Physiology ofRana pipiensReproductive Behavior: A Proposed Mechanism for Inhibition of the Release Call

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Abstract
SYNOPSIS. Non-gravid femaleRana pipiens clasped by sexually active males emit a release call and thereby signal their unreceptive status to the clasping male. The receptive condition of gravid females is indicated by absence, or inhibition, of the call. This paper provides evidence that arginine-8 vasotocin (AVT) can inhibit the release call by causing water uptake when a female is in an aquatic environment, and suggests that water might exert this effect by means of a mechanical distension of the body wall or internal pressure. This paper also includes evidence that the ovaries are not necessary for AVT's inhibition of the call. The literature dealing with the physiological basis of female frog reproductive behavior and the physiological basis of the release call are reviewed.

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