Amylase activity in the bullfrog during the post-metamorphic phase

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the amylase activity in the chime of the bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Shaw 1802 (3.6 to 200 g). Eighty-seven animals were distributed in test stalls with controlled temperature and photoperiod. The frogs selected in the post-metamorphic phase received commercial extruded diet ad libitum. During 87 days of the experiment, 29 samples were collected in intervals varying from one to eight days. The intestinal content samples were made by first desensitizing of the frogs in ice and water, and subsequently removing the small intestine. For the tests of amylase activity, commercial enzymatic kits were used. Amylase activity was observed since the third day and it increased until reaching stability, when the animals weighed 4.35 g. Amylase activity (137.44 UI) and specific activity (14,688 UI mg^-1) remained stable from the seventh day until the end of the experiment.