021447   Abhinav;Srivastava U C (Zoology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002) : Neuroanatomy of cerebral cortex of an Indian lizard, Mabouia carinata. J appl Biosci 2006, 32(2), 160-3.

Cerebral cortex of Indian lizard, Mabouia carinata is divided into pallium (cortical layers) and subpallium (including striatum and septal region). Pallium consists of three neuronal layers and an ependymal layer. Layer 1 contains only few neuronal somas, layer 2 is characterized by densely packed neuronal somas and layer 3 consists of loosely packed neuronal somas. Besides, a columnar ependymal layer is also present beneath these layers. All the three layers contain dendrites ascending and descending from adjacent layers. Cerebral cortex is further differentiated into four cortical regions, viz., medial cortex, dorsomedial cortex, dorsal cortex and lateral cortex each with a characteristic neuronal composition. All these cortical areas form a column from rostral to caudal region. In M. carinata, the medial and dorsomedial cortex seem to be regions of hippocampal formation whereas dorsal and lateral cortex seem to be homologous to the neocortex and olfactory cortex of mammals. Structure of dorsal ventricular ridge and its homology with birds and mammals have also been discussed.

4 illus, 25 ref

020423   Vanitharam J (Zoology Dep, Bat Research Laboratory, Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli-627 007) : Noteworthy representative of bat species in Agasthiyamalai biosphere reverse, Tamilnadu, India. J theor expl Biol 2005, 2(2), 47-59.

Bats belong to one of the most successful mammalian orders (Chiroptera) and probably the most diverse. The IUCN (International Unions for conservation of Nature and Natural resource) status assessments on bat species revealed it is an advantage, India being a tropical country possess 114 bat species (92.7% of the total South Asian bat species). The Agasthiarmalai Biosphere Reserve parts of Southern Western Ghats are abodes for a wide array of flora and fauna and are recognized internationally for the richness of their biodiversity and for their high levels of endemism. Southern Western Ghats is also known to have a rich bat fauna. The climatic conditions, water resources and plant diversity are actually a boon to support a variety of bat species. The seven research sites of the present survey incorporated eleven forest types; bat species distribution varies in accordance to the elevation and the forest types. Surveys, the first for the bats in this area, were recently conducted from 2002 onwards and resulted in the collection of 33 bat species belonging to 8 families. The results represent the first published bat data for this area. Of the available 33 bat species, two Microchiropteran bats, Rhinolophus beddomei, and Kerivoula lenis reached the NT (Near Threatened) state. The four representatives of endemic bat species of South Asia Magachiropteran, Latidens salimalii (Endangered) and the 3 Microchiropterans, Rhinolophus beddomei (Near Threatened), Hipposideros speoris (Least Concerned) and Pipistrellus dormeri (Least Concerned) are the valuable representatives.

1 table, 1 illus, 39 ref

020422   Singh R;Dhawan A K (Entomology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Development, survival and reproduction of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in relation to temperature, relative humidity and photoperiod. Indian J Ecol 2006, 33(1), 48-52.

Development, survival and reproduction of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Noctuidae : Lepidoptera) have been observed at different temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 35° C), humidity levels (50, 60,70, 80 and 90%) and photoperiod levels (14:10,12:12 and 10:14 h) in the growth chambers at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The development from egg to adult stage ranged between 26.55 to 58.01 days and survival varied from 11.77 to 52.48% at various temperature levels. The development period was shortest at 35°C, but survival was maximum at 25°C. Longevity of male and female adults varied from 5.0 to 11.6 days and from 6.0 to 14.2 days, respectively, the shortest being at 35°C. The fecundity per female at various temperature levels rained from 133.8 to 449.8 eggs. The maximum, 449.8 eggs, were laid at 25°C. The development from egg to adult stage at the five levels of relative humidity ranged between 41.53 to 43.52 days and survival varied from 35.96 to 59.24%. The development and survival was faster at 80% relative humidity. The male and female longevity ranged between 7.40 to 11.80 days and 9.40 to 13.50 days, respectively. The fecundity per female varied from 165.80 to 515.60 eggs at different levels of relative humidity. Maximum number of 515.60 eggs were laid at 80% relative humidity. The development from egg to adult stage at different photoperiod levels ranged from 39.41 to 44.17 days and survival varied from 42.29 to 61.64%. The development and survival was faster at 14:10 h of photoperiod. The male and female longevity varied from 10.00 to 11.66 days and 12.16 to 13.40 days, respectively at different levels of photoperiod. The average number of eggs laid by female at various photoperiod levels ranged between 247.66 and 576.16, the maximum being at 14:10 hours of photoperiod.

2 tables, 15 ref

020421   Singh A K;Singh A P;Singh J P N (Zoology Dep, S.M.M. Town (P.G.) College, Ballaia-277 001) : Impact of malachite green on the chloride cells in the gills of climbing perch, Anabas testudineus. Biochem Cell Archs 2006, 6(2), 303-7.

Gill of Anabas testudineus exhibited change in density and dimension of chloride cells at different duration of malachite green treatment. Appearance of mitochondria rich chloride cells at 4 day of malachite green treatment and increase in density and dimension at subsequent treatments has been associated to protect the fish from the dye present in the environment either by providing energy or by facilitating the tissue to excrete toxic wastes by active ion extrusion.

33 ref

020420   Singh A;Gupta R C (Zoology Dep, T.D. (P.G.) College, Jaunpur-222 002) : Adaptive features in epithelia of lips and associated structures of a fresh water canivorous fish, Chanda ranga-a histochemical investigation. Biochem Cell Archs 2006, 6(2), 281-88.

Carnivorous fish Chanda ranga, the epithelia of lips and associated structures show significant adaptive modifications in relation to the feeding behavior of the fish and the nature of food that it consumes. The epithelium of dorsal side of upper lip lacking gland cells, secrete appreciable amount of glycoproteins. It appears that the function of gland cells is probably taken by the surface epithelial cells. Exfoliation of surface epithelial cells on dorsal side of upper lip has been correlated to keep the surface clean and to protect the underlying epithelial layer cells from the attack of various pathogens.Microridges on the surface of ventral side of upper lip and dorsal and ventral side of lower lip may be correlated to retain mucous secretion on the surface and to facilitate the spread of mucous away from mucous cells. Characteristic ridges on the dorsal side of the upper lip may be regarded as assisting the fish in its characteristics food processing movement. Presence of taste buds can be considered as an adaptation to assist the fish in selecting the food of its choice through gustatory sense.

16 ref

020419   Shivakumar R;David M (Zool Dep, Toxicol Div, Dharwad-580 001) : Influence of endosulfan on the behaviour response of freshwater fish, Catla catla. Pollut Res 2006, 25(2), 375-8.

Calta catla was exposed to different concentrations of technical grade endosulfan for 96 hand percent mortality noted. LC50 value for 96 h following Finney's method was found to be 3.18 μg/L, one-tenth of LC50 (0.318 μg/L) was selected as sublethal concentration for sub acute studies (1, 5, 10, 15 days). Fish in lethal concentration showed abnormal behaviours like restless, irregular, erratic swimming, hyperexcitability in fish, which might be due to the inhibition of AchE by the accumulation of acetylcholine causing prolonged excitatory post synaptic potential. Fish in sublethal concentrations was found restless only on first day, but on later days no such behaviour was observed, which might be due to its possible adaptation to the low concentration of endosulfan.

1 table, 2 ref

020418   Rani S;Sharma M;Kumar D;Lal S S (Zoology Dep, D.N. (P.G.) Colloge, Merrut-250 001) : Histopathological changes in the institute of albino rats induced by infection of Trichuris ovis. Biochem Cell Archs 2006, 6(2), 297-302.

Trichuriasis is an important public health problem manifested by an endoparasite Trichuris ovis. The disease causes heavy economic loss to the products of animal origin viz. wool and leather. The whip worm not only establishes itself but also causes various pathological changes in different organs systems e.g. in liver, kidney and intestine. These changes in the intestine revealed fusion and blunting of villus processes. Inflammatory responses in the term of eosinophils, macrophages were found in lamina propria, lymphocytic infiltration in sub mucosal area. The above marked changes were observed by administration of low dose (500 embryonated eggs) and high dose (1000 embryonated eggs) of infection in various days of intervals i.e. after 20 days, 40 days and 60 days of post infection.

8 illus, 13 ref

020417   Marcus A;Priyardarshani J;Vanitha T (Zoology Dep, Holy Cross College, (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli-620 002) : Alterations in the mouse seminiferous epithelium following short term microwave irradation to the testes in albino mice Mus musculus. J theor expl Biol 2005, 2(2), 41-6.

Microwave (MW) is widely used in modern household. An attempt has been made to find out the effect of MW on the spermatogenic cells of the testis in vivo. Swiss strain of male albino mice were exposed to 2.45 GHZ microwave radiation non-thermally for 30 min. The testis was subjected to histological analysis and germ cell suspension was used for micronucleus (MN) assay. Histopathological lesions and vacuolation in the seminiferous epithelium, severely distorted tubule, giant cell formation, deposition of cell debris in the lumen and sloughing phenomena are observed. Germinal cells with features of apoptosis such as marginalized chromatin, pycknotic nuclei, karyolysis, cells with micronuclei and speckled appearance were frequently encountered. The results of the present study lead to the conclusion that MW is a genotoxic agent which causes germinal cell apoptosis in testis.

8 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

020416   Kalonia H;Anil Kumar (Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: kumaruips@yahoo.com) : Protective effect of BR-16a (poly herbal preparation) on the behavioural and biochemical alterations in sleep disturbed mice (grid suspended over water method). Ann Neurosci 2006, 13(4), 94-8.

Sleep deprivation disrupts various vital biological and metabolic processes that are necessary for physical health of a human being. Benzodiazepines are the most frequently prescribed drugs for sleep related problems in spite of their side effects such as tolerance and dependence. The present study was performed to explore the protective effect of BR-16A in sleep-disturbed mice. Male Laca mice (n=6-9/group) were sleep deprived for 48 hour using grid suspended over water method. BR-16A was administered orally for five days (starting three days before sleep deprivation for 48 hours). All the behavioural parameters (locomotor and anxiety) and biochemical tests (lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, nitrite and catalase) were performed on 5th day. 48 hours sleep deprivation significantly decreased body weight, locomotor activity and produced severe anxiogenic response in animals. Besides, significant oxidative stress was also observed in the brain tissues of the animals. Pre treatment of BR-16A (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) significantly protected reduction in body weight, locomotor activity and improved anxiogenic response. Biochemically, BR-16A (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) decreased lipid peroxidation level, nitrite levels and improve the antioxidants defences activity as indicated by catalase, reduced glutathione enzyme activities. However, co-administration of BR-16A (100 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) could not produce any significant effect on both behaviour as well as biochemical parameters. BR-16A has protective action against sleep deprivation induced behavioural and biochemical alterations.

3 tables, 28 ref

020415   Jyakumari I (Zoology Dep, Sree Ayyappa College for Women, Chunkankadai, Tamilnadu) : Reproductive Biology of Macrobrachium latimanus from Kallar river, Kerela, India. J theor expl Biol 2005, 2(2), 61-6.

Macrobrachium latimanus is the fresh water edible prawn found in Kallar River near Ponmudi hills in . Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Reproductive biology studies of M. latimanus reveals that it is an an nual breeder with the breeding season extending from June to October. The total length of the species at minimum maturity was 56 to 60 mm. The Gonado somatic index was high from June to October. The berried females were also present during this period indicating the breeding period of the species. The sex ratio of females to males in the population was 1:3. The fecundity of the species ranged between 735 and 13726. Fecundity expressed a linear relationship with length and weight of prawn while with weight of brood it was linear in logarithmic form.

1 table, 4 illus, 21 ref

020414   Johal M S;Grewal H (Zool Dep, Punjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Lepidological and toxicological studies on the scales of a freshwater snakehead, Channa punctatus (bloch) upon exposure to an insecticide carbaryl. Pollut Res 2006, 25(2), 317-21.

Exposure of Channa punctatus to the various sublethal concentrations of carbaryl was observed for 5,15 and 30 days. The loosening of scales of the fish was observed to be more apparent at higher concentration and exposure levels. SEM study of the scales revealed the extensive damage to the structure (circuli) of scale which was directly proportional to the carbaryl concentration and exposure period. EDX analysis of the scale has shown that there are four main elements present in the scale viz., calcium, phosphorous, aluminium and iron. Calcium forms the maximum percentage of the elements. The relative values of standard deviation has shown that calcium is most affected element and showed the maximum variation hence, this element can be considered as pollution indicator.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

020413   Inder Singh;Sharma A;Jindal A;Soyal D;Goyal PK (Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004, Email: pkgoyal2002@rediffmail.com) : Fruit extract of embilica officinalis (Amla) protects radiation induced biochemical lesions in the brain of swiss albino mice. Ann Neurosci 2006, 13(3), 65-71.

Alterations in enzymatic and biochemical activities were investigated in the brain of Swiss albino mice, with (experimental) or without (control) fruit extract before exposure to 5 Gy gamma radiation. The value of serum acid phosphatase activity were significantly higher in the irradiated group throughout the experiments compared to normal. However, this activity in Emblica officinalis pretreated irradiated animals showed a significant decline over untreated irradiated animals at all the autopsy intervals and attained the normal value by day 20th of treatment conversely, a marked decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase activity was noted in both the irradiated groups, but in the Emblica officinalis pretreated group an elevation in protein and cholesterol levels was observed. Furthermore, Emblica officinalis inhibited lipid peroxidation and increased glutathione (GSH) level in brain.

6 illus, 1 tables, 59 ref

020412   Bhuyan M;Bhattacharyya P R (Economic Div, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat-785 006) : A novel nectar resource for butterflies, red spot jezebel, Delias descomesi and red base jezebel, D. aglaia (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Indian J Ecol 2006, 33(1), 84-5.

1 table, 8 ref

020411   Bhatnagar S;Lal SB (MDM, College of, Kota) : Biochemical alteration in the amounts of total protein, monoamine-oxidase, adrenaline and noradrenaline in the pineal gland of rhinopoma kinnerai wroughton (microchiroptera: mammalia) during various developmental and reproductive states. Ann Neurosci 2006, 13(3), 72-5.

Biochemical characteristics of mammalian pineal gland have been studied in a number of mammalian species under normal and experimental conditions. However, only a few species have been investigated biochemically and from the point of view of developmental specific profiles. Total protein, MAO, adrenaline and noradrenaline were biochemically estimated. Maximum protein 7.20 mg.% was found in the pineal gland of juvenile male. The estimate for juvenile female was 8.9 mg.%. However, in adult females and pregnant bats the percentage of estimated protein was significantly higher. The most significant feature was a dramatic drop in total protein of lactating females, which was 0.27 mg.%. MAO is an important enzyme, which is concerned with the metabolism of biogenic amines. Maximum amount of MAO was computed in the pineal gland of juvenile female whereas minimum value was recorded for pregnant bats. Adrenaline and noradrenaline amounts in the pineal gland of male and female bats exhibited sexual differences as well as that of the developmental and reproductive states.

1 table, 28 ref

019317   Vikas Kumar;Tyagi K;Bhatti J S (Entomology and Nematology Div, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesarghatta, Salt lake, Bangalore,Karnataka, Email: vikasnirwal@yahoo.com) : Checklist of terebrantia (Thysanoptera: Insecta) of Delhi. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(6), 2714-18.

Eighty-six named species of the suborder Terebrantia (Thysanoptera), in 51 genera and three families are listed along with their synonymies found in Delhi with many species still waiting description. The family-wise breakup being Aeolothripidae with three species in two genera, Stenurothripidae with a single species and Thripidae with 82 species in 48 genera. Eight species are being reported as new to Delhi.

23 ref

019316   Venkaiah Y;Lakshmipathi V (Zoology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Electrophoretic studies on comparison of esterase patterns of two cat fishes and the toad. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 170-4.

Esterase patterns of poison glands and epidermal secretions of two fresh water cat fishes (Clarias batrachus and Heteropneustes fossilis) and the parotoid gland and its secretions of terrestrial toad (Bufo melanostictus) were analysed qualitatively. The patterns observed indicate that the parotoid gland of toad has higher activity and more number of esterase bands. The poison glands of fishes exhibit low activity of esterases. All the esterase bands were inhibited by organophosphate, paraoxon and were classified as carboxylesterases.

1 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

019315   Tulsawani R K;Hariharakrishnan J;Jatav P C; Bhattacharya R (Defence Research and Development Estiblishment, , Jhansi Road, Gwalior-474 002, Email: rbthttacharya41@rediffmail.com) : Effect of α-ketoglutarate on some hepatic variables altered by cyanide in Vivo and In Vitro. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(2), 719-25.

Dose and time-dependent effects of cyanide on various biochemical variables related to hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro, and their response to the treatment of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) were investigated. Female rats were administered oral doses [0.75 LD₅₀ (10.5 mg/kg) or 2.0 LD₅₀ (28.2 mg/kg) of potassium cyanide (KCN) with or without pre-treatment (-10 min), simultaneous treatment (0 min) or post-treatment (+2 to 3 min) of α-KG (2.0 g/kg; oral) and/or sodium thiosulphate (STS, 1.0 g/kg; intraperitoneal: - 15 min, 0 min or + 2 to 3 min). Rats receiving 0.75 LD₅₀ KCN were sacrificed 30 min and 60 min after treatment and those given 2.0 LD ₅₀ KCN were killed at the time of onset of signs and symptoms of toxicity (2 to 4 min) or at the time of death (5 to 15 min). Cytochromec oxidase (CYTOX), rhodanese (RHO), malondialdehyde (MDA) andcatalase (CAT) were measured in liver and thiocyanate (SCN), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) were measured in serum. No significant change was caused at lower dose of KCN, but 2.0 LD₅₀ KCN significantly reduced the CYTOX activity by 30% and 54% within 2-3 min after treatment and at the time of death, respectively. Also, a 21% decrease in serum ALAT levels was observed at the time of death. Pre-treatment or simultaneous treatment of α-KG alone or α-KG + STS and post-treatment of α-KG + STS significantly restored the changes. All the groups receiving STS showed significantly enhanced levels of SCN. In a separate experiment, primary culture of rat hepatocytes was treated with 5.0 or 10 mM cyanide for 6 h, in the presence or absence of α-KG (5.0 mM). Significant leakage of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase accompanied by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (rhodamine 123 staining) and nuclear integrity (propidium iodide uptake) indicated cyanide-induced cytotoxicity, and leakage of ALAT and ASAT could be related to cyanide-induced hepatotoxicity in vitro. The ameliorative effect of α-KG was more conspicuous against 5.0 mM cyanide. The study reveals that a significant inhibition of liver CYTOX by a lethal dose of cyanide was insufficient to mediate hepatotoxicity in rats but in vitro results showed changes in parameters associated with cytotoxicity, and more particularly hepatotoxicity. Indicates promising role of α-KG as an alternative treatment for cyanide poisoning.

1 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

019314   Tembhre M;Ahirwar S;Gour S;Gaur M (Zoology Dep, Sri Sathya Sai College for Women, Bhopal-246 003, Email: m_tembhere@yahoo.co.in) : Chlorpyriphos induced inhibition of AChE in Cyprinus carpio and recovery during drug leaching. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(2), 793-6.

Objective of present investigation was to screen the affect of sublethal concentration of widely used pesticide, chlorpyriphos, on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in fish tissues and the recovery of the enzyme during drug leaching. The AChE activity in brains, heart and gill were evaluated after 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours of pesticide exposures. The chlorpyriphos-induced AChE inhibition was highest in the fore brain (66%) followed by heart (55%) and gill (44%) respectively. In second experiment fish, exposed to chlorpyriphos for 96 h, were transferred to pesticide free water for 1 week. Study showed about 83 to 90% recovery of the enzyme in brain, heart and gill on 7th day. Protein contents were also found to be gradually decreased during the chlorpyriphos exposure.

5 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

019313   Swarna Kumari V G M (Zoology Dep, Bhavan's New Science College, Narayanaguda, Hyderabad-500 029) : Intraspecific variations in two digenetic trematodes. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 268-71.

Review was made on the intraspecific variations in he morphological characters of two digenetic trematodoes viz. orthetrotrema monostomum, a progenetic trematode occurring in the haemocoel of the dragonfly naids and an ocular trematode Pholophthalmus nocturnus occurring in the eyes of birds. Consideration of the intraspecific variations when erecting new taxa in the genus is discussed.

1 table, 5 ref

019312   Swapna S;Dhanakkodi B;Manimegalai M (Aquatic Biology & Fisheries Dep, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581) : Effect of textile bleaching effluent on the food utilization, oxygen consumption and biochemical composition of Cyprinus carpio. Pollut Res 2006, 25(4), 741-5.

Static bioassay tests reveal that the LC₅₀ 24 hour of treated textile bleaching effluent to the fresh water fish, Cyprinus carpio was 27.23%. The fish were reared in different sublethal concentrations (1.5%, 2% and 2.5%) of the effluent for 28 days. The food intake, growth and conversion efficiency of the fish treated with the effluent were reduced. The rates of absorption and metabolism also followed the same trend with increasing concentrations of the effluent. Significant variation occurred in the rate of oxygen consumption in effluent treated individuals. The levels of protein, carbohydrate and lipid in different tissues (muscle, liver, gill and intestine) of C. carpio were found to decrease depending on the dose of the effluent.

4 tables, 35 ref

019311   Sugumaran M P;Soundararajan R P;Lakshmanan V (Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Yercaud-636 602, Email: hrsycd@tnau.ac.in) : Spider fauna in the horticultural crops of Yercaud Hills. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(6), 2721-2.

3 table, 6 ref

019310   Sudheer K (Systematic Entomology Zoology Dep, Calicut Univ, Kerala-673 635, Email: dr_ksudheer@yahoo.com) : Two new species and a new record of Skeatia cameron (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) form Kerala, India. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(6), 2710-13.

Two new species of Skeatia Cameron are described from Kerala, India. A new record of S. doonense Jonathan and Gupta, is also reported from Wayanad, Kerala. The affinities of the new species with the close relatives are also discussed.

10 illus, 7 ref

019309   Sudhan N A;Dutta T K;Azmi S (NO, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R S Pura, Jammu-181 102, Email: drnasudhan@yahoo.co.uk) : Escherichia coli associated diarrhoea in a wild peafowl pavo cristatus in Jammu. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(6), 2733.

^ssc3 ref

019308   Sudha Prisccilla J;Lethi C D (Zoology Dep, Bishop Heber College, Trichy-620 017) : Effect of probiotic epicin in the laboratory rearing of Cirrhina mrigala: water quality assessment. Pollut Res 2006, 25(4), 767-70.

Probiotics is a microbial preparation which works on the principle of competitive exclusion which is one of the ecological processes that can be manipulated to beneficially modify the microbial species composition of the host and its environment. The study carried out to find out the effect of probiotic epicin on the water quality of the rearing systems and the survival of the Indian major carp cirrhina mrigala, when cultured in the laboratory conditions. Epicin had remarkable impact on the quality of water and the health conditions of the fish. The oxygen content in the systems was influenced by epicin, the stocking density and the time of exposure. BOD decreased as a function of epicin treatment. A gradual decline of nitrite levels with a simultaneous rise in the nitrate was observed in the treated systems and there was no incidence of disease in the treated systems.

4 tables, 9 ref

019307   Subhash M N;Ramakrishna D (Neurochemistry Dep, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Post Box No.2900, Bangalore-560 029) : Effect of Sumatriptan on cortical 5-HT_1B receptors in rat brain. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(2), 243-7.

Sumatriptan is a novel and highly effective drug against migraine and cluster headache attacks. The drug is known to exert its effect through the modulation of serotonin (5-HT)-mediated neurotransmission. 5-HT_IB receptors in rats and 5-HT_ID receptors in humans have been thought to be likely targets of sumatriptan. Effect of varying dose and duration of sumatriptan on the density of 5-HT_IB receptors in the rat cortex were studied to understand its mechanism of action. Sprague Dawley rats were administered with different doses of sumatriptan (0.2-16 mg/kg body wt, i.p.) for seven days and 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg of sumatriptan for 7, 14 and 21 days. The radioligand binding assays were performed in cortical membranes using [³H]5-HT. Treatment with different doses of sumatriptan for seven days showed a significant (p<60>0.0001) down regulation of 5-HT_IB receptors in a dose dependent manner. A significant decrease in the density of 5-HT_IB receptors was observed with 0.2 mg (45%), 0.5 mg (72%) and 1 mg (70%) of sumatriptan treatment, with a significant decrease (p<60>0.0001) in K_d values. No further decrease in either the density or in the K_d values was observed with increasing doses of sumatriptan from 2 to 16 mg/kg body wt. The magnitude of decrease in the receptor density was more significant with a lower dose (2 mg) of sumatriptan for a prolonged period of exposure (21 days). However, such change was not observed with higher doses (4 and 8 mg/kg). Furthermore, sumatriptan showed a higher affinity for 5-HT_JB receptors with a K_i value of 9.4 ± 0.9 nM, when compared to other agonists and antagonists. Taken together, these findings suggest that desensitization of 5-HT_JB receptor is dose and time dependent, which may be an important factor underlying the mechanism of action of sumatriptan as an antimigraine drug.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

019306   Siraj S;Yousuf A R;Bhat F A;Parveen M (P.G. Dept of Zoology, The Univ of Kashmir, Srinagar-190 006) : Cladocderan community in Dal lake, Kashmir. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2006, 76(4), 343-50.

Distributional pattern of cladocera was studied in the five basins of the Dallake, Kashmir, in relation to several physico-chemical parameters. Thirty species of cladocera belonging to six families were recorded from the lake. Main contributors of cladocera in the lake were Chydorus sphaericus, Bosmina longirostris, Macrothrix rosea, Ceriodaphnia sp., Gratoleberis testudinaria. Cladoceran community has changed significantly during the past seventy years, which seems to be related with the trophic evolution of the system. Marczewski and Steinhaus index indicated the highest similarity in species distribution between Nishat and Nigeen basins, while the Brarinambal basin recorded the least similarity with other basins due to its advanced trophic level.

2 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

019305   Singh J N;Sinha R K (Zoology Dep, Gaya College, Gaya) : Morphology and anatomy of the olfactory organs of a hill-stream fish, Sisor rhabdophorus(Ham.). Himalayan J Envir Zool 2006, 20(1), 105-9.

Paper describes the anatony and morphology of the the olfactory organs of the hill stream fish Sisor rhabdophorus (Ham.).

1 table, 5 illus, 24 ref

019304   Siliwal M;Molur S (Wildlife Information & Liaison Development (WILD) Society, 29-1, Bharathi Colony, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Email: manjusillwal@rediffmail.com) : Checklist of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of South Asia including the 2006 update of indian spider checklist. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(2), 2551-97.

Provides a comprehensive checklist of spiders of South Asia with eight countries - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Indian checklist is also updated for 2006. The South Asian spider list is also compiled following The World Spider Catalog by Platnick and other peer-reviewed publications since the last update. In total, 2299 species of spiders in 67 families have been reported from South Asia. There are 39 species included in this region's checklist that are not listed in the World Catalog of Spiders. Taxonomic verification is recommended for 51 species. Changes in the Indian spider checklist have been highlighted. Lists emendations, extralimital distribution, incertae sedis, new combinations, nomina nuda, nomina dubia, transfers, synonyms, etc. The checklist is updated up to 31 December 2006.

7 tables, 262 ref

019303   Shukla R;Bajpai A (Zoology Dep, Navyug Kanya P.G. College, Lucknow) : A new species of the genus diplozoon, nordman 1832, from Lucknow, U.P., India. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2006, 20(1), 27-30.

Diplozoon lucknowensis n. sp. is described from a fresh water fish Catla catla, from Lucknow (U.P.) India. Species is characterized by pharyngeal gland, eggs with polar filament and clamp sclerite.

4 illus, 17 ref

019302   Shiradkar M R;Shiradkar K;Lahoti T; Shivaprasad H N;Baviskar B (NO, AISSMS College of Pharmacy, Kennedy Road, Pune-411 001, Email: rrshiradkar@rediffmail.com) : Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Cassia auriculata root extract. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(2), 845-7.

Methanolic extract of Cassia auriculata (a member of Family Caesalpiniaceae) root was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at a doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, body weight. The experimental procedures used were carrageenan induced pedal edema for anti-inflammatory activity and hotplate method for analgesic activity. In acute phase inflammation, a maximum inhibition of 62% was noticed at the dose of 300 mg/kg after 3 h of treatment. The extract also produced significant (p<60>0.01) analgesic activity in hot plate reaction time in mice. This study exhibits that the methanolic extract of roots of Cassia auriculata possess both anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.

2 tables, 14 ref

019301   Shendge A N (Zoology Dep, Tuljaram Chaturchand College, Baramati-413 102) : Length-weight relationship and relative condition factor in Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) from Pune district in Maharashtra state. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 153-6.

Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) a common freshwater fish of Bhima river from Pune district in Maharashtra State has high economic value- and considerable fishery importance. The length-weight relationships in the logarithmic way for this fish can be written as : Log W = - 4.304705882 + 2.794117647 log L for males and Log W = - 4.591483462 + 2.928797358 log L for females. This is close to the cubic law indicating the isometric growth of the fish in its natural habitat. The correlation coefficients (r) were registered as 0.9854 for males and 0.9908 for females which show a good relationship between the two parameters. The mean relative condition factor (Kn) was 1.00 for males and 1.01 for females suggesting the well -being of the fish.

4 illus, 6 ref

019300   Sharma B;Kousar R (Zoology Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006) : Light trap catches of some insect orders and their relationship with physical factors. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2006, 20(1), 49-59.

Seasonal influence on the insect activity of four major orders viz., Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Homoptera have been studied. The total number of insects trapped were 251, 290. Diptera were highest and Homoptera were in least numbers in one year duration (from 16th May, 03 to 15th May 04). Statistical analysis showed that R.H. and rainfall are insignificant and negatively correlated whereas maximum temperature shows positive but insignificant correlation but minimum temperature shows positive and significant correlation with Hymenoptera, rest orders are insignificantly correlated. When the analysis of total capture of insects in four different traps placed in different geographical directions were made, the West directed trap showed the highest I number of insects (1,00,228) and the least number of insects were trapped in East directed trap (44m 205). South and North directed traps captured a total of 59,919 and 46, 938 insects, respectively.

2 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

019299   Sharma A N;Soni K C (P G Zoology Dep, Govt. Lohia P.G.College, Churu-331 001, Email: kcsibis@yahoo.com) : Influence of environmental factors on the breeding success of the grey shrike lanius excubitor in the arid zone of Rajasthan, India. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(6), 2726.

8 ref

019298   Shaikh N;Yeragi S G (Zoology Dep, G M Momin Women's College, Bhiwandi, Dist. Thane-421 302) : Effect of slinity and temperature on the metabolism of a freshwater crab, Barytelphusa cunicularis. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 175-7.

Study has been focused on assessing the metabolism of a freshwater crab, Barytelphusa cunicularis. The crabs were exposed to different temperatures in different salinities for 24 hours. The exposures were conducted at four temperatures 20°C, 25°C, 30°C and 35°C in different salinities. At the end of exposure period, oxygen consumption was determined by the Winkler's method. The rates of oxygen consumption recorded are discussed in relation to the temperatures and different salinities. The observations indicate that the Q10 values in tap water and 100% sea water for all temperature are uniformly high.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

019297   Shafiq M;Singh R;Jyoti M K;Zubair S M (Zoology Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006) : Population dynamic of rotifers in Ranjit Sagar reservoir. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 51-5.

Rotifers, being an important food resource for fishes, act as an indicator of trophic status besides water quality of an aquatic ecosystem. During the course of present investigations (January, 2003 - December, 2003), an attempt has been made to enlist and study seasonal fluctuations in rotifer populations of Ranjit Sagar reservoir. Revealed the occurrence of eight species of rotifers dominating qualitatively amongst the total zooplanktonic community inhabiting the reservoir.

3 tables, 28 ref

019296   Sentrilkumar N;Sanjayan K P (G.S.Grill Research Institute, Guru Nanak College, Chennai(Tamil Nadu)) : Population dynamics and life table studies of Conocephalus maculatus in Chennai district of Tamil Nadu, India. Indian For 2006, 132(9), 1167-84.

Population dynamics and life tables of Conocephalus maculatus were studied by field census data and laboratory rearing. Five differents localities, representing four habitat types such as forestland (Guindy Reserve Forest), agricultural crop field (Kanchipuram), grasslands (Nungambakkam and Kodambakkam) and wasteland (Chenglepet) were selected as study sites. Adults as well as nymphs were recorded throughout the year in all habitats except at Chenglepet (wasteland) where they were observed only during rainy months from September to November. In general, adult populations showed a slightly decreasing trend in abundance from January to June each year, with the population building up from August and attaining a peak in October. More or less similar trend was observed in all the three years of study. Laboratory breeding was done at a mean temperature Of 23°C and a relative humidity of 60% and baby corn (an immature flowering part of Zea mays) as food material. Pieces of Panicum maximum were provided for oviposition. Life tables based on age specific survival and fecundity of mated females, were constructed following the standard procedure. The results from the laboratory observations revealed that 49% mortality was prevalent at the egg stage itself. Survival of C. maculatus decreased with increase in the age. The total generation mortality in laboratory studies is less when compared to the wild population because in the laboratory conditions they are devoid of natural enemies and are not affected by extreme weather conditions. The proportion of female births obtained in the next generation was very low. This is because of the high mortality in the early nymphal stages. The net reproductive rate for the next generation was lowered considerably. In sum this study indicates that the temperature and rainfall play a vital role in the population dynamics of C. maculatus. The differences in the population dynamics of C. maculatus in different habitats may be due to their local physical environment including availability of hosts.

3 tables, 5 illus, 25 ref

019295   Saxena G;Kannan G M;Saksena D N;Tirupude R J; Flora S J S (Pharmacology and Toxicology Div, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jashi Road, Gwalior, Email: sjsflora@hotmail.com) : Lead induced oxidative stress and DNA damage using comet assay in rat blood. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(2), 763-8.

Lead is a known environmental pollutant that induces a broad range of physiological, biochemical and behavioral dysfunctions and thus considered to be of serious personal and public health concern. One of the first sites of toxic effect of lead is red blood cells and possible mechanism of lead action on various target tissues has recently been reported to be oxidative stress. The present study was designed to investigate the extent of lead induced oxidative stress and DNA damage following short and long term exposure in male wistar rats. Animals were exposed to 0.2% lead acetate in drinking water for 3 or 30 weeks for determining several blood biochemical variables indicative of oxidative stress, alteration in haem biosynthesis pathway, DNA damage (based on comet assay) besides lead concentration. The poly acrylamide gel electrophorests (PAGE) was also carried out to estimate the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in red blood cells (RBCs). Exposure to lead caused a significant decrease in blood d- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (d-ALAD) activity and glutathione (GSH) level at both time intervals. There was a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accompanied by decreased band intensity of G6PD activity (at 30 weeks) indicating oxidative stress in lead exposed animals. Further, alkali single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay) was adopted for detecting the DNA damage. Comet with a prominent tail was seen in chronic lead exposed animals supporting injury to DNA and oxidative stress. Thus the present study suggests significant alterations in haem synthesis pathway, DNA injury and oxidative stress following short and long term exposure to lead.

3 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

019294   Sarkar A;Arora M P (Zoology Dep, Agra College, Agra(U.P)-282 005) : Ostracods of river Hindon(U.P). Himalayan J Envir Zool 2006, 20(1), 99-104.

Samples were collected from river Hindon near Ghaziabad during 1997-1999. The species reported from the river are Cypris dravidensis Var latissima, Oncocypris, and Parastenocypris canaliculata. These species of Ostracods were found in abundance during the months of April, May and June. There were differences in their valves, natatory setae, furca and body size. Males could not be obtained from various study sites. Breeding occurred in the months of May and June.

3 illus, 7 ref

019293   Sangwan V;Pathak N (Veterinary Surgery and Radiology Dep, GADVASU, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: drvandanasangwan@rediffmail.com) : Vasectomy in a rhesus monkey Macaca mulatta. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(2), 2598.

7 illus, 3 ref

019292   Sahoo S;Jameson J D (Fisheries Environment Dep, Fisheries College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Thoothukudi-628 008) : Zooplankton diversity in cattle waste fed fish poud. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 45-50.

Zooplarikton diversity of an integrated fish pond manured with cattle shed washings was studied and compared with that of a semi-intensive fish culture system. Altogether 33 species of zooplankton were recorded from the two types of ponds. Out of which 31 species were represented from treatment pond and only 24 species from the control pond. Out of the 33 species, 25 species were of rotifers, 4 species of copepods, 3 species of cladocerans and only one species of ostracod were recorded. The genus Brachionus was represented by a maximum of 15 species. Rotifers, copepods, cladocerans and ostracod densities occurred at 81%, 9%, 8% and 2% respectively in the cattle waste fed fish pond. The enrichment of zooplankton organisms in the integrated fish culture system was observed to be due to exclusive organic manure based nutrients as indicated by the availability of optimal nutrient sources and primary food sources. The zooplankton biomass and diversity of the two types of water bodies are discussed in the paper.

5 illus, 13 ref

019291   Sahoo J K;Khuntia B K;Sial N K (College of Fisheries, Orissa University Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Rangailunda, Berhampur-760 007) : Observations on growth and production of Indian major carps through composite fish culture under different management practices. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 249-53.

Three fish culture ponds. (P₁, P₂ and P₃) in Ganjam district of South Orissa under different management practices were selected for study over a period of two years. In the pond P₁ culture of Indian major carps was carried out without any fertilization or supplementary feeding while in pond P₂ fertilization was done without any supplementary feeding. In pond P₃, culture was carried out both with fertilization and supplementary feeding. The physico-chemical parameters of water, primary production, growth and fish production varied significantly among the three ponds which could be attributed to the different levels of inputs used in the fish culture. The results of present study indicate that high stocking density, supplementary feeding, regular liming, intermittent fertilization and manuring contributed to considerably high fish production. The average production of fish was significantly higher (P <60> 0.01) in the pond P₃ in comparison to ponds P₂ and P₁. The length-weight relationship of the cultures species in the experimental ponds was calculated by linear regression equation and exponential equation.

2 illus, 2 table, 12 ref

019290   Roa M B;Babu C S (Aquaculture Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjuna Nagar-522 510) : Effect of different oxygen concentrations on opercular beat freqency of the Indian major carp, Catla catla. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 134-8.

Opercular beat frequency can be taken as an index of behavioral response of the Indian major carp, Catla catla under stress conditions, which in the present investigation is external dissolved oxygen concentration. The effects of weight and five different external dissolved oxygen concentrations ranging from 0.8 mg/l to 7.2 mg/l on the opercular beat frequency of the fingerlings of the fish were studied. The results showed that weight of the fish in the range 3 to 5g has no effect whereas, the external DO has significant effect on the OBF. It increased from 46.2 to 101.4 bpm with a decrease in the DO level from 7.2 to 08 mg/l showing a percent increase, which ranged from 8.4 to 39.2. The results of the present study have been discussed and compared with the available literature.

3 table, 24 ref

019289   Reddy B L;Benarjee G;Rajender G;Bikshapthi V; Swamy M;Rao N J R (Fisheries Research Lab. Zoology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Histopathological and histochemical abnormalities induced by Euclinostomum heterostomum in the liver of freshwater fish Channa punctatus. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 263-7.

Trematode parasite Euclinostomum heterostomum is found infected to the fish, Channa punctatus. This parasite brought about histopathological and histochemical abnormalities in fish liver. The changes that have witnessed in the liver includes inflammation of liver, change of colour and formation of cysts. The histopathological changes include disarray in the arrangement of hepatochords, enlargement and rupture of hepatocytes. The hepatic sinusoids are filled with blood. Vacuolization, and necrosis was also noticed in the infected liver. Histochemical changes were noticed with the enhanced carbohydrate, protein and fat content.

8 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

019288   Reddy A S;Reddy M V;Radhakrishnaiah K (Zoology Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003) : Impact of lead on the energetics of common carp Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus). J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 234-8.

Sublethal toxicity of lead on carbohydrate metabolism was studied in selected tissues of common carp Cyprinus carpio. Liver glycogen level decreased while the levels of blood glucose, pyruvic acid and lactic acid showed an increase. Activities of liver glycogen phosphorylase and lactate dehydrogenase increased while succinate dehydrogenase activity decreased. There appears to be a shift in the carbohydrate metabolism from aerobic to anaerobic type due to toxicity of lead.

5 table, 19 ref

019287   Ravikantha R;Naeeraja P (Zoology Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Certain biochemical changes concerning carbohydrate metabolism in fish Oreochromis mossambicus on acute ammonia stress. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 157-9.

Ammonia is a byproduct of fish metabolism. But the increase in ammonia concentration in ambient medium is toxic. to fish. Investigation is to understand the immediate response of the animal to low concentration of ammonia. Fish Oreochromis mossambicus is taken for the present study. Animals weighing 10 gm and 8 cm long are exposed to 2.46 ppm of ammonia solution for one and two days. Total carbohydrates, glucose and glycogen levels and activity levels of phosphorylase enzyme levels were estimated in liver of the animal to understand the role of carbohydrates in ammonia stress. A decrement in total carbohydrates and glycogen levels along with increment in glucose and phosphorylase enzyme levels was observed suggesting energy requirement of the animal to face the stress situation. The animal seems to meet this energy requirement through breakdown of glycogen and utilization of carbohydrate.

1 table, 15 ref

019286   Rastogi R;Gupta N;Bhaskar M;Sharma P K (Animal Science Dep, M.J.P. Rohikhand Univ, Bareilly, U.P) : Haemo-parasito-coenosis in selected amphibian, reptilian and mamalian species of Rohilkhand region. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2006, 20(1), 61-65.

Encompasses blood parasitism in selected vertebrate species including amphibians (Rana tigrina), reptiles (Hemidactylus flaviviridis) and mammals (Rattus rattus). Three species of parasites : Haemogregarina, (Rana tigrina, Hemidactylus flaviviridis), Trypanosoma (Rana tigrina, Rattus rattus) and Lankesterella, (Rana tigrina) were observed in the different animals. Haemogregarina were present in amphibians and reptiles at a prevalence of 38.70% and 6.02% respectively. Trypanosomes were recorded in amphibians (7.09%) and mammals (10.16%) Lankesterella was found only in amphibians (1.29%). The findings indicate that amphibian blood serve as a better micro-niche for blood parasites as compared to reptiles and mammals.

1 table, 2 illus, 24 ref

019285   Rao J V;Shameem A (Marine Living Resources Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Occurrence of valid genera of croakers(Pisces: Sciaenidae) from Bay of Bengal waters, India. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(2), 62-4.

Fishes of the family Sciaenidae form an important component of fishery in the seas and estuaries of the world. And they have therefore received considerable attention from fishery biologists of many of the countries and since 1935 attempts have been made to produce taxonomic synthesis of the knowledge so obtained. The present work was under taken to study the valid genera of the family Sciaenidae occurring along Visakhapatnam coast from the Bay of Bengal waters. Ten genera, i.e. Kathala, Mohan, 1969;. Pennahia Fowler, 1926; Atrobucca Chu, Lo&Wu, 1963; Chrysochir Trewavas &Yazdani, 1966; Otolithes Oken, 1817; Protonibea Trewavas, 1971; Dendrophysa Trewavas, 1964; Nibea Jordan & Thompson, 1911; Johnius Bloch, 1793; Johnieops Mohan, 1972, were identified with their species in the present study.

7 ref

019284   Ramesh Kumar T R; (Zoology Dep, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Impact of heavy metal zinc on protein metabolism in the fat body, testes seminal vesicles and margs of Laccotrephes ruber (Linn.)(Heteroptera: Nepidae) in relation to reproduction. Envir Ecol 2006, 24S(3), 529-31.

Effects of zinc on protein and amino acid contents in fat body, testes, seminal vesicles and MARGs of the insect Laccotrephes ruber were investigated. After exposure of median lethal concentration of zinc, (25 ppm for 48 hour) significant changes in the content of protein and amino acid were observed. This suggests that the zinc appears to interfere with protein metabolism.

2 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

019283   Ramalingam K;Usha R; (Pg and Research Department of Zoology, Goverment Arts College, Nandanam, Chennai-600 035) : Effect of dewage,cypermethrin and cypermethrin cum vibrio inoculation on the tissue carbohydrates of Oreochromis mossambicus. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2007, 17(1), 1-14.

Effects of sewage (25%), cypermethrin a pyrethroid insecticide and the synergistic action of cypermethrin and the bacterial inoculum of Vibro anguillarum were determined on tissue carbohydrate profile of Oreochromis mossambicus. The results revealed hyperglycemia (blood sugar elevation) and. also elevation of tissue free sugars such as pentose, hexose and ketose. Both protein bound sugars and glycogen decreased significantly. The intermediary carbohydrates viz lactic acid and pyruvic acid revealed temporal changes. Results reflect the effects of the selected contaminants over the tissue energy metabolism of the fishes subjected to toxic stress. The study also revealed that pesticide toxicity become a predisposing factor for the infection of pathogens in O. mossambicus.

4 table, 30 ref

019282   Ramachandran A V;Kurup A (Reproductive Endocrinology Div, Zool Dep, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao Univ of Barod, Vadodara-490 002, Email: avrcn@rediffmail.com) : Thyroid hormone control of tail regeneration: differential in loco and systemic effects and seasonal variation. J Endocr Reprod 2006, 10(2), 134-42.

Thyroid honnones have been implicated in the control of vertebrate appendage regeneration. In lizards, thyroid honnones have been reported to induce ependymal outgrowth and also exercise control over adaptive systemic metabolic activities. There have been no attempts to correlate the seasonal differences in regenerative perfonnance with thyroid activity. The study has evaluated the effect of induced thyroid honnone excess or deficiency (by T4 administration or methimazole treatment, respectively) on tail regeneration in H. flaviviridis on a seasonal basis in summer, monsoon and winter months. The experiments revealed a retardative influence of hypothyroidism in tail regeneration in both summer and winter months; however blastema fonnation occurred in the nonnal time course in the summer months. Hyperthyroidism induced by daily T4 administration, either systemically or in loco, hastened the fonnation of blastema and provided an early growth spurt but, ultimately, retarded regenerative growth in the summer months. However, T4 administration daily for the first 15 days and every other day thereafter favored a better regenerative growth. In contrast, during the monsoon months, both daily administration and administration every alternate day, either systemically or in loco, delayed blastema fonnation as well as retarded linear growth. Neither hypothyroidism nor hyperthyroidism exerted any influence on the sluggish perfonnance characteristic of winter months. It is concluded that thyroid activity and thyroid honnone responsiveness vary on a seasonal basis with maximum activity at higher temperatures and minimal at lower temperatures. It can also be concluded that there is differential sensitivity to thyroid honnone during summer and monsoon seasons.

9 tables, 33 ref