Characterization of antimicrobial peptides in skin secretions from discrete populations of Lithobates chiricahuensis (Ranidae) from central and southern Arizona

► Characterization of six antimicrobial peptides present in skin secretions of populations of the leopard frog Lithobates chiricahuensis from distinct ranges in southern and central Arizona. ► Characterization of two peptides (brevinin-1CHc and palustrin-2CHa) present only in secretions of frogs from the southern range. ► Identification of esculentin-2CHa as a potent, broad spectrum antimicrobial peptide with therapeutic potential. ► Phylogenetic analysis of the North American leopard frogs based upon the primary structures of brevinin-1 peptides.