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Studies on carbohydrates in reptiles

III. Seasonal changes of glycogen content of tissues, and of relative weights of organs of Uromastyx aegyptia

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Summary

  1. 1.

    A general decrease in glycogen and ratios of all the tissues studied was found to occur in winter, minimum values being reached in February. This decrease was correlated with diminished food intake during the winter season.

  2. 2.

    In March a general increase occurs coinciding with the beginning of biological activity, but not continued further for increased sexual activity.

  3. 3.

    After the maturation of sex products in June, a general increase in glycogen content of most tissues occured reaching a maximum in July.

  4. 4.

    Late in August and in September and October, after the heavy demands of the breeding season have been met, tissue repair takes place accompanied by a general decrease in glycogen and ratios of most of the tissues.

  5. 5.

    In November and early December another increase in carbohydrates content and ratios of tissues was observed. This increase is possibly due to the accumulation of nutritive materials as a preparation for winter, which the animal spends in its underground burrow.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Cairo, University College for Girls, Egypt

    Fouad Khalil & Moread Yanni

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  1. Fouad Khalil
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  2. Moread Yanni
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Khalil, F., Yanni, M. Studies on carbohydrates in reptiles. Z. Vergl. Physiol. 44, 355–362 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00388034

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00388034

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