Abstract
Prairie rattlesnakes, of the species Crotalus viridis virldis, were orally, infected with tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides corti to determine the host response to the parasite. Snakes were maintained at constant temperatures of 25, 30, and 35 C for 4--24 weeks. Blood chemistry evaluations of the host were made by standard hematological methods. Eosinophil counts, total proteins, and serum gamma globulins increased while packed-cell volumes and hemoglobins decreased. Autopsy studies revealed the first documented asexual multiplication of Mesocestoides corti in a laboratory infected ectothemic host, with the small intestine being the preferred organ. Pseudocyst formation was first observed to occur at 4 weeks and reached maturity at 8 weeks. Immature pseudocysts consisted of one layer of fibroblasts, but mature ones had an outer layer of fibroblast, an interface layer, and an inner layer of mononuclear cells. Temperature was an important variable in this research, with most pronounced changes in blood chemistry, rate of proliferation, and immune response seen at 30 C.
LLU Discipline
Biology
Department
Biology
School
Graduate School
First Advisor
Elmer A. Widmer
Second Advisor
Raymond E. Ryckman
Third Advisor
Edward D. Wagner
Fourth Advisor
Elwood S. McCluskey
Fifth Advisor
Arthur E. Dalglesih
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Level
Ph.D.
Year Degree Awarded
1976
Date (Title Page)
6-1976
Language
English
Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings
Rattlesnakes -- Parasites; Rattlesnakes -- Research
Type
Dissertation
Page Count
vii; 61
Digital Format
Digital Publisher
Loma Linda University Libraries
Copyright
Author
Usage Rights
This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.
Recommended Citation
Hanson, Gray Bruce, "Immunological Responses in the Prairie Rattlesnake CROTALUS VIRIDIS VIRIDIS Rafinesque 1818, to Laboratory Infection with Tetrathyridia of MESOCESTOIDES CORTI Hoeppli 1925 (Eucestoda : Mesocestoididea)" (1976). Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects. 568.
https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/568
Collection
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Collection Website
http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/
Repository
Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives