Pattern and Mechanism of Calcium Mobilization During Embryonic Development in a Viviparous Snake, <em>Virginia striatula</em>.

<p>Yolk supplies the majority of embryonic calcium in snakes. Oviparous and viviparous snakes also receive calcium late in development from the eggshell and placenta, respectively. The pattern and mechanism of calcium transport are partly understood for oviparous snakes. I studied a viviparous snake, <em>Virginia striatula</em>, to determine the pattern of embryonic calcium accumulation as well as the ontogenetic expression of calcium transporting proteins in extraembryonic tissues. The pattern of embryonic calcium uptake of <em>V. striatula</em> occurs late in development, during the phase of highest embryonic growth. Calbindin-D28k, Ca²⁺ ATPase, and carbonic anhydrase II are expressed in chorioallantoic membrane, while yolk sac only expresses calbindin-D28k, coincident with the timing of calcium transport in embryos of <em>V. striatula</em>. Thus, the pattern of embryonic calcium accumulation in <em>V. striatula</em> is similar to that of oviparous snakes. Although calbindin-D28k and Ca²⁺ ATPase are likely active in embryonic calcium transport, the role of carbonic anhydrase II remains less clear.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - restricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Fregoso, Santiago

• calcium
• oviparity
• placentotrophy
• squamates
• viviparity
• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Life Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1712

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-3067