Effect of mechanical means on the restoration of the limb regenerative ability in metamorphic stages of Bufo regularis Reuss.

Limbs of Bufo regularis REUSS metamorphic stages No. 57, 63 and 66 were transected at the thigh level. Removal of the apical skin cover on the third postoperative day, followed by traumatization after further two days in the limb stumps, was more effective in the enhancement of the regenerative ability than when each one of these procedures was performed independently. Better results were achieved in cases of the preclimactic stage (No. 57) where about 30% of the cases (Series III) developed heteromorphic limb outgrowths having more distal structures as the shank ending with or without toes. Normally, after transection at the same level, the limb stumps of this stage could restore part of the thigh region only.