Ultraviolet radiation and Vitamin D3 in amphibian health, behaviour, diet and conservation

Antwis, RE; Browne, RK

Abstract

Amphibians are currently suffering a period of mass extinction with approximately 20% of species under severe
threat and more than 120 species already extinct. In light of this crisis there is an urgency to establish viable ex
situ populations and also find the causes of in situ declines. The role of ultraviolet radiation and Vitamin D3 in amphibian health directly influences both ex situ and in situ populations. Vitamin D3 can be photosynthesised
endogenously via UV-B radiation (UV-B), or acquired through the diet, and then metabolised to calcitriol the
biologically active hormonal form. Although, there is a lack of literature concerning Vitamin D3 requirements
and calcitriol synthesis in amphibians, amphibians are likely to have similar Vitamin D3 requirements and
metabolic processes as other vertebrates due to the phylogenetically conservative nature of calcitriol
biosynthesis. Deficiencies in calcitriol in amphibians result in nutritional metabolic bone disease (NMBD) and
could compromise reproduction and immunity. However, excess biologically active UV radiation has also
proven detrimental across all three amphibian life stages and therefore could impact both in situ and ex situ
populations. Here we review the role and necessity of UV-B and calcitriol in amphibians and the potential for
negative impacts due to excessive exposure to UV radiation.We also identify priorities for research that could provide critical information for maintaining healthy in ex situ and in situ populations of amphibians.

Citation

Antwis, R., & Browne, R. (2009). Ultraviolet radiation and Vitamin D3 in amphibian health, behaviour, diet and conservation. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A: Molecular and Integrative Physiology, 154(2), 184-190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.06.008

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 8, 2009
• Publication Date: Jun 23, 2009
• Deposit Date: Sep 30, 2015
• Journal: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology
• Print ISSN: 1095-6433
• Electronic ISSN: 1531-4332
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 154
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 184-190
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.06.008
• Keywords: Amphibian, UV, Vitamin D3, Calcitriol, UV-B, Health, Conservation, Nutritional metabolic bone disease
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.06.008