Biology ETDs
Publication Date
5-11-1965
Abstract
The effect of temperature on electrolyte metabolism in the lizard Cnemidophorus perplexus was studied. The biological half-time and tissue distribution were the aspects of cesium and sodium metabolism noted. Increased temperature results in a higher metabolic rate. Measurements were made of the extent oxygen consumption increased with raised temperature in C. perplexus. Radioisotopes sodium-22 and cesium-137 were injected intraperitoneally into lizards kept at several environmental temperatures. Whole body radioactivity counts were taken twice daily on the live animals to determine the retention curves. At 50% retention and 80% retention lizards were sacrificed and tissue radioactivity counts taken to determine electrolyte distribution. Sodium and cesium are excreted more rapidly at higher metabolic rates. The increased metabolic rates do not affect tissue distribution.
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Biology
Level of Degree
Masters
Department Name
UNM Biology Department
First Committee Member (Chair)
Marvin LeRoy Riedesel
Second Committee Member
John W. Beakley
Third Committee Member
William George Degenhardt
Recommended Citation
Flory, Margaret. "Cesium and Sodium Metabolism by the New Mexico Whiptail Lizard." (1965). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/biol_etds/440