Quantitative Detection of Superoxide Ions in Whole Blood of the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

WST-1 and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) were used to quantify production of superoxide ions by leukocytes of the American alligator in whole blood. Because of the difficulty of isolating healthy leukocytes in alligators, these compounds were employed in whole blood instead of leukocyte preparations commonly used in other studies. The detection of superoxide was concentration- and time-dependent and linear with serial dilutions of whole blood. WST-1 reduction was inhibited by superoxide dismutase, indicating that the reduction was due to the presence of superoxide. Light microscopy revealed that superoxide production occurred in leukocytes, with no detectable contributions from other blood components.     

Studies of Metals in Crocodilians by Spectrochemical Methods

Abstract: This review covers the results of metal determinations using various spectrochemical analytical techniques in crocodilians from various geographical regions. The most widely determined metal is mercury, both inorganic and organic. However, many other metals, including the known toxic metals of lead and cadmium, have been determined. In general, more elevated levels of metals have been determined in crocodilians from potentially contaminated as opposed to more pristine areas. Significant differences in concentrations for many metals have been demonstrated in captive versus wild alligators. The part of crocodilians most widely utilized for food, tail or tail meat, has attracted the most interest, but studies on kidney and liver as well as blood have been reported. Eggs and hatchings have also been examined for several metal concentrations.     

Crocodylus porosus Gut Bacteria: A Possible Source of Novel Metabolites

Crocodiles are remarkable animals that have the ability to endure extremely harsh conditions and can survive up to a 100 years while being exposed to noxious agents that are detrimental to Homo sapiens. Besides their immunity, we postulate that the microbial gut flora of crocodiles may produce substances with protective effects. In this study, we isolated and characterized selected bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal tract of Crocodylus porosus and demonstrated their inhibitory effects against three different cancerous cell lineages. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, several molecules were identified. For the first time, we report partial analyses of crocodile’s gut bacterial molecules.