Phylogeography of cliff racer (Platyceps rhodorachis Jan, 1865) from Punjab, Pakistan / Filografia de penhasco (Platyceps rhodorachis Jan, 1865) de Punjab, Paquistão

The present study reports the existence of cliff racer, Platyceps rhodorachis from the plains of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 10 specimens were captured during the field surveys from June to September, 2018 from different sites of Punjab. Platyceps rhodorachis was identify on the basis of morphology and confirmed through COI gene sequences. The obtained DNA sequences have shown reliable and exact species identification. Newly produced DNA sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis were submitted to GenBank and accession numbers were obtained (MK936174.1, MK941839.1 and MT790210.1). N-J tree based on COI sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis clearly separated as out-group with other members of family Colubridae based on p-distance. The intra-specific genetic variation ranges from 12% to 18%. The DNA sequences of Platyceps rhodorachis kashmirensis, Platyceps rhodorachis ladacensis, Platyceps ventromaculatus, Platyceps ventromaculatus bengalensis and Platyceps ventromaculatus indusai are not available at NCBI to validate their taxonomic positions. In our recommendations, a large scale molecular based identification of Pakistan’s herpetofauna is required to report more new or subspecies from country.

O presente estudo relata a existência de um corredor de penhasco, Platyceps rhodorachis, das planícies de Punjab, Paquistão. Um total de 10 espécimes foi capturado durante os levantamentos de campo de junho a setembro de 2018 em diferentes locais de Punjab. Platyceps rhodorachis foi identificada com base na morfologia e confirmada por meio de sequências do gene COI. As sequências de DNA obtidas mostraram identificação de espécies confiável e exata. Sequências de DNA de Platyceps rhodorachis recém-produzidas foram submetidas ao GenBank e os números de acesso foram obtidos (MK936174.1, MK941839.1 e MT790210.1). Árvore N-J baseada em sequências COI de Platyceps rhodorachis claramente separadas como out-group com outros membros da família Colubridae com base na distância-p. A variação genética intraespecífica varia de 12% a 18%. As sequências de DNA de Platyceps rhodorachis kashmirensis, Platyceps rhodorachis ladacensis, Platyceps ventromaculatus, Platyceps ventromaculatus bengalensis e Platyceps ventromaculatus indusai não estão disponíveis no NCBI para validar suas posições taxonômicas. Em nossas recomendações, uma identificação de base molecular em grande escala da herpetofauna do Paquistão é necessária para relatar mais novas ou subespécies do país.

TGF-ß1 polymorphism in American tegumentary leishmaniasis in a Southern Brazilian population

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Genetic polymorphisms define the cytokine production leading to susceptibility or resistance to diseases. We studied the cytokine polymorphism in the development of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL). METHODS: Genotyping of TNF-α, TGF-β1, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10 were performed by polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: G and C alleles of TGF- β1 (codon 25) were the most common in controls and patients, respectively. G/G was the most frequent genotype in controls, and G/C and C/C in patients. CONCLUSIONS: G/G genotype of codon 25 in TGF-β1 appeared to confer resistance, and G/C and C/C genotypes, susceptibility to TL in this population.

Reproductive biology of the Green Ground Snake Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) in Subtropical Brazil

ABSTRACT We investigated reproductive features of the dipsadid snake Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus in the southernmost Brazilian coast, a subtropical region characterized by well-marked seasons. Females are significantly smaller than males, have a shorter tail, and reach sexual maturity at later times along their development. In contrast to tropical subspecies, E. p. sublineatus females presented a seasonal pattern, with secondary follicles occurring from late winter to early autumn and egg production restricted to the whole spring and early summer. Males presented seasonal variation in testes volume (increase in autumn and decrease in winter) while no significant seasonal variation was found in ductus deferens width. The number of oviductal eggs varied from two to nine, thus, real fecundity is also inferior than that observed in tropical E. poecilogyrus forms. Considering the thermal requirements for reproduction, it is possible that the colder climatic conditions of the southern Brazilian coast have shaped the seasonal reproductive pattern in E. p. sublineatus. The shorter body size of this subspecies may also represent a conditioning factor of low fecundity.

Glial cells of the central nervous system of Bothrops jararaca (Reptilia, Ofidae): an ultrastructural study / Células gliais do sistema nervoso central de Bothrops jararaca (Reptilia, Ofidae): um estudo ultraestrutural

Although ultrastructural characteristics of mature neuroglia in the central nervous system (CNS) are very well described in mammals, much less is known in reptiles, especially serpents. In this context, two specimens of Bothrops jararaca were euthanized for morphological analysis of CNS glial cells. Samples from telencephalon, mesencephalon and spinal cord were collected and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy investigation. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglial cells and ependymal cells, as well as myelin sheaths, presented similar ultrastructural features to those already observed in mammals and tended to maintain their general aspect all over the distinct CNS regions observed. Morphological similarities between reptilian and mammalian glia are probably linked to their evolutionary conservation throughout vertebrate phylogeny...

Muito embora as características ultraestruturais da neuróglia madura do sistema nervoso central (SNC) sejam bem descritas em mamíferos, muito pouco é conhecido em répteis, especialmente em serpentes. Neste contexto, dois espécimes de Bothrops jararaca foram eutanasiados para análise morfológica das células gliais presentes no SNC. Amostras de telencéfalo, mesencéfalo e medula espinhal foram coletadas e processadas para investigação por microscopia de luz e eletrônica de transmissão. Astrócitos, oligodendócitos, células microgliais e ependimárias, bem como bainhas de mielina, apresentaram características ultraestruturais similares àquelas já observadas em mamíferos e tenderam a manter seu aspecto geral pelas diferentes regiões observadas no SNC. Similaridades morfológicas entre as células gliais de mamíferos e de répteis estão provavelmente ligadas a sua conservação evolutiva ao longo da filogenia dos vertebrados...

Oral fibrosarcoma in jararaca (Bothrops pubescens): anatomopathological and immunohistochemical aspects / Fibrossarcoma oral em jararaca (Bothrops pubescens): aspectos anatomopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos

A 4-year-old female captive-bred snake of the genus Bothrops showed swelling on the left side of the oral cavity, suggesting the development of neoplasia. The mass was removed surgically and sent for pathological examination. Two months later a new increase in volume in the same site was observed, suggesting recurrence. The lesion was completely removed and sent for pathological analysis. Histologically, the two-samples consisted of a mass with highly-cell density composed of spindle-shaped anaplastic cells arranged in interwoven bundles, distributed throughout the tissue extension and, occasionally, polygonal cells arranged in irregular fascicles. The Masson trichrome staining showed modest amount of collagen supporting the neoplastic cells. PAS-positive content was not observed in the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells. Histological and histochemical findings indicated that it was a spindle cell neoplasm, but the classification was not possible. Immunohistochemistry was requested and performed using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method. The markers used were anti-vimentin, anti-PCNA, anti-EMA, anti-melan A and anti-melanosome, anti-desmin, anti-actin, anti-CD68 and anti- S100protein. The neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for vimentin and PCNA and negative for the other antibodies. The morphology characterization, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of neoplastic cells allowed the definitive diagnosis of oral fibrosarcoma...

Uma serpente de cativeiro, fêmea, quatro anos de idade, do gênero Bothrops apresentou aumento de volume no lado esquerdo da cavidade oral, sugerindo tratar-se de neoplasma. A massa foi removida cirurgicamente e enviada para exame anatomopatológico. Dois meses depois foi observado novo aumento de volume no mesmo local, sugerindo recidiva. A lesão foi removida por completo e também enviada para análise. Histologicamente, as duas amostras consistiam de massa altamente celular, composta por células anaplásicas fusiformes organizadas em feixes entrelaçados e distribuídos por toda extensão tecidual e, ocasionalmente, células poligonais arranjadas em fascículos irregulares. A coloração de tricrômico de Masson apresentou quantidade modesta de colágeno sustentando as células neoplásicas. Não foi observado conteúdo PAS-positivo no citoplasma das células neoplásicas. Os achados histológicos e histoquímicos indicavam tratar-se de neoplasma de células fusiformes, porém não era possível sua classificação. A imuno-histoquímica foi requisitada e realizada pelo método streptavidina-biotina-peroxidase, utilizando os anticorpos anti-vimentina, anti-PCNA, Anti-EMA, anti-melan A, anti-HMB45, anti-desmina, anti-actina, anti-CD68 e anti-proteína S-100. As células neoplásicas foram imunorreativas para vimentina e PCNA e, negativas para os demais anticorpos. A caracterização morfológica, histoquímica e imuno-histoquímica das células neoplásicas permitiu o diagnóstico definitivo de fibrossarcoma oral...

Studies on tongue of reptilian species Psammophis sibilans, Tarentola annularis and Crocodylus niloticus / Estudios sobre la lengua de las especies de reptiles Psammophis sibilans, Tarentola annularis y Crocodylus niloticus

Three different reptilian species Psammophis sibilans (Order Ophidia), Tarentola annularis (Order Squamata and Crocodylus niloticus (Order Crocodylia) are used in the present study. Their tongue is removed and examined morphologically. Their lingual mucosa examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as processed for histological investigation. Gross morphological studies revealed variations of tongue gross structure being elongated with bifurcated end in P. sibilans or triangular flattened structure with broad base and conical free border in T. annularis or rough triangular fill almost the floor cavity in C. niloticus. At SEM, the lingual mucosa showed fine striated grooves radially arranged in oblique extension with missing of lingual papillae. Numerous microridges are detected above the cell surfaces in P. sibilans. T. annularis exhibited arrangement of conical flattened filiform papillae and abundant of microridges. However in C. niloticus, the lingual mucosa possessed different kinds of filiform papillae besides gustatory papillae and widespread arrangement of taste buds. Histologically, confirmed SEM of illustrating the lingual mucosa protrusion of stratified squamous epithelium in P. sibilans and presence of apical taste buds in conical filiform papillae of T. annularis. The lingual mucosa of C. niloticus revealed different forms of both filiform and gustatory papillae.

En el presente estudio fueron utilizados tres diferentes especies de reptiles Psammophis sibilans (Orden Ophidia), Tarentola annularis (Orden Squamata y Crocodylus niloticus (Orden Crocodylia). Sus lenguas fueron removidas y examinadas morfológicamente. Las mucosas linguales se examinaron bajo microscopio electrónico de barrido (SEM) y también procesadas para la investigación histológica. El estudio morfológico macroscópico reveló variaciones de la estructura de la lengua, siendo éstas alargadas con el extremo bifurcado en P. sibilans o de estructura triangular aplanada con una base amplia y el borde libre cónico en T. annularis o triangular rugosa llenando casi todo el suelo de la cavidad en C. niloticus. En el SEM, la mucosa lingual mostró finas ranuras estriadas dispuestas radialmente en la extensión oblicua con pérdida de las papilas linguales. Numerosas microcrestas fueron detectadas por encima de la superficie de las células en P. sibilans. T. annularis exhibiendo una disposición de papilas filiformes cónicas aplanadas y abundante de microcrestas. Sin embargo, en C. niloticus, la mucosa lingual posee diferentes tipos de papilas filiformes además de papilas gustativas con una extensa disposición de corpúsculos gustativas. Histológicamente, mediante confirmación de SEM se ilustra la protrusión del epitelio escamoso estratificado de la mucosa lingual en P. sibilans y la presencia de corpúsculos gustativos apicales en las papilas filiformes cónicas de T. annularis. La mucosa lingual de C. niloticus reveló diferentes formas de ambas papilas, filiformes y gustativas.

Impactos do fogo sobre serpentes (Squamata) no Parque Nacional de Ilha Grande (PR/MS), Brasil / The impact of fire upon squamata snakes in the Ilha Grande National Park in the states of Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Implactos del fuego sobre serpientes (squamata) en el parque nacional de ilha grande (PR/MS), Brasil

Incêndios são ocorrências periódicas no Parque Nacional de Ilha Grande, e o fogo é um dos principais fatores de ameaça à sobrevivência da herpetofauna nessa unidade de conservação. Esse trabalho teve como objetivos descrever as reações das serpentes frente ao fogo, identificar as espécies atingidas pelos incêndios e correlacionar a natureza das lesões causadas pelo fogo. As atitudes das serpentes frente ao fogo foram determinadas pela descrição das reações comportamentais apresentadas pelos indivíduos avistados durante os incêndios. A determinação da causa da morte e das lesões foi realizada pela avaliação física e necroscópica dos animais feridos e mortos encontrados em áreas queimadas. As coletas foram realizadas em setembro de 2003, em pontos aleatórios, durante e imediatamente após os incêndios. Foram avistadas frente ao fogo, uma Bothrops moojeni, uma Philodryas patagoniensis e um colubrídeo não-identificado. Uma Micrurus lemniscatus foi encontrada viva apresentando queimaduras profundas e deficiência visual em decorrência das lesões térmicas. Foram coletados cadáveres de quatro B. moojeni, de um colubrídeo não-identificado, e de uma Tamnodynastes hypoconia. As B. moojeni e o colubrídeo não-identificado se encontravam carbonizados, enquanto a T. hypoconia apresentava sinais de afecção respiratória. Vestígios indicaram que os cadáveres das serpentes são uma importante fonte de recurso alimentar nos períodos pós-fogo. Incêndios de elevada intensidade e grandes extensões atingem diretamente serpentes no Parque, inclusive espécies de grande porte como a Bothrops moojeni. A morte de indivíduos pela ação do fogo pode contribuir para o declínio das espécies em longo prazo no Parque Nacional de Ilha Grande.

There are periodic occurrences of in the Ilha Grande National Park (South of Brazil), and it is one of the main menacing factors to the Herpetofauna survival in that conservation unit. The objectives of this study were to describe the snakes’reactions to fire, to identify the species affected by fires, and to correlate the nature of the lesions produced by fire. The reactions of the snakes toward fire were determined by the description of the behavior presented by the individuals observed during wildfires. The determination of mortality causes and correlated lesions were accomplished by physical and necroscopic evaluation of wounded and dead animals found in burned areas. The collections were accomplished in randomized points in September 2003, during - and immediately - after fire occurrences. Three snakes were observed during wildfires, one Bothrops moojeni, one Philodryas patagoniensis, and one non-identified colubrid. A Micrurus lemniscatus was found alive, presenting deep burns and visual deficiency due to thermal lesions. The corpses of four B. moojeni, one non-identified colubrid, and one Tamnodynastes hypoconia were collected. The four B. moojeni and the non-identified colubrid were carbonized. The T. hypoconia presented signs of respiratory illness. Vestiges indicated that snakes corpses are an important source of food in post-fire periods. Highly intense wildfires which cover large areas directly affect the Ilha Grande National Park snakes, including big species as B. moojeni. Individuals’ death due to fire action can contribute to the snakes species’ declining in the park in a long term basis.

Los incendios son ocurrencias periódicas en el Parque Nacional de Ilha Grande (sur de Brasil), y uno de los principales factores de amenaza a la supervivencia de la herpetofauna en esa unidad de conservación. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron describir las reacciones de las serpientes al fuego, identificar las especies afectadas por los incendios y correlacionar la naturaleza de las lesiones causada por el fuego. Las actitudes de las serpientes frente al fuego fueron determinadas por la descripción de las reacciones de comportamiento presentadas por los individuos observados durante los incendios. La determinación de la causa muerte y lesiones se efectuó por evaluación física y necroscópica de los animales heridos y muertos encontrados en las áreas quemadas. Las colectas fueron realizadas en puntos aleatorios en septiembre de 2003, durante y inmediatamente después de las ocurrencias. Fueran avistadas frente al fuego, un Bothrops moojeni, un Philodryas patagoniensis y un colúbrido no identificado. Se encontró un Micrurus lemniscatus vivo, presentando quemaduras profundas y deficiencia visual, debido a las lesiones térmicas. Fueron colectados los cadáveres de cuatro Bothrops moojeni, de un colúbrido no identificado, y de un Tamnodynastes hypoconia. Los cuatro B. Moojeni y el colúbrido no identificado estaban carbonizados. El T. hypoconia presentaba signos de enfermedad respiratoria. Vestigios indicaron que los cadáveres son importante fuente de recurso alimenticio en los períodos posfuego. Los incendios de alta intensidad y gran extensión afectan las serpientes directamente en el Parque Nacional de Ilha Grande, incluso animales de talle grande como B. moojeni. La muerte de individuos por acción del fuego puede contribuir para la caída de las especies en el parque, a largo plazo.

Topographical Anatomy of the Blunthead Treesnake, Imantodes cenchoa (Linnaeus, 1758) (Colubridae: Xenodontinae) / Anatomía Topográfica de la Serpiente Bejucillo Cabezona, Imantodes cenchoa (Linnaeus, 1758) (Colubridae: Xenodontinae)

Imantodes cenchoa (Duméril, 1853) is an arboreal, nocturnal and oviparous xenodontine snake, which feeds on amphibians and lizards. It is found in Central and South America, including northern and central Brazil. In this work, we investigated the relationship between topographic anatomy and habitat in I. cenchoa. Twenty specimens (13 non pregnant females and 7 males) were examined. The topographic anatomy study was realized through observations of the internal anatomy, particularly the position and size of lung, heart, liver, left and right gonads and left and right kidneys. Results showed that all the organs are located in a posterior position in relation to the snout vent length (SVL). The centre of gravity is found at about 74% of SVL in both males and females. In males, no positive allometry was observed among the positions of the organs. Negative allometry in females was observed regarding the position of the anterior tip of the left kidney, the anterior and posterior tips of the right kidney and in both ovaries. In males, negative allometry is present in the position of all the organs. The distance between the last follicle and the cloaca was 8.78% of SVL. Our data corroborate the idea that the posterior position of all internal organs is linked to a habitat specialization of a snake, linking the arboreal species I. cenchoa with a relatively posterior internal topography.

Imantodes cenchoa (Duméril, 1853) es una serpiente xenodontinea, arbórea, noctura y ovípara, que se alimenta de anfibios y largartos. Se encuenta en América Central y del Sur, incluyendo las partes Norte y Central de Brasil. En este trabajo, investigamos la relaciones entre la Anatomía Topográfica y hábitat en I. cenchoa. Fueron examinados 20 especímenes (13 hembras no preñadas y 7 machos). El estudio de la Anatomía Topográfica fue realizada a través de observaciones de la anatomía interna, particularmente la posición y tamaño del pulmón, corazón, hígado, gónadas y riñones derechos e izquierdos. Los resultados mostraron que todos los órganos están localizados en una posición posterior, en relación a la entrada de la longitud del hocico(SVL). El centro de gravedad se encuentra a 74% de SVL en machos y hembras. En los machos, no fue observada alometría positiva entre la posición de los órganos. Fue observada alometría negativa en las hembras, considerando la posición del extremo anterior del riñón izquierdo, los extremos anterior y posterior del riñón derecho y ambos ovarios. En machos, se presentó alometría negativa en la posición de todos los órganos. La distancia entre el último folículo y la cloaca fue 8.78% de SVL. Nuestros datos corroboran la idea que la posición posterior de todos los órganos internos está marcada por una especialización al hábitat de una serpiente, marcando la especie arbórea I. cenchoa con una especial topografía interna posterior.

The species of green pit viper in Bangkok.

The aims of this study were to delineate the species of Green pit viper and clinical patterns in Bangkok areas. This study was a blind independent comparison. Among 188 Green pit vipers collected only two species, i.e. Trimeresurus alborabris and T. macrops were found. There were no differences in snake sizes and in clinical patterns of snake bite. The majority of the clinical cases (90.1%) was classified as of mild degree of severity and severe envenomation was observed only in T. alborabris victims. The ratio between T. alborabris and T. macrops victims in Bangkok residents was 1.7:1 but the ratio was reversed in Thonburi residents.

Bothrops ophryomegas Bocourt (Serpentes: Viperidae) en Costa Rica: distribución, lepidosis, variación sexual y cariotipo / Bothrops ophryomegas Bocourt (Serpentes: Viperidae) in Costa Rica: distribution, lepidosis, sexual variation and karyotype

The distributions, karyotype and morphological characteristics of Bothrops ophryomegas from Costa Rica are discribed. This species presents a conspicuous sexual dimorphism and dichromatism. It is distributed in the dry forest areas of Guanacaste and Puntarenas. Its karyotype is indistnguisable from those discribed for other crotaline species.

Ciclos reproductivos de la serpiente coral Micrurus nigrocinctus (Serpentes: Elapidae) en Costa Rica / Reproductive cycles of the coral snake Micrurus nigrocinctus (Serpentes: Elapidae) in Costa Rica

The coral snake Micrurus has two reproductive patterns in Costa Rica. Specimens of the Pacific population (m. n. nigrocinctus) mate during the early dry season (November, January). Oviposition takes place in February and March; the mean number of eggs was 7.9 (5-14) in this population. Births occur between April and June after 47-81 days of incubation. The total lenght of neomates is 168-212 mm, and the weight is 1.2-2.0 g. Specimens of the Atlantic population (M. n. mosquitensis) seem to have an extended breeding season. Oviposition in this subspecies was observed in March and June; the mean number of eggs was 6.7 (5-8). Births take place in May and August, after two months of incubation. Neomates have 173-189 mm in total lenght and 1.9-2.4 g in mass. Adult females are longer than males, especially in M. n. mosquitensis.

Estudo histoquímico dos pigmentos do rim de Hemidactylus mabuia (Reptilia) / Histochemical study of the kidney pigments of the Hemidactylus mabuia (Reptilia)

Em 1958 conseguimos identificar a presença de pigmentos no rim de parelheira (Philodryas schottii), uma cobra de nosso país. Retomando a mesma sistemática, constatamos a presença desses mesmos pigmentos no rim de outro réptil, a lagartixa doméstica, Hemidactylus mabuia. Caracterizamos, por métodos histoquímicos, a presença de grânulos de um cromolipóide nos túbulos contorcidos proximais desse rim, grânulos de tamanho uniforme, bem distribuídos mas células, e de outro pigmento, a melanina, esta sob a forma de grânulos grosseiros, amarelos ou castanhos, distribuídos irregularmente nas células dos referidos túbulos, mas, também, em aglomerados densos, escuros até negros, dentro dos macrófagos peritubulares