Tail movements by late-term fetal pitvipers resemble caudal luring: prenatal development of an ambush predatory behaviour

Smith, Charles F.; Schuett, Gordon W.

doi:10.1098/rsos.220218

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 54 publications

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“…3 Ultrasonography offer a noninvasiveness, safe and easy use, and has become a method of choice in research, human and veterinary medicine. [19][20][21] Performing a complete ultrasonographic examination of the coelomic cavity requires a proper understanding of amphibian anatomy, and general descriptions of axolotl internal organs are available since 19th century. [22][23][24] Indeed, amphibians display various particularities such as lack of a diaphragm which results in a unique cavity, the coelom, instead of the thorax and abdomen.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrasound description of the coelomic cavity of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in a healthy population: a pilot study

Vieu,

Poul,

Tur

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are widely studied for human medical research. While critically endangered in wildlife, they have also become popular as household pets. Although they have been kept in captivity for over a century, coelomic organs description of their anatomy remains limited, and this species presents significant variations compared to other amphibians. Ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless medical imaging technique, well-suited for investigating internal organs or other structures. This study describes ultrasound appearance of the axolotl coelomic cavity. Identification, localization and parenchyma description of major organs are reported on 28 neotenic axolotls by using frequencies between 7 to 15 MHz. Results were confirmed by comparing ultrasound and necropsy on one male and one female. The heart, lung surface, liver and reproductive tracts were observed. Measurements with confidence intervals were calculated for spleen, kidneys, testicles, gastric wall, gallbladder, and pylorus. Hyperechoic millimetric particles in gallbladder or ascites were occasionally detected. Pancreas and bladder could not be observed. The outcomes of this research include the production of images combined in an atlas. The experiment showed a repeatable and easily accessible protocol for anatomy-morphological assessment in axolotl medicine and is the necessary step before identification of lesions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrasound description of the coelomic cavity of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in a healthy population: a pilot study

Vieu,

Poul,

Tur

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Ultrasound description of the coelomic cavity of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in a clinically healthy population: a pilot study

Vieu,

Le Poul,

Tur

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are extensively studied for their relevance in human medical research. Despite being critically endangered in the wild, they have gained popularity as household pets. Although they have been kept in captivity for over a century, detailed descriptions of their coelomic organ anatomy remain limited. Also, this species exhibits significant variations compared to other amphibians. Ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless medical imaging technique, ideally suited for investigating internal organs or structures. This study focused on describing the ultrasound appearance of the axolotl coelomic cavity. It details the identification, localization and parenchymal description of major organs in 28 neotenic axolotls using ultrasound frequencies ranging from 7 to 15 MHz. The accuracy of the results was validated by comparing ultrasound findings with necropsy results from one male and one female axolotl. The heart, lung surface, liver and reproductive tracts were visualized. Measurements, along with confidence intervals, were calculated for the spleen, kidneys, testicles, gastric wall, gallbladder, and pylorus. Occasional detection of hyperechoic millimetric particles in the gallbladder or ascites was noted. However, visualization of the pancreas and bladder was not possible. This research outcomes involve the development of a comprehensive atlas comprising images obtained throughout the study. Additionally, the experiment established a reproducible and readily accessible protocol for conducting anatomy-morphological assessments in axolotl medicine. This protocol stands as a crucial preliminary stage before advancing to lesion identification.

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Tail movements by late-term fetal pitvipers resemble caudal luring: prenatal development of an ambush predatory behaviour

Smith

Schuett

2022

R. Soc. open sci.

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With the advent of powerful imaging instruments, the prenatal behaviour of vertebrates has been discovered to be far more complex than previously believed, especially concerning humans, other mammals and birds. Surprisingly, the fetal behaviour of squamate reptiles (lizards, snakes and amphisbaenians), a group of over 11 000 extant species, are largely understudied. Using ultrasonography, 18 late-term pregnant copperhead snakes ( Agkistrodon contortrix ) from a single population were inspected for fecundity (number of fetuses). Unexpectedly, during the ultrasound procedure that involved 97 fetuses, we observed sinusoidal tail movements in 11 individuals from eight different copperhead mothers. These movements were indistinguishable from caudal luring, a mimetic ambush predatory strategy which is exhibited by newborn copperheads and other snakes. Caudal luring is initiated shortly after birth and is employed to attract susceptible vertebrate prey. Using the same ultrasound equipment and methods, we tested for this behaviour in two species of rattlesnakes (genus Crotalus ) not known to caudal lure and none of the late-term fetuses showed any type of tail movements. Prenatal movements in humans and other vertebrates are known to be important for musculoskeletal and sensorimotor development. The fetal behaviours we describe for copperheads, and possibly other snakes, may be similarly important and influence early survival and subsequent fitness.

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Tail movements by late-term fetal pitvipers resemble caudal luring: prenatal development of an ambush predatory behaviour

Cited by 4 publications

References 54 publications

Ultrasound description of the coelomic cavity of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in a healthy population: a pilot study

Ultrasound description of the coelomic cavity of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in a healthy population: a pilot study

Ultrasound description of the coelomic cavity of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in a clinically healthy population: a pilot study

Tail movements by late-term fetal pitvipers resemble caudal luring: prenatal development of an ambush predatory behaviour

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