Regeneration of digits and forelimbs in the Kenyan reed frog Hyperolius viridiflavus ferniquei Contribution number 52 from the Amphibian Facility. Supported in part by grants from the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America and NIH Grant No. 1 PO6 RR 00572 to George W. Nace.

Abstract

Newly metamorphosed individuals of the Kenyan reed frog, Hyperolius viridiflavus ferniquei , are able completely to regenerate amputated digits, including the morphologically complex digital pad. The sequence of morphological events is very similar to that seen in the typical epimorphic regeneration of amphibian extremities. Amputated forearms typically produce hypomorphic spike regenerates. Despite the lack of underlying hand and digital structures, an apical “digital” pad commonly differentiates.