INVESTIGADORES
ORTEGA Hugo Hector
artículos
Título:
Characterization of Serum Complement Activity of Broad-Snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris, Crocodylia: Alligatoridae)
Autor/es:
SIROSKI, PA; MERCHANT, M; PARACHÚ MARCÓ, MV; PIÑA, CI; ORTEGA, HH
Revista:
ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES
Editorial:
ACAD SINICA INST ZOOLOGY
Referencias:
Año: 2010 vol. 49 p. 64 - 70
ISSN:
1021-5506
Resumen:
The sheep red blood cell (SRBC) hemolysis assay was used
to detect and characterize complement-system activity of broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) serum.
The hemolytic activity of caiman serum was inhibited by 2 classic inhibitors (EDTA and heat) suggesting the
existence of complement-system activity. In addition, we found that the capacity of C. latirostris serum to disrupt
SRBCs was concentration, temperature, and kinetics dependent. Hemolytic activity was detected from a very
low concentration (< 10%) of caiman serum and increased until 100%. Temperature influenced the activity of
the serum by disrupting SRBC membranes. The serum showed a peak of hemolysis between 30 and 40°C,
within which lies the optimal temperature caimans prefer during thermoregulation for normal physiological
processes. Hemolytic activity rapidly occurred at 2 min, and maximum activity was detected at 60 min. These
observations reflect previously reported findings in other crocodilian species (Alligator mississippiensis,
Crocodylus johnstoni, and Cro. porosus), thus adding to the knowledge of the role of the complement system in
immunological activities of crocodilians.