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Fitzpatrick LLJ, Ligabue-Braun R, Nekaris KAI. Slowly Making Sense: A Review of the Two-Step Venom System within Slow ( Nycticebus spp.) and Pygmy Lorises ( Xanthonycticebus spp.). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:514. [PMID: 37755940 PMCID: PMC10536643 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the early 2000s, studies of the evolution of venom within animals have rapidly expanded, offering new revelations on the origins and development of venom within various species. The venomous mammals represent excellent opportunities to study venom evolution due to the varying functional usages, the unusual distribution of venom across unrelated mammals and the diverse variety of delivery systems. A group of mammals that excellently represents a combination of these traits are the slow (Nycticebus spp.) and pygmy lorises (Xanthonycticebus spp.) of south-east Asia, which possess the only confirmed two-step venom system. These taxa also present one of the most intriguing mixes of toxic symptoms (cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity) and functional usages (intraspecific competition and ectoparasitic defence) seen in extant animals. We still lack many pieces of the puzzle in understanding how this venom system works, why it evolved what is involved in the venom system and what triggers the toxic components to work. Here, we review available data building upon a decade of research on this topic, focusing especially on why and how this venom system may have evolved. We discuss that research now suggests that venom in slow lorises has a sophisticated set of multiple uses in both intraspecific competition and the potential to disrupt the immune system of targets; we suggest that an exudate diet reveals several toxic plants consumed by slow and pygmy lorises that could be sequestered into their venom and which may help heal venomous bite wounds; we provide the most up-to-date visual model of the brachial gland exudate secretion protein (BGEsp); and we discuss research on a complement component 1r (C1R) protein in saliva that may solve the mystery of what activates the toxicity of slow and pygmy loris venom. We conclude that the slow and pygmy lorises possess amongst the most complex venom system in extant animals, and while we have still a lot more to understand about their venom system, we are close to a breakthrough, particularly with current technological advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Lucy Joscelyne Fitzpatrick
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
- Centre for Functional Genomics, Department of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Department of Pharmacosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Avenida Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil;
| | - K. Anne-Isola Nekaris
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
- Centre for Functional Genomics, Department of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
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Stave GM. Animal bite anaphylaxis, rarely diagnosed but underappreciated. Allergol Select 2023; 7:149-153. [PMID: 37705675 PMCID: PMC10495939 DOI: 10.5414/alx02421e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal allergies are common, with reactions ranging from rhinoconjunctivitis from respiratory exposure to anaphylaxis, usually from animal bites. Since animal bites are also common, this raises the question of how often anaphylaxis occurs following a bite. MATERIALS AND METHODS A PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar literature review was performed using keywords such as animal bite anaphylaxis. An inquiry was made to the Anaphylaxis Registry ANAPHYLAXIE.net to see if additional cases were contained in the registry. RESULTS Approximately 40 cases of animal bite anaphylaxis are described in the literature, mostly from rodent bites (mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs). A survey of laboratory animal bite anaphylaxis in the U.S. identified previously unreported cases, suggesting that most cases are not reported. CONCLUSION Anaphylaxis from animal bites is rarely reported, but occurs more frequently than suggested by case reports and should be considered in a symptomatic patient following a bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregg M Stave
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Alejandro J, Yamanashi Y, Nemoto K, Mouri K, Huang CW, Bercovitch FB, Huffman MA. Reducing stress and stereotypic behaviors in captive female pygmy slow lorises (Nycticebus pygmeaus). Am J Primatol 2023:e23495. [PMID: 37128737 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Improving captive conditions of pygmy slow lorises (Nekaris and Nijman have recently suggested that the pygmy slow loris should be called the pygmy loris and is distinctive enough to warrant a new genus, Xanthonycticebu) (Nycticebus pygmeaus) poses many challenges because detailed aspects of their lives in the wild are incomplete. This hinders efforts to replicate sustainable environments for them. To improve their well-being in captivity, eight rescued female pygmy slow lorises at the Japan Monkey Center (JMC) were socially housed in two types of groups following their solitary housing: two pairs and one group of four individuals. They spent much of their time in affiliative behaviors, as well as sharing sleeping sites after placement in a social group. The purpose of my study was to examine whether social housing helped in reducing stress by comparing fecal glucocorticoids and stereotypic behaviors when housed alone and when with conspecifics. Overall, the levels of fecal glucocorticoids were significantly lower when socially housed than when kept alone. One individual exhibited stereotypic behavior when housed alone, but this behavior disappeared after social housing. These findings support recent evidence that pygmy slow lorises are social animals and will benefit from group housing in captivity. We conclude that social housing of pygmy slow lorises improves their well-being by reducing stress levels, and that their group housing in captivity can provide dividends for the conservation of this endangered nocturnal primate because lorises intended for release should find it easier to adapt to natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josue Alejandro
- Wildlife Research Center (WRC), Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yumi Yamanashi
- Wildlife Research Center (WRC), Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
- Center for Research and Education of Wildlife (CREW), Kyoto City Zoo, Kyoto, Sakyo-ku, Japan
| | - Kei Nemoto
- Japan Monkey Centre (JMC), Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Keiko Mouri
- Wildlife Research Center (WRC), Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ching-Wen Huang
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation (IWC), Pingtung County, Taiwan
| | - Fred B Bercovitch
- Wildlife Research Center (WRC), Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Michael A Huffman
- Wildlife Research Center (WRC), Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
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Fitzpatrick LLJ, Nijman V, Ligabue-Braun R, Nekaris KAI. The Fast and the Furriest: Investigating the Rate of Selection on Mammalian Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120842. [PMID: 36548740 PMCID: PMC9782207 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of venom and the selection pressures that act on toxins have been increasingly researched within toxinology in the last two decades, in part due to the exceptionally high rates of diversifying selection observed in animal toxins. In 2015, Sungar and Moran proposed the 'two-speed' model of toxin evolution linking evolutionary age of a group to the rates of selection acting on toxins but due to a lack of data, mammals were not included as less than 30 species of venomous mammal have been recorded, represented by elusive species which produce small amounts of venom. Due to advances in genomics and transcriptomics, the availability of toxin sequences from venomous mammals has been increasing. Using branch- and site-specific selection models, we present the rates of both episodic and pervasive selection acting upon venomous mammal toxins as a group for the first time. We identified seven toxin groups present within venomous mammals, representing Chiroptera, Eulipotyphla and Monotremata: KLK1, Plasminogen Activator, Desmallipins, PACAP, CRiSP, Kunitz Domain One and Kunitz Domain Two. All but one group (KLK1) was identified by our results to be evolving under both episodic and pervasive diversifying selection with four toxin groups having sites that were implicated in the fitness of the animal by TreeSAAP (Selection on Amino Acid Properties). Our results suggest that venomous mammal ecology, behaviour or genomic evolution are the main drivers of selection, although evolutionary age may still be a factor. Our conclusion from these results indicates that mammalian toxins are following the two-speed model of selection, evolving predominately under diversifying selection, fitting in with other younger venomous taxa like snakes and cone snails-with high amounts of accumulating mutations, leading to more novel adaptions in their toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Lucy Joscelyne Fitzpatrick
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
- Centre for Functional Genomics, Department of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Vincent Nijman
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
- Centre for Functional Genomics, Department of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Department of Pharmacosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Avenida Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre 90050-130, Brazil
| | - K. Anne-Isola Nekaris
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
- Centre for Functional Genomics, Department of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
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Bal AK, Giordano AJ, Gouda S. Effects of a Bengal Slow Loris Nycticebus bengalensis (Primates: Lorisidae) bite: a case study from Murlen National Park, Mizoram, India. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2022. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.7986.14.7.21449-21452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lorisids are the only known venomous primates. Threatened by habitat loss and pet trade, lorises and the effects of their bite, have received little attention to date. Given the growing number of accounts of bites by lorises on humans and paucity of information on their venom, here we present a case study on the context and results of a Bengal Slow Loris bite that occurred in the vicinity of Murlen National Park, Mizoram, India.
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Harris RJ, Nekaris KAI, Fry BG. Monkeying around with venom: an increased resistance to α-neurotoxins supports an evolutionary arms race between Afro-Asian primates and sympatric cobras. BMC Biol 2021; 19:253. [PMID: 34823526 PMCID: PMC8613972 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01195-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Snakes and primates have a multi-layered coevolutionary history as predators, prey, and competitors with each other. Previous work has explored the Snake Detection Theory (SDT), which focuses on the role of snakes as predators of primates and argues that snakes have exerted a selection pressure for the origin of primates’ visual systems, a trait that sets primates apart from other mammals. However, primates also attack and kill snakes and so snakes must simultaneously avoid primates. This factor has been recently highlighted in regard to the movement of hominins into new geographic ranges potentially exerting a selection pressure leading to the evolution of spitting in cobras on three independent occasions. Results Here, we provide further evidence of coevolution between primates and snakes, whereby through frequent encounters and reciprocal antagonism with large, diurnally active neurotoxic elapid snakes, Afro-Asian primates have evolved an increased resistance to α-neurotoxins, which are toxins that target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. In contrast, such resistance is not found in Lemuriformes in Madagascar, where venomous snakes are absent, or in Platyrrhini in the Americas, where encounters with neurotoxic elapids are unlikely since they are relatively small, fossorial, and nocturnal. Within the Afro-Asian primates, the increased resistance toward the neurotoxins was significantly amplified in the last common ancestor of chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans (clade Homininae). Comparative testing of venoms from Afro-Asian and American elapid snakes revealed an increase in α-neurotoxin resistance across Afro-Asian primates, which was likely selected against cobra venoms. Through structure-activity studies using native and mutant mimotopes of the α-1 nAChR receptor orthosteric site (loop C), we identified the specific amino acids responsible for conferring this increased level of resistance in hominine primates to the α-neurotoxins in cobra venom. Conclusion We have discovered a pattern of primate susceptibility toward α-neurotoxins that supports the theory of a reciprocal coevolutionary arms-race between venomous snakes and primates. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01195-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Harris
- Venom Evolution Lab, University of Queensland, Biological Sciences, St. Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - K Anne-Isola Nekaris
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, University of Queensland, Biological Sciences, St. Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
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Inoue F, Inoue A, Tsuboi T, Ichikawa T, Suga M, Ishihara S, Nakayama S. Severe Anaphylactic Shock Following a Slow Loris Bite in a Patient with Cat Allergy. Intern Med 2021; 60:3037-3039. [PMID: 33776006 PMCID: PMC8502664 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6775-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The slow loris monkey is one of the few venomous mammals. Its venom repels predators and can cause anaphylactic shock and even death in humans. The venom protein has been evaluated and has high sequence similarity to cat allergen; however, no studies involving subjects with cat allergy and who have been exposed to slow loris venom have been reported. We herein report the first case of severe anaphylactic shock following a slow loris bite in a patient with cat allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiya Inoue
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Hyogo Emergency Medical Center, Japan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Japan
| | - Akihiko Inoue
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Hyogo Emergency Medical Center, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Hyogo Emergency Medical Center, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ichikawa
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Hyogo Emergency Medical Center, Japan
| | - Masafumi Suga
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Hyogo Emergency Medical Center, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ishihara
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Hyogo Emergency Medical Center, Japan
| | - Shinichi Nakayama
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Hyogo Emergency Medical Center, Japan
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Barrett M, Campera M, Morcatty TQ, Weldon AV, Hedger K, Maynard KQ, Imron MA, Nekaris KAI. Risky Business: The Function of Play in a Venomous Mammal-The Javan Slow Loris ( Nycticebus javanicus). Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:318. [PMID: 33925251 PMCID: PMC8145416 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immature mammals require opportunities to develop skills that will affect their competitive abilities and reproductive success as adults. One way these benefits may be achieved is through play behavior. While skills in developing use of tusks, antlers, and other weapons mammals have been linked to play, play in venomous animals has rarely been studied. Javan slow lorises (Nycticebus javanicus) use venom to aid in intraspecific competition, yet whether individuals use any behavioral mechanisms to develop the ability to use venom remains unclear. From April 2012 to December 2020, we recorded 663 play events and studied the factors influencing the frequency of play and the postures used during play in wild Javan slow lorises. Regardless of the presence of siblings, two thirds of play partners of young slow lorises were older and more experienced adults. Young lorises engaged in riskier behaviors during play, including using more strenuous postures and playing more in riskier conditions with increased rain and moonlight. We found that play patterns in immature lorises bear resemblance to venom postures used by adults. We suggest that play functions to train immature lorises to deal with future unexpected events, such as random attacks, as seen in other mammalian taxa with weapons. Given the importance of venom use for highly territorial slow lorises throughout their adult lives and the similarities between venom and play postures, we cannot rule out the possibility that play also prepares animals for future venomous fights. We provide here a baseline for the further exploration of the development of this unique behavior in one of the few venomous mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Barrett
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, School of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (M.B.); (M.C.); (T.Q.M.); (A.V.W.); (K.H.); (K.Q.M.)
| | - Marco Campera
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, School of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (M.B.); (M.C.); (T.Q.M.); (A.V.W.); (K.H.); (K.Q.M.)
| | - Thais Q. Morcatty
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, School of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (M.B.); (M.C.); (T.Q.M.); (A.V.W.); (K.H.); (K.Q.M.)
| | - Ariana V. Weldon
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, School of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (M.B.); (M.C.); (T.Q.M.); (A.V.W.); (K.H.); (K.Q.M.)
| | - Katherine Hedger
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, School of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (M.B.); (M.C.); (T.Q.M.); (A.V.W.); (K.H.); (K.Q.M.)
| | - Keely Q. Maynard
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, School of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (M.B.); (M.C.); (T.Q.M.); (A.V.W.); (K.H.); (K.Q.M.)
| | - Muhammad Ali Imron
- Department of Forest Resources Conservation, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia;
| | - K. A. I. Nekaris
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, School of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (M.B.); (M.C.); (T.Q.M.); (A.V.W.); (K.H.); (K.Q.M.)
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Ligabue-Braun R. Hello, kitty: could cat allergy be a form of intoxication? J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200051. [PMID: 33456448 PMCID: PMC7781471 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The relationship between slow loris (Nycticebus spp.) venom (BGE protein) and the major cat allergen (Fel d 1) from domestic cat (Felis catus) is known for about two decades. Along this time, evidence was accumulated regarding convergences between them, including their almost identical mode of action. Methods Large-scale database mining for Fel d 1 and BGE proteins in Felidae and Nycticebus spp., alignment, phylogeny proposition and molecular modelling, associated with directed literature review were assessed. Results Fel d 1 sequences for 28 non-domestic felids were identified, along with two additional loris BGE protein sequences. Dimer interfaces are less conserved among sequences, and the chain 1 shows more sequence similarity than chain 2. Post-translational modification similarities are highly probable. Conclusions Fel d 1 functions beyond allergy are discussed, considering the great conservation of felid orthologs of this protein. Reasons for toxicity being found only in domestic cats are proposed in the context of domestication. The combination of the literature review, genome-derived sequence data, and comparisons with the venomous primate slow loris may point to domestic cats as potentially poisonous mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Department of Pharmacosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Scheib H, Nekaris KAI, Rode-Margono J, Ragnarsson L, Baumann K, Dobson JS, Wirdateti W, Nouwens A, Nijman V, Martelli P, Ma R, Lewis RJ, Kwok HF, Fry BG. The Toxicological Intersection between Allergen and Toxin: A Structural Comparison of the Cat Dander Allergenic Protein Fel d1 and the Slow Loris Brachial Gland Secretion Protein. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12020086. [PMID: 32012831 PMCID: PMC7076782 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Slow lorises are enigmatic animal that represent the only venomous primate lineage. Their defensive secretions have received little attention. In this study we determined the full length sequence of the protein secreted by their unique brachial glands. The full length sequences displayed homology to the main allergenic protein present in cat dander. We thus compared the molecular features of the slow loris brachial gland protein and the cat dander allergen protein, showing remarkable similarities between them. Thus we postulate that allergenic proteins play a role in the slow loris defensive arsenal. These results shed light on these neglected, novel animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Scheib
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia; (H.S.); (K.B.); (J.S.D.)
| | - K. Anne-Isola Nekaris
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (K.A.-I.N.); (J.R.-M.); (V.N.)
- Centre for Functional Genomics, Department of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Johanna Rode-Margono
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (K.A.-I.N.); (J.R.-M.); (V.N.)
- The North of England Zoological Society / Chester Zoo, Chester CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Lotten Ragnarsson
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia; (L.R.)
| | - Kate Baumann
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia; (H.S.); (K.B.); (J.S.D.)
| | - James S. Dobson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia; (H.S.); (K.B.); (J.S.D.)
| | | | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia;
| | - Vincent Nijman
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK; (K.A.-I.N.); (J.R.-M.); (V.N.)
- Centre for Functional Genomics, Department of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | | | - Rui Ma
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR;
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia; (L.R.)
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR;
- Correspondence: (H.F.K.); (B.G.F.)
| | - Bryan Grieg Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia; (H.S.); (K.B.); (J.S.D.)
- Correspondence: (H.F.K.); (B.G.F.)
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Nekaris KAI, Weldon A, Imron MA, Maynard KQ, Nijman V, Poindexter SA, Morcatty TQ. Venom in Furs: Facial Masks as Aposematic Signals in a Venomous Mammal. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E93. [PMID: 30764557 PMCID: PMC6409604 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of colouration in animals includes concealment, communication and signaling, such as the use of aposematism as a warning signal. Aposematism is unusual in mammals, and exceptions help us to understand its ecology and evolution. The Javan slow loris is a highly territorial venomous mammal that has a distinctive facial mask and monochromatic vision. To help understand if they use aposematism to advertise their venom to conspecifics or predators with different visual systems, we studied a population in Java, Indonesia. Using ImageJ, we selected colours from the facial masks of 58 individuals, converted RBG colours into monochromatic, dichromatic and trichromatic modes, and created a contrast index. During 290 captures, we recorded venom secretion and aggressiveness. Using Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling and generalised additive models for location, scale and shape, we found that young slow lorises differ significantly from adults, being both more contrasting and more aggressive, with aggressive animals showing fewer wounds. We suggest aposematic facial masks serve multiple purposes in slow lorises based on age. Change in colouration through development may play a role in intraspecific competition, and advertise toxicity or aggressiveness to competitors and/or predators in juveniles. Aposematic signals combined with intraspecific competition may provide clues to new venomous taxa among mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Anne-Isola Nekaris
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK.
| | - Ariana Weldon
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK.
| | - Muhammad Ali Imron
- Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Madah, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.
| | - Keely Q Maynard
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK.
| | - Vincent Nijman
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK.
| | - Stephanie A Poindexter
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK.
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Thais Queiroz Morcatty
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK.
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Simpson GM, Fuller G, Lukas KE, Kuhar CW, Fitch-Snyder H, Taylor J, Dennis PM. Sources of morbidity in lorises and pottos in North American zoos: A retrospective review, 1980-2010. Zoo Biol 2018; 37:245-257. [PMID: 29971828 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Delineating patterns of morbidity can reveal management practices in need of reassessment to improve individual welfare, as well as population health and sustainability. We reviewed medical records from 38 North American zoological institutions for 276 slender lorises, slow lorises, and pottos born between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 2010. This sample included animals identified as 116 Nycticebus pygmaeus, 84 N. coucang, 48 Loris tardigradus tardigradus, 6 L.t. nordicus (now classified as L. lydekkerianus nordicus), and 22 Perodicticus potto. Taxonomy for lorises and pottos is developing, and two of these populations (N. coucang and P. potto) likely included hybrids and/or multiple species. Our focus was to examine trends based on species and age. Across all species, whole body disease events, abnormalities of bloodwork, and dental diseases were the most common sources of morbidity. Other major sources of morbidity varied by species and included trauma, respiratory disease, and ocular disease. A recent upsurge in research has informed feeding practices for slow lorises living in human care, and a similar, evidence-based approach is needed to improve diets for other species. Given the prevalence of trauma in this sample, social needs and reproductive management practices are also important areas for further investigation. Species-level health trends reveal risk factors for individual welfare that can guide husbandry practices in zoos, as well as in sanctuaries caring for the influx of lorises and pottos rescued from the growing wildlife trade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail M Simpson
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Grace Fuller
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kristen E Lukas
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Christopher W Kuhar
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Helena Fitch-Snyder
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California at Davis, Davis, California
| | - Jessica Taylor
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Patricia M Dennis
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Gardiner M, Weldon A, Poindexter SA, Gibson N, Nekaris KAI. Survey of practitioners handling slow lorises (Primates: Nycticebus): an assessment of the harmful effects of slow loris bites. JOURNAL OF VENOM RESEARCH 2018; 9:1-7. [PMID: 30090322 PMCID: PMC6055083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) are one of six venomous mammals, and the only known venomous primate. In the wild envenomation occurs mainly during conspecific competition for mates and territory, but may also be used as an application against parasites or for predator defense. Envenomation in humans is documented, with the most extreme accounts detailing near-fatal anaphylactic shock. From September 2016 - August 2017, we received questionnaire responses from 80 wild animal practitioners working with Nycticebus spp. in zoos, rescue centres and in the wild. We identified 54 practitioners who had experience of being bitten or were otherwise affected by slow loris venom, and an additional 26 incomplete entries. No fatalities were reported. Fifteen respondents noted that medical intervention was required, 12 respondents indicated no reaction to being bitten (9 of these indicated they were wearing gloves). Symptoms for those affected included: anaphylactic shock, paraesthesia, haematuria, dyspnoea, extreme pain, infection and general malaise. Impact of slow loris bites ranged from instantaneous to long-persisting complications, and healing time ranged from 1 day to >8 months. Extremities, including hands and arms, were mostly affected from the bites. Six of nine species of slow loris were reported to bite, with N. pygmaeus being the most common in our sample. We make suggestions regarding the use of these highly threatened yet dangerous primates as unsuitable tourist photo props and zoo animal ambassadors. We discuss the medical complications experienced in relation to protein sensitisation, and bacterial pathogenesis. We recommend future work to ascertain the protein content of slow loris venom to aid in enabling mitigation of risks posed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Gardiner
- 1Oxford Brookes University, Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford, UK,3The Little Fireface Project, Cisurupan, Cipaganti, Indonesia
| | - Ariana Weldon
- 1Oxford Brookes University, Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford, UK,3The Little Fireface Project, Cisurupan, Cipaganti, Indonesia
| | - Stephanie A Poindexter
- 1Oxford Brookes University, Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford, UK,3The Little Fireface Project, Cisurupan, Cipaganti, Indonesia
| | | | - K Anna I Nekaris
- 1Oxford Brookes University, Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford, UK,3The Little Fireface Project, Cisurupan, Cipaganti, Indonesia,*Correspondence to: Anna Nekaris, ; Tel:+44 (0)1865 483767
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14
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Affiliation(s)
| | - OF Wong
- North Lantau Hospital, Accident and Emergency Department, 8 Chung Yan Road, Lantau, Hong Kong
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15
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Fuller G, Eggen WF, Wirdateti W, Nekaris KAI. Welfare impacts of the illegal wildlife trade in a cohort of confiscated greater slow lorises, Nycticebus coucang. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2017; 21:224-238. [PMID: 29185811 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2017.1393338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Illegal harvesting and trade are major forces behind population declines of wild slow lorises (genus Nycticebus). The impacts of the wildlife trade on individual slow lorises have not been as well described. In this article, we describe quantitatively the consequences of the wildlife trade for 77 greater slow lorises, N. coucang, who were confiscated en masse and brought to Cikananga Wildlife Center in Indonesia. Medical records indicated that in total, 28.6% of the slow lorises died within the first 6 months, mostly due to traumatic injury, and all the infants died. The greatest sources of morbidity were external wounds (33.1% of 166 total medical events) and dental problems (19.3%). Of the surviving individuals, 25.4% displayed abnormal behavior. Behavioral observations indicated that healthy adults (n = 3) spent 48.2% of their active period performing stereotypies. These data illustrate the physical and behavioral impacts of the illegal wildlife trade on the welfare of slow lorises. We suggest that sharing these individual stories may help generate empathy and educate the public about the impacts of the exotic companion-animal (pet) trade on nonhuman animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Fuller
- a Nocturnal Primate Research Group, School of Social Sciences and Law, Oxford Brookes University , Oxford , United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelmina Frederica Eggen
- b Cikananga Wildlife Center (Pusat Penyelamatan Satwa Cikananga), Kecamatan Nyalindung Kabupaten Sukabumi , Provinsi Jawa Barat , Indonesia.,c Wanicare Foundation , Balkbrug , The Netherlands
| | - Wirdateti Wirdateti
- d Division Zoology , Research Center for Biology, Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia (LIPI), Gedung Widyasatwaloka , Jakarta-Bogor , Indonesia
| | - K A I Nekaris
- a Nocturnal Primate Research Group, School of Social Sciences and Law, Oxford Brookes University , Oxford , United Kingdom
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Miard P, Nekaris KAI, Ramlee H. Hiding in the dark: Local ecological knowledge about slow loris in Sarawak sheds light on relationships between human populations and wild animals. HUMAN ECOLOGY: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL 2017; 45:823-831. [PMID: 29213178 PMCID: PMC5698378 DOI: 10.1007/s10745-017-9954-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Local ecological knowledge (LEK) increases understanding of certain species and the threats they face, especially little-studied taxa for which data on distribution and conservation are often lacking. We conducted 111 semi-structured interviews in Sarawak, Malaysia, to collect local knowledge about the behavior and distribution of the Philippine slow loris (Nycticebus menagensis) from two ethnic groups, the Iban and the Penan. Our study revealed that male Penan respondents, generally hunters, who frequently go into the forest were better at identifying animals from pictures. Overall, the Penan have a more detailed knowledge of slow loris behaviors, habitat, and distribution than the Iban. The two ethnic groups have different attitudes towards slow loris as the Penan hunt, eat, or keep them as pets while the Iban consider them sacred and signifiers of good luck. We advocate the use of LEK for providing complementary information to scientific methods in the study of cryptic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscillia Miard
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - K. A. I. Nekaris
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Hatta Ramlee
- Nature Conservation & Constitution Division (NCCD), Forest Department Sarawak, Kuching, Malaysia
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de Pontes LG, Cavassan NRV, Creste CFZ, Junior AL, Arcuri HA, Ferreira RS, Barraviera B, Gagete E, Dos Santos LD. Crotoxin: a novel allergen to occupational anaphylaxis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2016; 116:579-581.e1. [PMID: 27061138 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Gomes de Pontes
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Airton Lourenço Junior
- Center for the Studies of Venoms and Venomous Animals, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helen Andrade Arcuri
- Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, Brazil, and National Institutes for Science and Technology, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Center for the Studies of Venoms and Venomous Animals, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Center for the Studies of Venoms and Venomous Animals, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine Gagete
- Anaphylaxis Committee of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucilene Delazari Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Center for the Studies of Venoms and Venomous Animals, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Nekaris KAI. The Little Fireface Project: Community Conservation of Asia’s Slow Lorises via Ecology, Education, and Empowerment. ETHNOPRIMATOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30469-4_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Nijman V, Spaan D, Rode-Margono EJ, Wirdateti, Nekaris KAI. Changes in the primate trade in indonesian wildlife markets over a 25-year period: Fewer apes and langurs, more macaques, and slow lorises. Am J Primatol 2015; 79. [PMID: 26713673 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Indonesia has amongst the highest primate species richness, and many species are included on the country's protected species list, partially to prevent over-exploitation. Nevertheless traders continue to sell primates in open wildlife markets especially on the islands of Java and Bali. We surveyed 13 wildlife markets in 2012-2014 and combined our results with previous surveys from 1990-2009 into a 122-survey dataset with 2,424 records of 17 species. These data showed that the diversity of species in trade decreased over time, shifting from rare rainforest-dwelling primates traded alongside more widespread species that are not confined to forest to the latter type only. In the 1990s and early 2000s orangutans, gibbons and langurs were commonly traded alongside macaques and slow lorises but in the last decade macaques and slow lorises comprised the bulk of the trade. In 2012-2014 we monitored six wildlife markets in Jakarta, Bandung and Garut (all on Java), and Denpasar (Bali). During 51 surveys we recorded 1,272 primates of eight species. Traders offered long-tailed macaque (total 1,007 individuals) and three species of slow loris (228 individuals) in five of the six markets, whereas they traded ebony langurs (18 individuals), and pig-tailed macaques (14 individuals) mostly in Jakarta. Pramuka and Jatinegara markets, both in Jakarta, stood out as important hubs for the primate trade, with a clear shift in importance over time from the former to the latter. Slow lorises, orangutans, gibbons and some langurs are protected under Indonesian law, which prohibits all trade in them; of these protected species, only the slow lorises remained common in trade throughout the 25-year period. Trade in non-protected macaques and langurs is subject to strict regulations-which market traders did not follow-making all the market trade in primates that we observed illegal. Trade poses a substantial threat to Indonesian primates, and without enforcement, the sheer volume of trade may mean that species of Least Concern or Near Threatened may rapidly decline. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22517, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Nijman
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Oxford Wildlife Trade Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Denise Spaan
- Institute of Neuroethology, University of Veracruz, Xalapa, Mexico
| | | | - Wirdateti
- Zoological Division, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - K A I Nekaris
- Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Oxford Wildlife Trade Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Cabinet of Curiosities: Venom Systems and Their Ecological Function in Mammals, with a Focus on Primates. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2639-58. [PMID: 26193318 PMCID: PMC4516934 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7072639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom delivery systems (VDS) are common in the animal kingdom, but rare amongst mammals. New definitions of venom allow us to reconsider its diversity amongst mammals by reviewing the VDS of Chiroptera, Eulipotyphla, Monotremata, and Primates. All orders use modified anterior dentition as the venom delivery apparatus, except Monotremata, which possesses a crural system. The venom gland in most taxa is a modified submaxillary salivary gland. In Primates, the saliva is activated when combined with brachial gland exudate. In Monotremata, the crural spur contains the venom duct. Venom functions include feeding, intraspecific competition, anti-predator defense and parasite defense. Including mammals in discussion of venom evolution could prove vital in our understanding protein functioning in mammals and provide a new avenue for biomedical and therapeutic applications and drug discovery.
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