Usefulness of amphibians

Despite having a thin skin, amphibians possess special glands that are capable of creating a potent concoction of complex chemical compounds which includes alkaloids with anesthetic or mosquito repellent properties, peptides with antibiotics or blood anti-coagulant properties, enzymes (ribonucleuses) with anti-tumor properties and even a hormone (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) which is found in the hypothalamus of the human brain.

The frog skin can also form a natural sticky glue, which is tested in the repair of torn cartilage. Frogs, such as the wood frog, hibernate in winter and have been found to possess their own natural anti-freeze adaptations against cold ice. This offers much potential in the field of cryopreservation and long term storage or transplant of human organs.

Some frogs have been able to regenerate after losing an entire limb or fingers or toes. Scientists have been able to discover a key growth factor from this special ability of the frogs, which may be able to manufacture synthetically which may bring hope to amputees some day.

Froggy Facts (new)

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