Antibacterial properties of serum from the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

Merchant, Mark; Roche, Cherie M.; Elsey, Ruth M.; Prudhomme, Jan

doi:10.1016/s1096-4959(03)00256-2

Cited by 145 publications

(107 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Similar work has demonstrated striking differences in the capacity of human and alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) serum to control E. coli (Merchant et al 2003). This variation suggests that different species employ this particular branch of the immune system to differing degrees for preventing and controlling E. coli infections.…”

Section: Among-species Differencesmentioning

confidence: 74%

“…Analysis of the chicken whole-blood samples reveals a similar result; the bacteria-killing abilities increase in conjunction with a fivefold increase in concentration. Concentrationdependent effects have also been shown in the antimicrobial capacity of alligator serum (Merchant et al 2003).…”

Section: Sample Type Differencesmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…As a measure of innate immunity, bacteria killing integrates cytological (Keusch et al 1975) and serological (Merchant et al 2003) immune components. While avian nonlymphoid cells exhibit varying abilities to phagocytize pathogens, phagocytosis by heterophils (Harmon 1998) and macrophages (Qureshi 1998) is particularly important for defense against infection by bacteria.…”

Section: Physiological and Biochemical Zoologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…labile proteins and suggests that one or more components of the complement enzyme cascade may be responsible for lysing the bacteria. Similarly, because the bacteria-killing ability is inhibited by both heating and preincubating with proteolytic enzymes, complement-like proteins are thought to contribute to the antibacterial capacities of alligator serum (Merchant et al 2003).…”

Section: Sample Type Differencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Capture Stress and the Bactericidal Competence of Blood and Plasma in Five Species of Tropical Birds

Matson

Tieleman

Klasing³

2006

Physiological and Biochemical Zoology

190

214

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Section: Among-species Differencesmentioning

confidence: 74%

Section: Sample Type Differencesmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Physiological and Biochemical Zoologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Sample Type Differencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Capture Stress and the Bactericidal Competence of Blood and Plasma in Five Species of Tropical Birds

Matson

Tieleman

Klasing³

2006

Physiological and Biochemical Zoology

190

214

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“…Because reptiles are ectothermic, their immune response can be directly influenced by temperature. The complement system, part of the innate immune response, in crocodilians is able to kill microbes at a range of temperatures between 5°C and 40°C, but there is a significant decrease in complement-based killing at temperatures below 15°C and above 30°C (Merchant et al, 2003;Merchant and Britton, 2006). Phagocytic and cytotoxic ability of splenic macrophages from wall lizards (Hemidactylus flaviviridis) was highest at 25°C, with impaired function at lower and higher temperatures, whereas nitric oxide, a compound produced by macrophages that is toxic to bacteria, was only produced at 25°C (Mondal and Rai, 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Variation in the seasonal patterns of innate and adaptive immunity in the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta)

Zimmerman

Paitz

Vogel

et al. 2010

Journal of Experimental Biology

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SUMMARYThe primary function of the immune system is to protect the organism from invading pathogens. In vertebrates, this has resulted in a multifaceted system comprised of both innate and adaptive components. The immune system of all jawed vertebrates is complex, but unlike the endothermic vertebrates, relatively little is known about the functioning of the ectothermic vertebrate immune system, especially the reptilian system. Because turtles are long-lived ectotherms, factors such as temperature and age may affect their immune response, but comprehensive studies are lacking. We investigated variation in immune responses of adult male and female red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta) across the entire active season. We characterized seasonal variation in innate, cell-mediated and humoral components via bactericidal capacity of plasma, delayed-type hypersensitivity and total immunoglobulin levels, respectively. Results indicate that all immune measures varied significantly across the active season, but each measure had a different pattern of variation. Interestingly, temperature alone does not explain the observed seasonal variation. Immune measures did not vary between males and females, but immunoglobulin levels did vary with age. This study demonstrates the highly dynamic nature of the reptilian immune system, and provides information on how biotic and abiotic factors influence the immune system of a long-lived ectotherm.

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Immunology of Reptiles

Rios

2015

Encyclopedia of Life Sciences

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Reptiles tend to have a broad innate immune response followed by a more moderate adaptive response, and as an ectotherm, their immune response is strongly affected by temperature. The innate immune responses in reptiles encompass a diverse group of molecules and cells that includes non‐specific leukocytes, lysozymes, antimicrobial peptides, the complement pathway and fever. The adaptive response involves both T and B cells; however, reptile humoral responses are much less robust than mammalian responses. Thus, reptiles may rely more heavily on a natural antibody response. The slower adaptive response may be because reptiles lack lymph nodes and do not form germinal centres. Phagocytic B cells have also been identified in reptiles. Studies of the reptilian immune system may contribute to our understanding of the evolution of the immune system as well as to the fields of conservation biology, ecological immunology and human medicine. Key Concepts Reptiles have a broad innate immune response able to encompass a variety of pathogens followed by a specific adaptive response. Because reptiles are ectothermic, temperature has a strong effect on immune responses. Seasonal variation in structure and function of the immune system in reptiles is common. As the only ectothermic amniotes, reptiles provide vital information on the evolution of the immune systems.

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Antibacterial properties of serum from the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

Cited by 145 publications

References 18 publications

Capture Stress and the Bactericidal Competence of Blood and Plasma in Five Species of Tropical Birds

Capture Stress and the Bactericidal Competence of Blood and Plasma in Five Species of Tropical Birds

Variation in the seasonal patterns of innate and adaptive immunity in the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta)

Immunology of Reptiles

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