Disciplines
Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology | Integrative Biology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Crocodilians inhabit a wide variety of aquatic, marine, and estuarine habitats on 4 continents. Saltwater-adapted species and populations face considerable osmoregulatory challenges in maintaining homeostasis with respect to plasma salt [NaCl] concentration. In addition to the kidneys and cloaca found in all crocodilians, crocodiles possess a salt-secreting lingual gland whose presence and function is less understood in other crocodilians. This study investigates the lingual gland anatomy, physiology, and potential function of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) populations exposed to varying salinity levels. At each of four sites (Jekyll Island, Sapelo Island, Okefenokee NWR, and Banks Lake NWR), we will capture 12 to 15 alligators and collect plasma ion concentrations and lingual tissue samples for histological analysis. Anatomical and histological assessments of tissue biopsies processed via microscopy will identify inter-population differences. Researcher safety will be ensured using a field-standard jaw prop device. This study will enrich our understanding of alligator physiology in estuarine habitats, which will become critical over the next 100 years as sea levels rise and many coastal alligator habitats are expected to become more saline. Findings will advance reptilian physiology research by clarifying the evolutionary novelty and significance of the crocodile (and perhaps alligator) lingual gland. As apex predators, the individual health and population viability of alligators is crucial to the conservation of ecosystems they inhabit. Additionally, the study’s insights into alligator osmoregulatory mechanisms may inspire advancements in treating human conditions related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, such as kidney disease, heart failure, and dehydration, by revealing natural strategies for managing salt and water balance under extreme environmental stress.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Nicholas Green
Assessing the osmoregulatory capabilities of American alligator lingual glands
Crocodilians inhabit a wide variety of aquatic, marine, and estuarine habitats on 4 continents. Saltwater-adapted species and populations face considerable osmoregulatory challenges in maintaining homeostasis with respect to plasma salt [NaCl] concentration. In addition to the kidneys and cloaca found in all crocodilians, crocodiles possess a salt-secreting lingual gland whose presence and function is less understood in other crocodilians. This study investigates the lingual gland anatomy, physiology, and potential function of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) populations exposed to varying salinity levels. At each of four sites (Jekyll Island, Sapelo Island, Okefenokee NWR, and Banks Lake NWR), we will capture 12 to 15 alligators and collect plasma ion concentrations and lingual tissue samples for histological analysis. Anatomical and histological assessments of tissue biopsies processed via microscopy will identify inter-population differences. Researcher safety will be ensured using a field-standard jaw prop device. This study will enrich our understanding of alligator physiology in estuarine habitats, which will become critical over the next 100 years as sea levels rise and many coastal alligator habitats are expected to become more saline. Findings will advance reptilian physiology research by clarifying the evolutionary novelty and significance of the crocodile (and perhaps alligator) lingual gland. As apex predators, the individual health and population viability of alligators is crucial to the conservation of ecosystems they inhabit. Additionally, the study’s insights into alligator osmoregulatory mechanisms may inspire advancements in treating human conditions related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, such as kidney disease, heart failure, and dehydration, by revealing natural strategies for managing salt and water balance under extreme environmental stress.