Plasma Analysis in Normal Green Sea Turtles, Chelonia mydas, During two Different Periods of Nesting at Ras Al- Hadd, Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

Plasma composition which includes total protein, cholesterol, lactate, glucose, uric acid, urea, CO2, and electrolytes (Ca++, K+, Na+, Mg++, PO4-3, Cl-), and plasma osmolarity were analyzed in normal adult nesting green turtles Chelonia mydas. Blood samples were collected in June-October at the peak of the nesting season and in November-May during the non-peak period. Plasma electrolytes values, except for PO4-3 and Cl- were significant between the two periods. Values for total proteins and uric acid were significantly different during the two periods but urea values were insignificant. Osmolarity was unchanged during the two periods. During nesting the sea turtles undergo strenuous and exhaustive exercise and like other lung breathing reptiles, they ventilate intermittently, thus, they rely on anaerobic metabolism during the nesting exercise. Plasma concentrations of lactate and CO2 were significant but glucose values remained stable and unchanged during the two nesting periods. Higher concentrations of total protein during June compared to October may be related to the type and the availability of diet in the waters near the nesting sites. High concentrations of electrolytes and lactate are perhaps related to more stressful conditions during June because of higher crowding and intense competition for nesting sites. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of these parameters during nesting activity to evaluate changes under two different crowding conditions and gather information for future population health assessments.

Comparative Study of Plasma Parameters in Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys Olivacea) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys Imbricata) During Nesting

“…Our data indicate that chloride and sodium are the major plasma electrolytes in olive ridley and hawksbill turtles during nesting season. Our findings showed high cholesterol levels in olive ridley and hawksbill turtles which were comparable to that of green turtles (AlKindi et al 2001). This can be explained by the blood sampling period, which was conducted during the nesting season, when higher cholesterol levels are vital for the synthesis of steroids and for vitellogenesis.…”

“…Blood samples taken from non-nesting males, or sub-adult turtles, showed lower levels. Moreover olive ridley and hawksbill turtles show a similar range for Na + , Cl -, Ca ++ and Mg ++ levels compared to green turtles at Ras Al Hadd, Oman (AlKindi et al 2001). Nicholson and Lutz (1989) showed that the salt glands in the green turtles maintain the same salt concentration whether the turtles were treated with hypertonic NaCl solutions or hypertonic sucrose solutions.…”