Difference between revisions of "Lizard and Snake Immune System"
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{{review}} | {{review}} | ||
[[Image:Boa_spleen_crop.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Boa constrictor spleen''' (Copyright © RVC)]] | [[Image:Boa_spleen_crop.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Boa constrictor spleen''' (Copyright © RVC)]] | ||
| − | The immune system of | + | The immune system of lizards and snakes is influenced by age, nutrition, general health, ambient temperature and season. In temperate species thymic involution and splenic follicle regression occur seasonally. Antibody production is temperature dependent. The immune system functions most efficiently within a reptile's [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|preferred optimum temperature zone]] although at a low level in comparison to birds and mammals. In captivity, [[Lizard|lizards]] and [[Snake|snakes]] that are kept below their [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|POTZ]] are immunocompromised and are therefore predisposed to infection with opportunistic pathogens. |
* '''Find out more about [[:Category:Lizard Diseases|lizard diseases]]'''. | * '''Find out more about [[:Category:Lizard Diseases|lizard diseases]]'''. | ||
Revision as of 12:04, 12 August 2010
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The immune system of lizards and snakes is influenced by age, nutrition, general health, ambient temperature and season. In temperate species thymic involution and splenic follicle regression occur seasonally. Antibody production is temperature dependent. The immune system functions most efficiently within a reptile's preferred optimum temperature zone although at a low level in comparison to birds and mammals. In captivity, lizards and snakes that are kept below their POTZ are immunocompromised and are therefore predisposed to infection with opportunistic pathogens.
- Find out more about lizard diseases.
- Find out more about snake diseases.