Wounding in lizards results in the release of beta-defensins at the wound site and formation of an antimicrobial barrier.

Abstract

After tail loss in lizards no infections occur indicating the presence of an effective anti-microbial barrier in the exposed tissues of the tail stump. Previous molecular studies on the lizard Anolis carolinensis have identified some beta-defensin-like genes and the deduced peptides that may be involved in anti-infective protection. The present study has analyzed the tissues of wounded and normal tails in lizards in order to immune-localize one of the beta-defensins previously found (AcBD15) and to detect variation in its gene expression during wounding. No immunoreactivity for this beta-defensin is present in normal tissues or in the epidermis of lizards, except for some sparse granulocytes. The latter are seen during the first 1-6 days after tail amputation and AcBD15 immunoreactivity is present in their granules. Degenerating granulocytes are incorporated, together with dead erythrocytes, platelets and keratinocytes into the scab. Real time RT-PCR and western blotting analysis indicates up-regulation of AcBD15 expression during wounding with respect to normal tissues, indicating that production, storage and release of this beta-defensin from granulocytes are active following wounding. The production of beta-defensins from granulocytes would allow protection of exposed tissues from microbial invasion avoiding a persistent inflammation, a process that leads to tissue regeneration.

• Authors: Lorenzo Alibardi, Andrea Celeghin, Luisa Dalla Valle
• Journal: Developmental and comparative immunology (Dev Comp Immunol) Vol. 36 Issue 3 Pg. 557-65 (Mar 2012) ISSN: 1879-0089 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22001772 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Reptilian Proteins
• beta-Defensins

Topics

• Animals
• Granulocytes (immunology)
• Lizards (immunology)
• Reptilian Proteins (genetics, immunology)
• Tail (immunology, pathology)
• Wounds and Injuries (immunology, pathology)
• beta-Defensins (genetics, immunology)