Amphibians and their impact on human reproduction research

Amphibians as models have informed our understanding of the hormonal control of development and reproduction. Seminal studies on frogs and toads have led to discoveries pertaining to the role of the thyroid in development and reproduction, the function of the pituitary, and the process of oocyte maturation and ovarian steroidogenesis. Likewise, insights from mammalian reproductive endocrinology have impacted amphibian assisted reproduction technologies. Amphibians are biological indicators of ecosystem health and are important for modeling the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and other pollutants. Parallel declines in human health and amphibian species within the last century highlight the interconnectivity among animals, ecosystems, and humans.