Host sex,size, and hemoparasite infection influence the effects of ectoparasitic burdens on free‐ranging iguanas

Investigations focusing on host–ectoparasite interactions in animals have revealed asymptomatic to severe health and fitness consequences suggesting that species mobilize different interspecific response mechanisms. Fewer studies, however, have examined intraspecific responses to ectoparasitic burdens. In this study, we analyzed host health and fitness responses to increasing ectoparasite burdens along with the presence/absence of hemoparasites of free‐ranging insular rock iguanas (Cyclura cychlura) in The Bahamas. Using hematology, plasma biochemistry, as well as body condition and growth rate comparisons, we failed to find significant associations of tick burdens with annual growth rate, corticosterone, packed cell volume, total white blood cell, and heterophil, monocyte, eosinophil or hemoglobin measures. We did, however, find mixed and significant associations of tick burdens with lymphocyte and basophil counts, heterophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratios, and body condition indices. These associations varied by sex, size, and hemoparasite infection status suggesting that different life stages of iguanas may invest differently in immune responses, and impacts may be modulated based on size and sex of hosts, and coinfection status.     

Affinity chromatographic isolation of cell surface glycoproteins from human foetal brains and their interaction with lectins.

The cell surface glycoproteins of foetal human neurons and glial cells were isolated by affinity chromatography on Con A-Sepharose 4B. Dissociation of Con A from the matrix took place independent of buffer composition and the absence of lipids and/or detergents during chromatography. It was apparently related to the nature of glyco proteins. Pretreatment of Con A-Sepharose 4B with urea or guanidine minimized this problem. The elution of glycoproteins from the affinity matrix at 4 degrees C, instead of the usual 25 degrees C, reduced both Con A and glycolipid contamination in the eluate. Dot-enzyme-linked-lectin assay was carried out with horse radish peroxidase conjugated lectins and serotonin. It was observed that total glycoproteins contained high mannose, hybrid and a limited quantity of biantennary complex type oligosaccharide chains. O-linked oligosaccharides were also present. Desialylation and sodium chloride inhibited binding to serotonin and wheat germ agglutinin indicating the presence of sialic acid residues. Fucose was attached to the innermost core GlcNAc residue, as revealed by affinity towards pea lectin.