Mycobacterial Agents,Antibacterial Agents,Antibiotic,Antimycobacterial Agents,Bacteriocidal Agents,Bacteriocides,Agent, Anti-Bacterial,Agent, Anti-Mycobacterial,Agent, Antibacterial,Agent, Antimycobacterial,Agent, Bacteriocidal,Agents, Anti-Bacterial,Agents, Anti-Mycobacterial,Agents, Antibacterial,Agents, Antimycobacterial,Agents, Bacteriocidal,Anti Bacterial Agent,Anti Bacterial Agents,Anti Bacterial Compound,Anti Bacterial Compounds,Anti Mycobacterial Agent,Anti Mycobacterial Agents,Compound, Anti-Bacterial,Compounds, Anti-Bacterial
D001001	Anura	An order of the class Amphibia, which includes several families of frogs and toads. They are characterized by well developed hind limbs adapted for jumping, fused head and trunk and webbed toes. The term "toad" is ambiguous and is properly applied only to the family Bufonidae.	Bombina,Frogs and Toads,Salientia,Toad, Fire-Bellied,Toads and Frogs,Anuras,Fire-Bellied Toad,Fire-Bellied Toads,Salientias,Toad, Fire Bellied,Toads, Fire-Bellied
D014562	Urodela	An order of the Amphibia class which includes salamanders and newts. They are characterized by usually having slim bodies and tails, four limbs of about equal size (except in Sirenidae), and a reduction in skull bones.	Amphiuma,Caudata,Eel, Congo,Salamanders,Congo Eel,Congo Eels,Eels, Congo,Salamander