Functional studies of the placenta of the lizard Mabuya sp. (Scincidae) using immunocytochemistry

Abstract Most lizards lay eggs. However viviparity has evolved in the Squamata on many separate occasions by the process of extended retention of the egg coincident with gradual loss of the eggshell. This process is linked to reduction of the amount of yolk which is coupled with development of place...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Placenta (Eastbourne) 2010-08, Vol.31 (8), p.675-685
Main Authors: Wooding, F.B.P, Ramirez-Pinilla, M.P, Forhead, A.S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Actins - metabolism
Animals
Aquaporins
Aquaporins - metabolism
Calcium - metabolism
Calcium binding proteins
Calcium-Binding Proteins - metabolism
Chorioallantoic placentation
Female
Glucose - metabolism
Glucose Transporter Type 1 - metabolism
Glucose transporters
Immunohistochemistry
Internal Medicine
Keratins - metabolism
Lectins - metabolism
Lizards - metabolism
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Placentotrophy
Reptilian placenta
Viviparity, Nonmammalian
Water - metabolism
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Summary:Abstract Most lizards lay eggs. However viviparity has evolved in the Squamata on many separate occasions by the process of extended retention of the egg coincident with gradual loss of the eggshell. This process is linked to reduction of the amount of yolk which is coupled with development of placental nutrient transfer. The family Scincidae currently show a range of multiple independent origins of viviparity and placentation along this pathway, and the genus Mabuya shows one of the most structurally complex placentas. This study investigates the transport potential of the different areas of the Mabuya placenta using immunocytochemistry to localize the systems in place for calcium, glucose and water transfer. The localization of these transporters demonstrated restricted distributions in the specialized areas of this morphologically complex placenta.
ISSN:0143-4004
1532-3102
DOI:10.1016/j.placenta.2010.04.001