Changes in oxidative stress parameters and acid phosphatase activity in the pre-regressing and regressing tail of Indian jumping frog Polypedates maculatus Anura, Rhacophoridae)

Activities of acid phosphatase (normal and CO2+-sensitive), superoxide dismutase and catalase and levels of lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide were compared in the tails of tadpoles of stage III, XVIII, XXI and XXIII, respectively, of the Indian Jumping frog Polypedates macidatus. It is noticed that acid phosphatase activity (normal and CO2+-sensitive), and levels of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide increased during tail regression. There is also an increase in the level of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the regressing tail. A positive correlation between activity of acid phosphatase and lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation, acid phosphatase and hydrogen peroxide was noticed in the tail of tadpoles during different developmental stages, suggesting a critical interaction between reactive oxygen species and lysosomal activity during metamorphosis. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.