Capillarity and fibre types in locomotory muscles of wild mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)

Six locomotory muscles from wild mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) were analysed by histochemical methods. Special care was taken in sample procedure in order to describe the heterogeneity found throughout each muscle. Capillarity and fibre-type distributions were correlated to the functional implications and physiological needs of each muscle. Comparisons between our results and similar previous reports on dabbling and diving ducks are also discussed. Muscles from the leg presented the most heterogeneous fibre-type distributions, which are correlated to the wide range of terrestrial and aquatic locomotory performances shown by these animals. More specialized muscles such as pectoralis, used almost exclusively for flapping flight, had more homogeneous fibretype distributions, whereas muscles from the wing presented a high proportion of glycolytic fibres probably recruited during non-steady flapping flight. Deep muscle pectoralis zones and parts of the gastrocnemius which are closer to the bone are remarkable for their high capillarity indices and oxidative capacities, which suggests that these parts are recruited during sustained flapping flight and swimming. However, two different strategies for achieving these high oxygen needs are evident, indicating that the fibre cross-sectional area plays an important role in the modulation of the oxygen supply to the muscle cells.Abbreviations AChE acetylcholinesterase - cap mm^-2 number of capillaries per square millimeter - CD capillary density - C/F capillary-to-fibre ratio - EMR muscle extensor metacarpialis radialis - FCSA fibre cross-sectional area - FD fibre density - FG fast glycolytic - FOG fast oxidative glycolytic - GLE muscle gastrocnemius lateralis (pars externa) - GPDH -glycerophosphate dehydrogenase - ITC muscle iliotibialis cranialis - m-ATPase myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase - OFA oxidative fibre area - OFN oxidative fibre number - PEC muscle pectoralis - SCH muscle scapulohumeralis caudalis - SDH succinate dehydrogenase - SO slow oxidative - TSC muscle scapulotriceps or triceps scapularis     

Distribution of fiber types in locomotory muscles of dogs

The distribution of Type I and Type II fibers, as determined from histochemical estimation of myofibrillar ATPase activity, was studied within and among the locomotory muscles of the forelimb, trunk, and hindlimb of three mongrel dogs. All Type II fibers had high oxidative capacities as estimated from the histochemical assay for reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide tetrazolium reductase, so they were not further divided into subpopulations. Furthermore, Type I and Type II fibers had similar oxidative potentials as indicated by both histochemistry and biochemistry. Type I fiber populations ranged between 14% and 100% in the muscles sampled. The highest percentages of Type I fibers were found in deep muscles of physiological extensor groups in the arm and thigh that serve to resist gravity (antigravity muscles) when the dog is in the quadrupedal standing position. More superficial muscles in these same groups had fewer Type I fibers. The patterns of Type I fiber distribution among muscles in the antigravity groups of the forearm and leg were the opposite of those in the arm and thigh, with the more superficial muscles of the distal limb segments having more Type I fibers than the deeper muscles. In all limb segments, muscle groups that do not serve to resist gravity did not show as much intermuscular variation. Type I fiber populations in these muscles did not exceed 50%. A stratification of fiber types also existed within muscles, both in extensor and flexor groups, with the deeper portions of the muscles having more Type I fibers than the more superficial portions.     

Timing of current reproduction directly affects future reproductive output in European coots

Life-history theory suggests that the variation in the seasonal timing of reproduction within populations may be explained on the basis of individual optimization. Optimal breeding times would vary between individuals as a result of trade-offs between fitness components. The existence of such trade-offs has seldom been tested empirically. We experimentally investigated the consequences of altered timing of current reproduction for future reproductive output in the European coot (Fulica atra). First clutches of different laying date were cross-fostered between nests, and parents thereby experienced a delay or an advance in the hatching date. The probability and success of a second brood, adult survival until and reproduction in the next season were then compared to the natural variation among control pairs. Among control pairs the probability of a second brood declined with the progress of season. Delayed pairs were less likely and advanced pairs were more likely to produce a second brood. These changes were quantitatively as predicted from the natural seasonal decline. The number of eggs in the second clutch was positively related to egg number in the first clutch and negatively related to laying date. Compared to the natural variation, delayed females had more and advanced females had fewer eggs in their second clutch. The size of the second brood declined with season, but there was no significant effect of delay or advance. Local adult survival was higher following a delay and reduced following an advance. The effect of the experiment on adult survival was independent of sex. Laying date and clutch size of females breeding in the next year were not affected by treatment. The study demonstrates the existence of a trade-off between increased probability of a second brood and decreased parental survival for early breeding. Timing-dependent effects of current reproduction on future reproductive output may thus play an important role in the evolution of the seasonal timing of reproduction.     

Function and position determine relative proportions of different fiber types in limb muscles of the lizard Tropidurus psammonastes

Skeletal muscles can be classified as flexors or extensors according to their function, and as dorsal or ventral according to their position. The latter classification evokes their embryological origin from muscle masses initially divided during limb development, and muscles sharing a given position do not necessarily perform the same function. Here, we compare the relative proportions of different fiber types among six limb muscles in the lizard Tropidurus psammonastes. Individual fibers were classified as slow oxidative (SO), fast glycolytic (FG) or fast oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) based on mitochondrial content; muscles were classified according to position and function. Mixed linear models considering one or both effects were compared using likelihood ratio tests. Variation in the proportion of FG and FOG fibers is mainly explained by function (flexor muscles have on average lower proportions of FG and higher proportions of FOG fibers), while variation in SO fibers is better explained by position (they are less abundant in ventral muscles than in those developed from a dorsal muscle mass). Our results clarify the roles of position and function in determining the relative proportions of the various muscle fibers and provide evidence that these factors may differentially affect distinct fiber types.     

Fibre types in the locomotory muscles of an antarctic teleost,Notothenia rossii

Summary The metabolic and structural differentiation of locomotory muscles of Notothenia rossii has been investigated. In this species sustained locomotion is achieved by sculling with enlarged pectoral fins (labriform locomotion), whilst the segmental myotomal muscle is reserved for burst activity. Red, white and subepidermal fibres can be distinguished in the trunk by histochemical and ultrastructural criteria. The main pectoral muscle (m. adductor profundus) consists entirely of red fibres. These three main fibres types show differences in histochemical staining profiles, capillarization, myofibril shape and packing, and lipid and mitochondrial content. The fractional volume of mitochondria amounts to 38% for pectoral, 30% for red myotomal and 1.9% for white myotomal fibres. Enzyme activities of red pectoral muscle are consistent with a higher potential for aerobic glucose and fatty acid oxidation than for the red myotomal fibres. Mg²⁺ Ca²⁺ -myofibrillar ATPase activities are similar for red pectoral and myotomal muscles and approximately half of those white fibres. Specialisations of N. rossii muscles associated with labriform swimming and locomotion at Antarctic temperatures are discussed.     

Hindlimb muscle fiber types in two frogs (Rana catesbeiana and Litoria caerulea) with different locomotor behaviors: histochemical and enzymatic comparison

To test how differences in locomotor behaviors may be reflected in muscle fiber-type diversity within anurans, a comparison of hindlimb muscles between the powerful terrestrial hopper, Rana catesbeiana, and the tree frog, Litoria caerulea, was done. One postural muscle (tibialis posticus, TP) and one primary hopping muscle (plantaris longus, PL), were characterized to identify muscle fiber types using standard histochemical methods. In addition, spectophotometric analysis of activity levels of the oxidative enzyme citrate synthase (CS) and the glycolytic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were done in each muscle. In spite of presumed differences in behavior between the species, we found no significant differences in the proportions of the identified fiber types when the muscles were compared across species. In addition, there were no significant differences in the proportions of the different fiber types between the postural versus phasic muscles within species. Within Rana, the postural muscle (TP) had greater oxidative capacity (as measured by CS activity) than did the phasic muscle (PL). Both muscles had equivalent LDH activities. Within Litoria, PL and TP did not differ in either LDH or CS activities. Both PL and TP of Litoria had less LDH activity and greater CS activity than their homologs in Rana. Thus, in spite of the uniform populations of fiber types between muscles and species, the metabolic diversity based on enzyme activity is consistent with behavioral differences between the species. These results suggest that the range of functional diversity within fiber types may be very broad in anurans, and histochemical fiber typing alone is not a clear indicator of their metabolic or functional properties.     

骨顶鸡等游禽对不同人为干扰方式的响应

分别于2008年4月至6月和2009 年4月至6月, 采用目标动物取样法在黑龙江省安邦河湿地和大庆龙凤湿地研究了骨顶鸡等水鸟对人为干扰的行为响应。结果表明:骨顶鸡对行人和机动车辆两种干扰的反应距离类似,但耐受程度有所不同,骨顶鸡对机动车辆干扰的耐受性要好于行人干扰。在以游客等行人干扰为主的安邦河湿地,骨顶鸡以及其他游禽对干扰产生行为反应的比例要高于以机动车辆干扰为主的龙凤湿地,说明相对于行人干扰骨顶鸡对机动车辆更容易耐受;在安邦河湿地,骨顶鸡对划船的反应距离以及反应程度要大于人行走,说明骨顶鸡对于侵入性的干扰更为敏感。此外,对凤头(Podiceps cristatus)、黒颈(Podiceps nigricollis)、小(Tachybaptus ruficollis)、黑水鸡(Gallinula chloropus)、红头潜鸭(Aythya ferina)、赤膀鸭(Anas strepera)、绿头鸭(Anas platyrhynchos)、斑嘴鸭(Anas poecilorhyncha)、绿翅鸭(Anas crecca)、白眉鸭(Anas querquedula)、赤颈鸭(Anas penelope)、琵嘴鸭(Anas clypeata)等游禽对人为干扰的反应距离、耐受距离以及遭受干扰时的反应比例进行了研究,结果显示3种对干扰的耐受距离差异不显著,12种鸭类中红头潜鸭对人为干扰的敏感性要小于其他鸭类,斑嘴鸭和绿头鸭则相对敏感。     

Absence of changes in fiber type with aging in avian muscles

Summary The anterior latissimus dorsi of the pigeon, a slow tonic muscle, and biventer cervicis, a mixed muscle, of two age groups (1–2 years old versus 6–8 years old) were compared with respect to percentages of fiber types and activities of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), as estimated histochemically, to determine whether these became altered with old age. These parameters did not change between the young and old birds for either type of muscle.This investigation was supported in part by research grants PCM 77-15960 and PCM 79-16540 from the National Science Foundation     

Qualitatively different cross-bridge attachments in fast and slow muscle fiber types

Contractile properties differ between skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles as well as between various skeletal muscle fiber types. This functional diversity is thought to be mainly related to different speeds of myosin head pulling cycles, with the molecular mechanism of force generation being essentially the same. In this study, force-generating attachments of myosin heads were investigated by applying small perturbations of myosin head pulling cycles in stepwise stretch experiments on skeletal muscle fibers of different type. Slow fibers (frog tonic and rat slow-twitch) exhibited only a ‘slow-type’ of myosin head attachment over the entire activation range, while fast fibers (frog and rat fast-twitch) displayed a ‘slow-type’ of myosin head attachment at low levels of activation, and an up to 30-times faster type at high levels of activation. These observations indicate that there are qualitative differences between the mechanisms of myosin head attachment in slow and fast vertebrate skeletal muscle fibers.     

Histochemical determination of the fiber composition of locomotory muscles in a lizard, Dipsosaurus dorsalis

A histochemical survey was done on the fiber composition of 12 different locomotory muscles in the lizard Dipsosaurus dorsalis. Three types of fibers were found in all muscles: (1) fast-twitch-glycolytic (FG); (2) fast-twitch-oxidative-glycolytic (FOG); and (3) tonic fibers. Virtually all locomotory muscles contain some tonic fibers. Most muscles have bulk white regions (containing mostly FG fibers) and distinct red, oxidative regions (with FOG and tonic fibers). These red regions are predominantly located around the joints in the hind limb muscles, and probably serve a postural and joint-stabilizing function. The predominance of FG fibers in the bulk white regions is well-correlated with the rapid, anaerobically supported predator escape behavior of D. dosalis.     

鸡血清与卵黄中抗中华眼镜蛇毒IgY动态变化研究

目的探索特异性IgY的产生和变化规律。方法用眼镜蛇毒原毒免疫产蛋母鸡,ELISA定期检测卵黄中的抗体效价变化,小鼠体外中和实验检测其生物活性。第1次免疫40周后,眼镜蛇毒攻击已免疫母鸡,检测攻击前后鸡血清中抗体效价变化情况,未经眼镜蛇毒免疫的母鸡作阴性对照。结果经免疫后第7天蛋黄中即可检测到抗体,经多次加强免疫,40周时蛋黄中还能保持高效价的抗体,通过分离纯化,此抗体可保护实验小鼠免受4 LD50眼镜蛇毒的攻击;同时,鸡血清中也保留着较高效价的抗体,可中和4 LD50以上的眼镜蛇毒。结论用眼镜蛇毒免疫鸡,经多次加强免疫,卵黄和鸡血清中可持久保持高效价的特异性抗体,初步检测此抗体可中和4 LD50的蛇毒。     

Characteristics of paravertebral muscles – fibre type distribution pattern in the pika, Ochotona rufescens (Mammalia: Lagomorpha)

The evolution of the locomotor apparatus in vertebrates is marked by major reorganizations in trunk's musculature. The hypothesized functions of mammalian back muscles in the literature are discussed under consideration of the distribution and proportion of oxidative, type‐I‐fibres, oxidative‐glycolytic, type‐IIa‐fibres and glycolytic, type‐IIb‐fibres in paravertebral muscles of a small mammal. The fibre type distribution was examined from a complete series of histological sections maintaining topographical relationships between the muscles as well as within the muscle, in order to establish the overall distribution pattern. The deep and short muscles showed the highest percentage of oxidative fibres. The larger, superficial paravertebral muscles contained the highest percentage of glycolytic fibres. Two muscles were intermediate in their proportion of fibre types. All epaxial muscles together can be interpreted as an antigravity muscle–complex counteracting enduringly against the rebound tendency caused by gravitation, comparable with antigravity muscles in limbs. A gradient from deep to superficial, or a clear regionalization of oxidative muscle fibres in central deep regions around a large intramuscular tendon was found in the m. spinalis and the m. quadratus lumborum, respectively. Concepts of the function of human back muscles as those of A. Bergmark (1989: Acta Orthop. Scand. 230 , 1) or S.G.T. Gibbons & M.J. Comerford (2001: Orthop. Division Rev. March/April, 21) were exposed to be more general within mammals. Functional specializations of different muscles and muscle parts are discussed under the consideration of evolutionary reorganization of the paravertebral musculature in tetrapods. Along the cranio‐caudal axis, the percentage of oxidative fibres was decreased in caudal direction within the same muscles, whereas the proportion of glycolytic fibres was increased. Therefore, classifications of muscles as ‘glycolytic’ or ‘oxidative’ based on biopsies or analyses of single cross‐sections may result in wrong interpretations. Changes in the proportions of the fibre type distribution pattern were mostly due to oxidative and glycolytic fibre types, whereas the percentage of oxidative‐glycolytic fibres had only minor influence. A significant positive correlation between the cross‐sectional area of the single fibre and its percentage in the area investigated were observed for oxidative fibres, whereby the size was positive correlated to the proportion of the oxidative fibres.     

Myosin isoforms and fibre types in jaw-closing muscles of australian marsupials

Myosin heavy chains (MyHCs) and fibre types in the masseter muscle of seven species of Australian marsupials (brushtail and ringtail possums, bettong, bandicoot, dunnart, two species of antechinuses) spanning three orders were studied by native myosin electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. We found only two fibre types in the masseter muscles of these animals: (1) masticatory fibres expressing masticatory MyHC, and (2) hybrid α/β fibres that co-express α-cardiac and β-cardiac MyHCs. Masticatory fibres predominate in most species, being appropriate for predation or for chewing tough vegetable matter. The relative abundance of α/β fibres decreased from 60% to 0 in the order: ringtail possum > brushtail possum > bettong > bandicoot > dunnart/antechinus. These variations in masseter fibre type are correlated with decreasing amounts of vegetable matter in the diets of these animals. The results are in contrast to earlier work on masseter fibres of macropodids that expressed α-cardiac MyHC almost homogeneously. The fact that the bettong (Family: Potoroidae), which belong to the same marsupial superfamily (Macropodoidea) as kangaroos and wallabies (Family: Macropodidae), has not specialized in the exclusive expression of α-cardiac MyHC as members of the latter family suggests that this specialization was of recent phylogenetic origin (30 million years before present).     

Response to denervation of rabbit soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. Time-course study of postnatal changes in myosin isoforms,fiber types,and contractile properties

Summary— In contrast to general belief, the response of rabbit muscles to denervation is maturation to slow-like type muscles [7]. We report now an investigation by biochemical, morphological, and mechanical studies of the time course effects of muscle denervation on the slow-type soleus and fast-type gastrocnemius to help clucidate the mechanism of maturation of rabbit denervated muscles to slow-like muscles. In both muscles, denervation induced selective progressive atrophy of most fast fibers and hypertrophy of many slow fibers which displayed wide Z-lines; this was accompanied by the appearance of hybrid LC1F- and LC1E-associated slow myosins. The percentage of slow myosins increased with age similarly in the contralateral and denervated soleus. On the other hand, the percentage of slow myosins remained low in the contralateral gastrocnemius, whereas it increased to 95% in the denervated gastrocnemius; in the denervated gastrocnemius, the percentage of slow myosins reached 50% at about 35 days postnatal. At this age, the maximal shortening velocity of the denervated gastrocnemius and its twitch contraction time were already those of a slow-type muscle. This suggests that in addition to myosin, other proteins contributed to the mechanical properties of the denervated gastrocnemius. Transformation of rabbit denervated muscles to slow-like type muscles, which are associated with a lower energy requirement and higher muscle endurance than fast-type muscles, may constitute an adequate model for human neuromuscular pathology.     

High altitude tissue adaptation in Andean coots: capillarity,fibre area,fibre type and enzymatic activities of skeletal muscle

Capillarity, fibre types, fibre area and enzyme activities of different skeletal muscles (pectoralis, extensor digitorum longus), tibialis anterior, plantaris and the myocardium were compared in Andean coot (Fulica americana peruviana) native to high altitude (Junín, Perú, 4200 m) and the same species nesting at sea level. Numbers of capillaries per square millimeter were higher in all high-altitude muscles when compared with sea-level muscles (P<0.0001). Moreover, values for capillaries per fibre and capillaries in contact with each fibre were higher in digitorum and tibialis high-altitude muscles. Muscle fibres were classified as Type I, Type IIA or Type IIB on the basis of their myofibrillar ATPase pH lability. Pectoralis muscle of high-altitude and sea-level coots presented only fibres of Type IIA. In contrast, all the leg muscles studied showed a mosaic pattern of the three fibre types. Fibre areas were determined using a Leitz Texture Analysis System. Significant differences in fibre area were observed (P<0.01) between high-altitude and sea-level muscles. Mean muscle fibre diameters were also lower in the high-altitude group than in the sea-level group. The enzyme activities studied were hexokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase. The oxidative capacity, as reflected by citrate synthetase and hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase activities, was greater for myocardial and pectoralis than for leg muscles. However, analysis of maximal enzyme activities showed that there were no significant differences between the glycolytic and oxidative enzyme activities of high-altitude and sea-level coots. These results suggest that in Andean coots genetically adapted to high altitude, changes in muscle capillarity and fibre size, in addition to high haemoglobin O₂ affinity and low haemoglobin concentration, are sufficient to allow adequate energy production without increases in enzymatic activities.Abbreviations BSA bovine serum albumin - C:F ratio Capillaries per fibre - CAF Capillaries in contact with each fibre - CD capillary density (mm^-2) - CS citrate synthetase - EDL muscularis digitorum longus - fra fraction reduction area - HA high altitude - HAD hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase - HK hexokinase - LDH lactate dehydrogenase - P ₅₀ PO₂ at which hemoglobin is half saturated with O₂ - P _aO₂ arterial partial pressure of oxygen - PAS periodic acid-schiff - PEC muscularis pectoralis - PLA muscularis planaris - P _tO₂ mean tissue oxygen pressure - P _vO₂ mixed venous partial pressure of oxygen - SD standard deviation - SL sea level - TA muscularis tibialis anterior - TAS texture analysis system     

Selective expression of the type 3 isoform of ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release channel (RyR3) in a subset of slow fibers in diaphragm and cephalic muscles of adult rabbits

The expression pattern of the RyR3 isoform of Ca2+ release channels was analysed by Western blot in neonatal and adult rabbit skeletal muscles. The results obtained show that the expression of the RyR3 isoform is developmentally regulated. In fact, RyR3 expression was detected in all muscles analysed at 2 and 15 days after birth while, in adult animals, it was restricted to a subset of muscles that includes diaphragm, masseter, pterygoideus, digastricus, and tongue. Interestingly, all of these muscles share a common embryonic origin being derived from the somitomeres or from the cephalic region of the embryo. Immunofluorescence analysis of rabbit skeletal muscle cross-sections showed that RyR3 staining was detected in all fibers of neonatal muscles. In contrast, in those adult muscles expressing RyR3 only a fraction of fibers was labelled. Staining of these muscles with antibodies against fast and slow myosins revealed a close correlation between expression of RyR3 and fibers expressing slow myosin isoform.     

Extraordinary MHC class II B diversity in a non‐passerine,wild bird: the Eurasian Coot Fulica atra (Aves: Rallidae)

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) hosts the most polymorphic genes ever described in vertebrates. The MHC triggers the adaptive branch of the immune response, and its extraordinary variability is considered an evolutionary consequence of pathogen pressure. The last few years have witnessed the characterization of the MHC multigene family in a large diversity of bird species, unraveling important differences in its polymorphism, complexity, and evolution. Here, we characterize the first MHC class II B sequences isolated from a Rallidae species, the Eurasian Coot Fulica atra. A next‐generation sequencing approach revealed up to 265 alleles that translated into 251 different amino acid sequences (β chain, exon 2) in 902 individuals. Bayesian inference identified up to 19 codons within the presumptive peptide‐binding region showing pervasive evidence of positive, diversifying selection. Our analyses also detected a significant excess of high‐frequency segregating sites (average Tajima's D = 2.36, P < 0.05), indicative of balancing selection. We found one to six different alleles per individual, consistent with the occurrence of at least three MHC class II B gene duplicates. However, the genotypes comprised of three alleles were by far the most abundant in the population investigated (49.4%), followed by those with two (29.6%) and four (17.5%) alleles. We suggest that these proportions are in agreement with the segregation of MHC haplotypes differing in gene copy number. The most widespread segregating haplotypes, according to our findings, would contain one single gene or two genes. The MHC class II of the Eurasian Coot is a valuable system to investigate the evolutionary implications of gene copy variation and extensive variability, the greatest ever found, to the best of our knowledge, in a wild population of a non‐passerine bird.     

眼镜蛇毒注射液对动物心血管系统神经系统及呼吸系统影响的研究

本文报告眼镜蛇毒注射液对动物的神经系统无不良影响;不影响猫、大鼠的血压;注射三种剂量后对家兔、猫、大鼠三种动物的心电图波形不产生影响,可使心律稍有降低,但在２．５小时后恢复正常;眼镜蛇毒注射液低剂量组对动物呼吸频率无不良影响,中高剂量组槿使呼吸频率销有下降,但在２．５小时后恢复正常。     

尖吻蝮和舟山眼镜蛇初生幼体的捕食性攻击行为

毒蛇捕食行为通常可以分为3个阶段:攻击前、攻击和攻击后阶段,其中攻击阶段在整个行为过程中起着决定性的作用。用数码摄像机拍摄了4个体温下尖吻蝮和舟山眼镜蛇幼体捕食小白鼠的行为过程,通过分析10个行为变量来比较两者捕食性攻击模式的差异并检测温度对攻击行为的影响。两种蛇对猎物产生明显不同的攻击反应。攻击前,尖吻蝮感应猎物能力相对较弱,头部移动速度缓慢,准备时间较长;攻击时,尖吻蝮头部移动速度显著大于舟山眼镜蛇;攻击注毒后两种蛇均释放猎物,尖吻蝮头部回缩至攻击前状态的时间间隔相对较短。体温显著影响两种蛇的攻击行为。在检测的温度范围内,两种蛇都在28℃体温条件下感应猎物能力达到最好;温度效应对尖吻蝮攻击速度的影响显著,但对舟山眼镜蛇不显著。不同蛇类捕食行为模式以及对体温变化反应的差别可能主要与其利用感觉器官、生境条件上的种间差异有关。