Histological structure of the skin of the Southern Crested Newt, Triturus karelinii (Salamandridae: Urodela)

Abstract

The histological structure of the skin of the Southern Crested Newt, Triturus karelinii, from the active aquatic period has been studied by different staining methods. The species has two main layers: epidermis and dermis. The epidermal layer contains stratum germinativum and stratum corneum; the dermal layer stratum spongiosum and stratum compactum. The dermis has a connective tissue structure and contains large amounts of chromatophores and secretory glands. While the stratum compactum of the dermis contains collagen fibres, the basal laminae of the epidermal stratum germinativum cells, apical facies of the stratum corneum cells and the dermal ground substances contain glycosaminoglycan structures. By using computerized image processing software, the thickness of the epidermis and dermis has been measured and the amount of collagen fibres in terms of chosen point determined. We conclude that the extracellular matrix of the T. karelinii skin is largely comprised of two structurally distinct molecular components: collagen and glycosaminoglycans, but the amount of these components may be different in the water and land periods, depending upon the activity of these amphibians.