Studies On Glycogen, Glycogen Synthetase and Respiratory Quotient in the Normal and Regenerating Tail of the House Lizard, Hemidactylus Flaviviridis

Abstract

Quantitative estimations of glycogen, histochemical demonstration of glycogen synthetase, and a study of Respiratory Quotient (RQ) in the normal and regenerating tail of the house lizard, Hemidactylus flaviviridis were carried out. Fluctuations in the glycogen content along with those in the activity of glycogen synthetase were noticed during the various phases of regeneration. RQ values of the tissues of the normal and fully regenerated tails were indicative of a prevalent carbohydrate utilization for energy requirements. General paucity of glycogen and lack of glycogen synthetase activity were noticed during the blastema phase. During the same period a considerable fall in the RQ was also noticed. During differentiation appearance of glycogen synthetase and a considerable rise in the glycogen content were discernible. However, as the differentiation progressed there was a drop in the level of glycogen and the RQrecorded during the period gave an indication of utilization of carbohydrates. In the full grown regenerate the glycogen content, glycogen synthetase activity and RQ were comparatively closer to their corresponding levels in the normal tail.