Publication: Microscopic studies on the structure of microornamentation and adhesive setae in normal and regenerating tail scales of some geckos
Authors
Lorenzo Alibardi ; Antonio Bonfitto
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Publisher
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Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
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DOI
https://doi.org/10.14670/HH-18-983
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info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
Abstract
The present review summarizes recent
information on the formation and fine structure of
epidermal microornamentation and adhesive setae in
scale pads of the tail in some arboreal geckos. The study
utilizes transmission and scanning electron microscopy,
in conjunction with immunolabeling, to detect the main
proteins of the microornamentation, known as Corneous
Beta Proteins. These are special small proteins with a
central region containing beta-sheets that form most of
the corneous material of scales and pads. These proteins
are packed into long cords that form short spinulae or
longer setae. In tail scales, the spinulae feature different
shapes but possess a limited size, 0.5-2.0 µm. In sparse
areas located toward the distal part of the tail, some
scales form adhesive pads, and their microornamentation
grows longer, forming setae of 10-30 µm in length in the
species studied herein. This process gives rise to stiff but
flexible bristles that arboreal geckos use for adhesion on
vertical or inverted substrates or tree branches. During
tail regeneration, some scales also regenerate the
adhesive setae and give rise to new adhesive pads.
Caudal setae are formed by a process similar to that
observed during the formation of digital setae. This
derives from the interaction of a specific epidermal layer
(clear) with another layer (Oberhäutchen), which are
formed in the scale pads. Setae vary in length, diameter,
or terminal arborization, and they resemble those of the
digits, albeit shorter. The presence of caudal adhesive
pads reinforces the prehensibility and maneuverability of
these arboreal lizards in their environment.
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