Meeting Abstract

P1.52  Jan. 4  Ultrastructural evaluation of collagen fibril diameter: insights into mechanical properties of the integument in the Common Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis) MAIE, T; RIVERA, G; RIVERA, A. R.*; SAVITZKY, A. H.; Clemson University; Clemson University; Clemson University; Old Dominion University tmaie@clemson.edu

Collagen fibrils are the principal determinant of integumentary tensile strength in vertebrates. The size and spatial arrangement of these fibrils can affect mechanical properties, and thus dynamic functions (e.g., skin compliance), of the integument. Consistent with the demands of macrophagy, skin compliance varies regionally in snakes, being greatest just behind the head and decreasing caudally. While it has been shown that skin compliance decreases concomitantly with an increase in skin thickness, it has also been suggested that these regional differences in compliance may be influenced by integumentary ultrastructure. To date, however, no such examination has been conducted. We studied variation in collagen fibril diameters to assess their potential role in ophidian integumentary mechanics. We examined ultrastructural morphology of the fibers from three anatomically distinct body regions (pre-pyloric, pyloric, and post-pyloric) of the Common Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Preliminary observations of collagen fibers viewed at an angle of 45 degrees from the body axis suggest that differences exist in fiber diameter among the three body regions.