Funded Scholarship
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
Publication Title
The Company of Biologists
Abstract
Chytridiomycosis is a contributor to amphibian population declines. Diseased amphibians show symptoms of lethargy and loss of righting reflexes, likely due to ion imbalance across the skin. However, it is possible developing zoosporangia release toxins that affect neuromuscular activity. Using Xenopus laevis as a model, we hypothesized that locomotor performance would be affected by injection of Bd supernatant factors. X. laevis were injected and then filmed performing a swimming escape response with high-speed cameras at 4 hours, 24 hours, and 1- week post-injection. Average maximum swimming velocity and escape latency were digitized using high speed video. Despite no difference in escape velocity, there was a significant difference in escape latency 24 hours post injection at both concentrations tested, 106 and 107 cell equivalents, though only differences at 106 cell equivalents/ml supernatant persisted one week post injection. Changes in specific locomotor function suggest that there may be neurotoxins present, though the potential neurotoxins may exhibit neural circuit specificity across escape behavior. This study provides a method to test more purified extracts to determine whether Bd produces neurotoxic factors that could enter the blood stream and alter locomotion during a natural skin infection.
Recommended Citation
Lennon, A., Reinert, L. K., Rollins-Smith, L. A., Best, W., & Kinsey, C. (2026). Investigating the potential neurotoxic effects of cell-free factors by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis on locomotion in Xenopus laevis. Biology Open, 15(1), bio062325. https://doi.org/10.1242/bio.062325
