Meeting Abstract
Comparison of reptilian and mammalian immune systems suggests that reptiles have a broader and less vigorous response that heavily relies on innate components of the immune system, whereas, mammals have a much stronger adaptive response to antigens. In order to compensate for their less robust response, it is believed that reptiles utilize natural antibodies that combat a variety of antigens. This study will help us to better understand the role and function of these natural antibodies in reptiles in response to parasites, as it is still unknown if natural antibodies are up-regulated in mucosal secretions and blood in response to antigens in this taxa. In order to do this, plasma and mucosal samples were collected from red-eared slider turtles captured from Rodney T. Miller Wetland in Decatur, IL to study antibody levels in comparison to parasite load, which was determined from fecal samples. Natural antibody levels to novel verse familiar antigens, and levels of natural antibodies in plasma verse mucosal samples were measured. Results demonstrate that there was no significant relationship between total antibody levels in plasma and parasite load; however, there was a trend for total Ig in mucosal samples. The data from this study will help to determine the effects of age and parasite exposure on the natural antibody response, and contribute to the understanding of reptilian immunity.
