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DAO 42:71-75 (2000)
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Abstract
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Elemental analysis of cetacean skull lesions associated with nematode infections
S. Pascual1,*, E. Abollo1, A. López2
1Area de Parasitología, Grupo PB2, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Vigo, Aptdo. 874, 36200 Vigo, Spain
2Coordinadora para o Estudio dos Mamíferos Mariños Anxeríz 8, 5ª D, Milladoiro, 15895 Ames, La Coruña, Spain
*E-mail: spascual@correo.uvigo.es
ABSTRACT: The elemental composition of both healthy and eroded cetacean skulls associated with nematode infections was evaluated. A total of 27 samples of eroded and non-eroded prepared museum cetacean skulls were characterised by elemental (CHN), X-ray
fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction methods. The inorganic composition and crystal line structure (hydroxylapatite-like minerals) were similar for both types of skull samples, but the CHN values clearly differed. The results suggest that the carbon-rich
fraction is lost in eroded areas, probably as a result of glycosaminoglycan-degrading Crassicauda enzymes.
KEY WORDS: Cetacean · Skull lesions · Crassicauda
Full text in pdf format
Published in DAO Vol.
42, No. 1
(2000) on August 10
ISSN: 0177-5103.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 2000
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