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Evaluation of plasmatic proteinogram of Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer)

Abstract:

Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) is an endemic and critically endangered species. In order to preserve this species a population of them is maintained in captivity in the farm "Zapata Swamp", Matanzas, Cuba. To manage such species, the knowledge of the animal health status, in different stages of live, is an essential component. The plasmatic proteinogram is an effective tool in veterinary medicine to determine the presence of diseases in crocodiles. The goal of this thesis was the evaluation of the plasmatic proteinograma, taking into account the total protein concentration and the relationship between its fractions. Samples were taken from clinically healthy 35 captive animals, divided in two categories: juveniles (n=20) and sub-adults (n=15) and additionally 8 animals from the natural environment. The total protein concentration was determined using bincinconilic acid method. The plasma proteins were separated using electrophoresis on agarose gels and polyacrylamide gels. By mass spectrometry were identified the main plasmatic proteins. The identification by mass spectrometry showed the presence of phosphorylated albumin. The values of total protein concentration and albumin were higher in captive animal, being the highest those corresponding to sub-adults. Contrarily, the γ globulins fraction was higher in wild animals. For animals with different development stages no significant difference were found. In juveniles, β fraction was higher and γ fraction was lower. In sub-adults, the opposite was found. The results of this thesis are the first report concerning the characterization of plasmatic proteinogram of Crocodylus rhombifer in captivity.