Skin biology of reptiles and amphibians

Abstract

SynopsisThe Reptilia and Amphibia are two distinct groups of vertebrates. However, they show a number of similarities, such as ectothermy and ecdysis, and are therefore compared and contrasted in this paper.The physical features of the skin of reptiles and amphibians vary considerably; in the case of the amphibians the skin is usually relatively thin and may play a part in respiration while that of the reptile is often thick and impervious due to heavy keratinisation. Little is known of the ‘climate’ of the integument and there are relatively few data on its chemistry. Various pathogens may gain entry to the skin but usually this necessitates breaching the epithelium or taking advantage of existing damage.

Morphometric Variations in the Skin Layers of Frogs: An Exploration Into Their Relation With Ecological Parameters in Leptodactylus (Anura, Leptodactylidae), With an Emphasis on the Eberth‐Kastschenko Layer

“…This layer, which occurs frequently in terrestrial species and is more fully developed dorsally than ventrally (Elkan, ; Toledo and Jared, ), has been suggested as another protective mechanism against desiccation. Various investigators have concluded that the hydrophilic constitution of glycosaminoglycans lends evidence to the hypothesis that the EK layer is related to the prevention of water loss (Elkan, ; Elkan and Cooper, ; Toledo and Jared, ; García et al, ). However, Drewes et al () questioned this putative function for the EK layer, arguing that the layer lies beneath the vascular vessels of the stratum spongiosum .…”

Parasite in peril? A new species of mite in the genus Ophiomegistus Banks (Parasitiformes: Paramegistidae) on an endangered host, the pygmy bluetongue lizard Tiliqua adelaidensis (Peters) (Squamata: Scincidae)

“…michaeli mites does not visibly affect body condition in T. adelaidensis . However, minor scale damage often occurs on infested lizards, which may predispose them to secondary infections (Elkan & Cooper ). Haematophagous mites presumably impose fitness costs to their reptile hosts, which may have shaped host characteristics over evolutionary timeframes.…”

Structure and histochemistry of the dermis of a chequered water snake, Natrix piscator

“…Further speculations and attempts to rationalize the distribution of mucopolysaccharides in reptiles are complicated by the fact that some of the best examples so far found occur in the cobra ( Walterinnesia aegyptiu) and in the European grass snake (Nutrix natrix), of dry tropical and wet temperate regions, respectively. It seems that, in snakes at least, habitat is not a deciding factor for dermal storage of mucopolysaccharides (Elkan & Cooper, 1980). Since mucus has remarkable power to bind or release copious amounts of water (Letterer, 1959;Rogers, 1961), the occurrence of mucopolysaccharide deposits in the dermis is possibly related to water storage requirements of the animal as an adaptation against desiccation.…”

“…Since mucus has remarkable power to bind or release copious amounts of water (Letterer, 1959;Rogers, 1961), the occurrence of mucopolysaccharide deposits in the dermis is possibly related to water storage requirements of the animal as an adaptation against desiccation. Reptiles, particularly some deserticolous snakes, carry a large cushion of waterlogged connective tissue ventrally where it is not immediately exposed to the sun and where it may-like the fat bodieshelp to protect the intestines against a rough substratum (Elkan & Cooper, 1980).…”

“…Maderson (1964) briefly described the histology of the dermis of snakes in general. Elkan (1976) and Elkan & Cooper (1980) reported on the distribution of mucopolysaccharides in the dermis of different reptilian species.…”