Studies Of Skin Sensory Receptor And Uncoupling Protein Gene Of Phrynocehalus Prewalskii

There are sensory receptors located in the top of the scales of Phrynocephalus przewalskii. The studies of the skin sensory receptor have lagged behind. We studied the skin sensory receptor of Phrynocephalus przewalskii by paraffin sections technology and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The results showed that:(1) The cells are found in the cap-like protubulances. Pigment granules are located in cytoplasmic free surface; (2) The dermal corpuscle is located underneath cap-like protubulances; (3)β-layer becomes thin. We speculate that the skin sensory receptor can feel mechanoreception from outside environment and heat radiation. But it remains to further insight into electrophysiology.Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are located in the inner membrane of mitochondria. The result of their activities is the protons through the inner membrane of mitochondria into matrix eliminating membrane potential, uncoupling ATP synthesis and releasing heat. It is not clear whether there are UCPs in reptilia. We cloned the 357 bp cDNA by RT-PCR and speculate it is UCPs gene. The gene has a high similarity to 80% of uncoupling protein 2 cDNA of Xenopus leavis. In situ hybridization confirms the protein gene is expressed in cells of the basal layer and the dermis. Maybe the gene is UCPs gene and UCPs produce heat in Phrynocephalus przewalskii. But heat production is lower than that of the homeotherm. The scales of Phrynocephalus przewalskii have lower capacity for heat insulation than the feathers and the hair. Phrynocephalus przewalskii need behavioral temperature regulation to adapt to the environment. Further researches on UCPs gene contribute to find out the mechanism for heat production of the UCPs in reptilia.