Cutaneous glands in the Australian hylid Litoria caerulea (Amphibia, Hylidae)

Abstract

Ultrastructure of cutaneous glands is described in the Australian hylid Litoria caerulea. Three main types of glands could be distinguished in both ventral and dorsal skin: mucous, serous or granular, and lipid glands. Both mucous, and to some extent, serous glands show a PAS-positive reaction. Some of the granular-serous glands react to lipid staining. In addition, a very large gland confined to the dorsal skin of the head reacts to lipid staining. Apparently more than one type of dermal gland is involved in lipid secretion. The subject of skin lipid secretion is discussed in relation to the ecophysiological adaptations of this xeric-inhabiting frog.