The response of Anolis equestris and Oplurus cyclurus (Reptilia: Iguanidae) to bacterial endotoxin

Abstract

1. 1. This study explores the prosence or absence of pyrexia in two species of lizards (family Iguanidae) that differ from previously reported febrile iguanid lizards in T b regulation pattern or geographic distribution. 2. 2. Anolis equestris, a low T b regulator, were given an injection of sterile saline and one of four dosages (1 × 10 10, 1 × 10 9, 1 × 10 8, 1 × 10 7) of Aeromonas sobria while Oplurus cyclurus, a high T b regulator from Madagascar, were given an injection of sterile saline and 1 × 10 10 A. sobria. 3. 3. Anolis equestris did not exhibit a febrile response at any of the four bacterial dosages but O. cyclurus did exhibit a febrile response at the single dosage of bacteria utilized. 4. 4. These data support the hypothesis that lower T b regulating lizard species may not exhibit pyrexia in response to endotoxin.