Reproduction and larval rearing of amphibians.

Reproduction technologies for amphibians are increasingly used for the in vitro treatment of ovulation, spermiation, oocytes, eggs, sperm, and larvae. Recent advances in these reproduction technologies have been driven by (1) difficulties with achieving reliable reproduction of threatened species in captive breeding programs, (2) the need for the efficient reproduction of laboratory model species, and (3) the cost of maintaining increasing numbers of amphibian gene lines for both research and conservation. Many amphibians are particularly well suited to the use of reproduction technologies due to external fertilization and development.

Facility design and associated services for the study of amphibians.

The role of facilities and associated services for amphibians has recently undergone diversification. Amphibians traditionally used as research models adjust well to captivity and thrive with established husbandry techniques. However, it is now necessary to maintain hundreds of novel amphibian species in captive breeding, conservation research, and biomedical research programs.

Anatomy of the crocodilian spinal vein.

The crocodilian spinal vein is remarkably robust yet historically overlooked. Using corrosion casting, we describe the anatomy of this vessel and its connections with the caval and hepatic venous systems in representatives from four crocodilian genera. The spinal vein arises from an enlarged occipital sinus over the medulla and extends the entire length of the vertebral column.

New vascular system in reptiles: anatomy and postural hemodynamics of the vertebral venous plexus in snakes.

Using corrosion casting, we demonstrate and describe a new vascular system--the vertebral venous plexus--in eight snake species representing three families. The plexus consists of a network of spinal veins coursing within and around the vertebral column and was previously documented only in mammals. The spinal veins of snakes originate anteriorly from the posterior cerebral veins and form a lozenge-shaped plexus that extends to the tip of the tail.