Functional markers of the major histocompatibility gene complex of snakes

Farag, Michael M.; Ridi, Rashika El

doi:10.1002/eji.1830200922

Cited by 8 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 22 publications

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“…This may have occurred because as seasonal conditions changed, they did not allow for the rejection to occur completely before the onset of winter. Farag and El Ridi found that, like other vertebrates, tissue rejection in reptiles is dependent on the major histocompatibility gene complex (MHC) (Farag and El Ridi, 1990).…”

Section: Cell-mediated Immunitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the vertebrate immune system: insights from the reptilian perspective

Zimmerman

Vogel

Bowden

2010

Journal of Experimental Biology

354

344

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Summary Reptiles are ectothermic amniotes, providing the key link between ectothermic anamniotic fishes and amphibians, and endothermic amniotic birds and mammals. A greater understanding of reptilian immunity will provide important insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrate immunity as well as the growing field of eco-immunology. Like mammals, reptile immunity is complex and involves innate, cell-mediated and humoral compartments but, overall, there is considerably less known about immune function in reptiles. We review the current literature on each branch of the reptilian immune system, placing this information in context to other vertebrates. Further, we identify key areas that are prime for research as well as areas that are lagging because of lack of reagents in non-model systems.

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Section: Cell-mediated Immunitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the vertebrate immune system: insights from the reptilian perspective

Zimmerman

Vogel

Bowden

2010

Journal of Experimental Biology

354

344

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

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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Seasonal conditions determine the manner of skin rejection in reptiles

1993

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During summer, 33%,52%, and 15% of lizards Chalcides ocellatus rejected first set skin allografts (time between day of first sign of rejection and end point), respectively in an acute (11)(12)(13)(14) days), subacute (15-20 days), and chronic (21)(22)(23)(24) days) manner. Second set grafts were rejected in an acute fashion (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13) Several reports have documented that different reptilian species reject skin allotransplants in a typically chronic fashion (Maslin, '67; Manickavel and Muthukkaruppan, '69; Borysenko, '69, '70; Terebey, '72; Worley and Jurd, '79; Badir et al., '81). Suggestions have been made attributing this poor cell-mediated reactivity to the absence or low polymorphism of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class 1/11 loci (Flaherty and Cohen, '82). However, Cuellar and Smart ('77, '79) have reported several instances of acute skin graft rejection in the lizard Cnemidophorus tigris. Also, studies from our laboratory have indicated that lizards and snakes possess a n advanced type of immune system and display the major immunologic functions related in mammals to the presence ofthe MHC, including acute skin graft rejection (Saad and El Ridi, '84; El Ridi et al., '88; Farag and El Ridi, '90). The present study was undertaken to provide detailed and significant information on the controversial issue of skin graft reactivity in reptiles. The data revealed that the lizard Chalcides ocellatus rejects skin graft acutely during the optimal summer season, and in a chronic manner during the rest of the year when the ambients conditions are generally unfavourable for expression of its full immune potential (El Ridi et al., '88). MATERIALS AND METHODSLizards Adult male and female scinks, Chalcides ocellatus (Reptilia, Sauria, Scincidae) weighing 10-25 g and of 7-15 cm (snout to vent) were collected from neighbouring gardens and fields during the four consecutive seasons. Lizards were maintained in cages containing 30 cm deep sand in an unconditioned animal room at 33-38°C in summer, 20-32°C in autumn and spring, and 10-17°C in winter, and given wood lice Porcellio laevis and tap water ad libitum. Grafting techniqueSkin grafts were exchanged between random lizard pairs, so that each individual received and donated one graft. Lizards were anesthetized by ether inhalation. Ventral and dorsal skin was sterilized by 70% ethyl alcohol, and about 8-10 mm2 of skin was excised from the ventral side of each lizard, cut into equal parts, and placed on cotton wetted with 70% alcohol for less than 5 min. Two graft beds were prepared on the dorsal side of each lizard and the ventral skin fragments were transplanted one onto the donor and the other on the partner, as auto-and allografts, respectively. The dorsal skin excised from each lizard was placed on its ventral side to prevent infection. Grafts were rotated 180" before insertion under the edges of the graft bed and consequently the graft scales were pointing forwards. The wounds on the dorsal and ventral sides of each lizard were sprinkled ...

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Functional markers of the major histocompatibility gene complex of snakes

Cited by 8 publications

References 22 publications

Understanding the vertebrate immune system: insights from the reptilian perspective

Understanding the vertebrate immune system: insights from the reptilian perspective

Immunology of Reptiles

Seasonal conditions determine the manner of skin rejection in reptiles

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