Interrenal activity during metamorphosis of the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum.

Plasma corticosterone concentrations were low in premetamorphic tiger salamander larvae (Norman Stage I; M. F. Norman (1985) Anat. Rec. 211, 102-109). Corticosterone levels were significantly elevated at midmetamorphosis (Norman Stage IV) but decreased at the end of metamorphosis (Norman Stage VII). Corticosterone levels remained low 2 weeks after metamorphosis. Interrenal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was low in premetamorphic larvae (Norman Stage I) but was significantly elevated by midmetamorphosis (Norman Stage IV) and remained elevated at the end of metamorphosis (Norman Stage VII). There were no significant changes in interrenal cell nuclear size during metamorphosis. There was a significant decrease in body weight as well as a significant increase in hematocrit accompanying metamorphosis. The increase in plasma corticosterone concentration seen during metamorphosis of the tiger salamander is accompanied by an increase in interrenal steroidogenesis.