Forelimb spike regeneration in Xenopus laevis: Testing for adaptiveness.

Experiments were designed to test adaptability of forelimb spike regenerates in Xenopus laevis froglets. The results show that when amputation is at the radius/ulna level, regeneration occurs in 100% of the cases and a single spike of cartilage is the result. The spike regenerates originating from radius/ulna level amputations can be used for feeding and froglet growth is only minimally compromised by the spike. The spike grows in length as the froglet body grows and thus is in homeostasis with the body. The spike develops nuptial pad tissue in reproductively mature males and is occasionally molted, indicating responsiveness to gonadal and thyroid hormones. Finally, and most important, the spike can be used for amplexus and successful mating. In contrast, spikes originating from humerus level amputations were considerably shorter and regeneration from that limb level was less frequent. When amputation was at the body wall regeneration did not occur.