Effect of bacterial pyrogen on three lizard species

Comp Biochem Physiol A Comp Physiol. 1990;96(3):383-6. doi: 10.1016/0300-9629(90)90100-7.

Abstract

1. Three lizard species (Callopistes maculatus, Gerrhosaurus major, and Varanus exanthematicus) were tested for their response to intraperitoneal injection of alcohol-killed Aeromonas sobria. 2. A paired experimental design, in which each animal received an injection of sterile saline and 1 x 10(10) A. sobria, was utilized. 3. C. maculatus demonstrated a statistically significant increase in mean selected body temperature (MSBT) after bacteria injection. 4. G. major and V. exanthematicus did not demonstrate a statistically significant increase in MSBT. 5. C. maculatus is the first lizard species outside of the family Iguanidae to exhibit a febrile response to bacterial pyrogen.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aeromonas / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Body Temperature / drug effects
  • Lizards / physiology*
  • Pyrogens / pharmacology*
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Pyrogens