Platypus Envenomation :: Australian Animals Wildlife Essays

duckbill EnvenomationAbstractThe duck-billed platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), order Mo nonrema, can be found throughout river systems in easterly Australia. The males have a retractable spur located on each of their hind legs. The spurs are attached to venom glands that produce a poisonous cocktail of at least four different classes of peptides. These four intensifys (Hyaluronidase, OvCNP-39, OvNGF, and defensin-like peptides) are highly selective enzymes and polypeptides that work together to inflict excruciating pain and dropsy that can last for months. The first compound identified, Hyaluronidase, lowers viscosity to allow for a deeper penetration of the venom into tissue. A C-type natriuretic peptide called OvCNP-39 contributes to edema. OvNGF is a nerve result factor that is responsible for extreme sensitivity to heat and pressure. The role of Defensin-like proteins is not well known, but it is believed that they contribute the pain and edema associated with the venom. An unknown compound has been found to induce Ca++ dependent current in starting time ganglion cells, which may also contribute to the feeling of pain. Research is being through with(p) to identify the roles of these compounds and the possibility of them being used in medicine.IntroductionThe Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a unique animal that is found notwithstanding in Australia. It is in the class Mammalia and the order Monotrema. Monotremes are phylogenetically the oldest of the mammals and can only be found naturally in Australia and in nearby freshly Guinea. They are quite different from placentals and marsupials and are believed to be the link amid the reptiles and the other mammals. This is most noticeable though their means of reproduction and yearn elimination. Montremes have a cloaca, which is a single opening for passage of solidity and liquid waste, where the transfer of sperm takes place, and in females, the laying of eggs. This feature i s divided up only with birds and reptiles. Platypuses start solo, except during the breeding season. They feed on worms and freshwater crayfish (Cheerax destructor) in eastern Australian rivers (Sutherland, 1983). They have low loan up body temperature compared to other mammals, which further supports their reptilian evolution (Torres et al., 1999). They can live about 16 years and grow to be 40-50 cm long, with males being larger than females (Jackson, 2003).Venom Production & DeliveryA characteristic that helps add even more to the platypus uniqueness is the males ability to produce and demo venom.