Immune response in the turtle (Chrysemys picta)

The immune response of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) to four purified protein antigens was evaluated by radioimmunoelectrophoresis. Specific antibody production was consistently detected and antigen binding was related to four immunoglobulin (Ig) precipitin lines (called Ig1, 2, 3, 4) in turtle serum. Antibody activity was detected first in the Ig1 or Ig2 and then later in the course of immunization in Ig3 and Ig4. Ig1 was about 19S in size, was not detectable after reduction and alkylation, and was the only Ig absent from turtle lymph. Ig3 and Ig4 were about 7S in size and Ig2 appeared slightly heavier by sucrose density gradient and Sephadex G-200 analysis. Haemagglutinins produced after primary inoculation were routinely sensitive to mild reduction and alkylation although antigen-binding capacity was still detectable. However, mercaptoethanol-resistant haemagglutinins were found in sera from turtles after booster injections of antigen. The electrophoretically slowest gamma globulin in turtle serum did not develop specific antigen-binding capacity, but did bind Fe⁵⁹ and presumably represents a transferrin-like protein.     

Cytochemical characterization of eosinophilic leukocytes circulating in the blood of the turtle (Chrysemys dorbignih)

Eosinophils and neutrophils are granulocytic leukocytes that are present in the blood of most vertebrates. Studies have been performed on lower vertebrates to understand the biological roles of the cells in defense mechanisms and to establish phylogenetic studies and new experimental models. Whether these 2 cell types exist in reptiles is a matter of controversy. In the blood of turtles there are 2 types of granulocytes that exhibit eosinophilia, one of them with round cytoplasmic granules and the other with elongated cytoplasmic granules. It has been suggested that these cells may be eosinophils in different stages of maturation but they also may be distinct cell types, i.e. eosinophils and neutrophils. In the present study, we characterized the 2 types of granulocytes that are present in the blood of Chrysemys dorbignih, using cytochemical techniques. Type I eosinophils showed activity of nonspecific esterase, peroxidase activity that is resistant to KCN, and basic proteins. Type II eosinophils exhibited activity of trimetaphosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, nonspecific esterase, peroxidase that is sensitive to KCN, and basic proteins. These observations indicate the existence of 2 distinct cell types in the blood of Chrysemys dorbignih, type I and type II eosinophils, that correspond to eosinophils and heterophils (neutrophils) of mammals and other vertebrates.     

Morphology and histoenzymology of eosinophilic granulocytes in the circulating blood of the turtle (Chrysemys dorbignih)

The studies on the characterization of eosinophils and neutrophils/heterophils of turtles are contradictory. Some authors have pointed out the existence of two distinct cell types: eosinophils and heterophils. Other authors have proposed that eosinophils and heterophils may be the same cells in different stages of maturation. These interpretations are based only on a morphological analysis. In the blood of the turtle (Chrysemys dorbignih), a South American freshwater species, there are two types of granulocytes with eosinophilic staining pattern: the first with round cytoplasmic granules and the second with ellipsoidal cytoplasmic granules. In the present study by using histoenzymological methods for the analyses of enzymological cellular content, we found that the cells with round cytoplasmic granules were positive for nonspecific esterase and the cells with ellipsoidal granules were positives for acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, nonspecific esterase and peroxidase. The results show that these cells are distinct cells and that the cells with ellipsoidal cytoplasmic granules have the same histoenzymological characteristics as the neutrophils/heterophils of mammalians and other vertebrates.     

Artificial breeding and raising of tadpoles under laboratory conditions

Summary A. simple method for artificial breeding of frogs, Rana temporaria, is described. The water must be kept at 15.5–17.5°C; illumination maintained for 8 hours daily; water depth in the pans be maintained at precise levels and vegetable and animal feeding be guaranteed as required.Presented by Active Member AMS USSR L. A. OrbeliAlthough this subject is well covered in previous publications, the editorial board has considered this work of sufficient practical merit to warrant publication.