Electrophoretic patterns of serum proteins of neotropical bats (Chiroptera)

Abstract

Serum proteins of 18 species of neotropical Chiroptera were separated by cellulose poly acetate electrophoresis. Except for differences between non-parous, adult, and gravid females in relative quantities of fractions in the alpha globulin region, resulting electropherograms were independent of sex and age. Albumin and gamma globulin fractions were monomorphic, but polymorphism in fractions of the alpha and beta globulin regions occurred in six species of Colombian and Venezuelan bats and in one species of Puerto Rican bat. Of the species studied, the insular Artibeus jamaicensis presented the most intraspecific variation. Species differed in numbers and mobilities of protein fractions. The electropherogram of Pteronotus parnellii (Mormoopidae) was not unique, whereas Phyllostomus hastatus and P. discolor (Phyllostomatinae) were not only distinct from other Phyllostomatidae but differed significantly from each other. Electropherograms of bats of the families Vespertilionidae and Molossidae were similar to each other and also, among the Phyllostomatidae, to two species of Glossophaginae, three species of Stenoderminae, and one species of Phyllonycterinae. Electrophoretic properties of serum proteins are taxonomically important but may have limited value as indicators of phylogenetic relationships. [Chiroptera; serum proteins; electrophoresis; systematics.]

Brachyphylla cavernarum

“…In addition Bond and Seaman (1958) observed fleas and batflies (Streblidae) on these bats from St. Croix. Valdivieso and Tamsitt (1971) observed no hernoparasites in specimeris from St. Crois. h o endoparasites have been recorded from B ccrLernarum (Ubelaker et al, 1977).…”

“…The results of hematological determinations by Valdivieso and Tamsitt (1971) showed polychromatophilia in B. cavernarum in 65% of the samples, normoblasts in 33%, and cabot rings, usually seen in stained erythrocytes of severe anemias, in 22%. Hemograms (percentages of leucocytes of each type) for two males, three females, and four gravid females from St. Croix, respectively, were given by 1-aldivieso and Tamsitt to 7.7), and 5.5 * 0.06 (4.1 to 7.6).…”

“…Hemograms (percentages of leucocytes of each type) for two males, three females, and four gravid females from St. Croix, respectively, were given by 1-aldivieso and Tamsitt to 7.7), and 5.5 * 0.06 (4.1 to 7.6). Valdivieso and Tamsitt (1974) presented data on the serum proteins of a single lactating female from Puerto Rico. This individual had a total serum protein of 6.03 g , / l 0 0 ml.…”

“…have been reported to roost in the following situations: in small colonies in old disused buildings or in dense tree tops on St. Croix (Beatty, 1944); in large numbers in suitably sized caves, frequently in well-lighted areas near the entrance, even in extensive caves on Puerto Rico (Anthony, 1918(Anthony, , 1925; in caves and in an underground unused sugar house on St. Croix, always in complete darkness (Koopman, 1975); in a deep crevice on St. Croix (Valdivieso and Tamsitt, 1971). On St. Croix, Nellis and Ehle (1977) found that they generally roosted in large colonies in dark sites; however, a colony of 5,000 bats illuminated by direct sunlight was found in a large we11 (4 m in diameter and 5 0 m deep), another colony was in a sea cliff cleft with subdued lighting, and another small colony was hanging from the wooden beam ceiling of a dimly lighted ware-house.…”

Erophylla sezekorni

“…Hematological data for two gravid females of E. s. bombifrons were given by Valdivieso and Tamsitt (1971). Hematological data for two gravid females of E. s. bombifrons were given by Valdivieso and Tamsitt (1971).…”