RT Journal Article
T1 Sex determination in two species of anuran amphibians by magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound techniques
A1 Ruiz Fernández, María José
A1 Jiménez González, Sara
A1 Fernández Valle, Encarnación
A1 García Real, María Isabel
A1 Castejón Ferrer, David
A1 Moreno García, Nerea
A1 Ardiaca García, María
A1 Montesinos Barceló, Andrés
A1 Ariza, Salvador
A1 González Soriano, Juncal Milagros
AB The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether gender determination in two amphibian species (Kaloula pulchra and Xenopus laevis) can be reliably carried out by means of magnetic resonance imaging (benchtop magnetic resonance imaging; BT-MRI) or ultrasound (high-resolution ultrasound; HR-US) techniques. Two species of healthy, sexually mature anurans have been used in the present study. Eight Kaloula (blind study) and six Xenopus were used as controls. Magnetic resonance imaging experiments were carried out on a low-field (1 Tesla) benchtop-MRI (BT-MRI) system. HR-US examination was performed with high-resolution equipment. Low-field BT-MRI images provided a clear and quantifiable identification of all the sexual organs present in both genders and species. The HR-US also allowed the identification of testes and ovaries in both species. Results indicate that BT-MRI allowed a very precise sex identification in both anuran species, although its use is limited by the cost of the equipment and the need for anesthesia. HR-US allowed an accurate identification of ovaries of both species whereas a precise identification of testes is limited by the ultrasonographer experience. The main advantages of this technique are the possibility of performing it without anesthesia and the higher availability of equipment in veterinary and zoo institutions.
PB MDPI
SN Electronic: 2076-2615
YR 2020
FD 2020-11-20
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/7695
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/7695
LA eng
DS Docta Complutense
RD 26 abr 2025