Search

Bird and reptile tears aren't so different from human tears - Phys.org

jawawuts.blogspot.com
Bird and reptile tears aren't so different from human tears
Collecting tears from roadside hawk, Rupornis magnirostris. Credit: Arianne P. Oriá

Bird and reptile tears aren't so unlike our own, shows a new study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. But the differences could provide insights into better ophthalmic treatments for humans and animals, as well as a clues into the evolution of tears across different species.

"Discovering how tears are able to maintain the ocular homeostasis, even in different species and , is crucial for understanding the evolution and adaptation processes, and is essential for the discovery of new molecules for ophthalmic drugs," says first author Prof. Arianne P. Oriá, of the Federal University of Bahia, in Salvador, Brazil.

Tears play a critical role in maintaining healthy eyesight across species. But up to now, researchers have only studied tears in a short list of mammals, including humans, dogs, horses, monkeys and camels. To get a more complete picture of how tears work in other species, Oriá and her collaborators have now added seven species of birds and reptiles to this list.

"Although birds and reptiles have different structures that are responsible for production, some components of this fluid (electrolytes) are present at similar concentrations as what is found in humans," explains Oriá. "But the crystal structures are organized in different ways so that they guarantee the eyes´ health and an equilibrium with the various environments."

Bird and reptile tears aren't so different from human tears
Collecting tears from Broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris. Credit: Arianne P. Oriá

Oriá and her collaborators worked together with veterinarians from a conservation center, a wild animal care center and a commercial breeder to collect tear samples from healthy captive . The study was limited to animals that were kept as pets or as part of conservation efforts, and the researchers collected tears as part of the animals' normal physical check-ups.

The animals in the study included macaws, hawks, owls and a type of parrot, as well as tortoises, caimans and . For comparison, the authors also collected tears from 10 healthy human volunteers.

By looking at the composition of the tears, the authors found that all of the tear types contained similar amounts of electrolytes such as sodium and chloride, although bird and reptile tears had slightly higher concentrations. Owl and sea turtle tears also showed higher levels of urea and protein. After measuring the composition of the tears, the authors also looked at the crystals that formed when the tear fluid dried out. Researchers can use this crystallization pattern to uncover certain types of eye disease, as well as other variations between tear types.

Bird and reptile tears aren't so different from human tears
Collecting tears from Turquoise-fronted amazon, Amazona eastiva. Credit: Arianne P. Oriá

Although the different species had similar tear composition, surprisingly the crystals showed more variation. Sea turtle and caiman tear crystals were particularly unique, probably as an adaptation to their .

Tear research still only reflects a small number of species and this study was limited to captive animals. But future research of additional species could continue to expand our understanding of tear types, and also help guide better treatments for both animals and humans.

"This knowledge helps in the understanding of the evolution and adaption of these , as well as in their conservation," adds Prof. Oriá.


Explore further

Shedding a tear may help diagnose Parkinson's disease

More information: Arianne P. Oriá et al, Comparison of Electrolyte Composition and Crystallization Patterns in Bird and Reptile Tears, Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2020). DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00574
Provided by Frontiers

Citation: Bird and reptile tears aren't so different from human tears (2020, August 13) retrieved 13 August 2020 from https://ift.tt/3ak6Ytu

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Let's block ads! (Why?)



"bird" - Google News
August 13, 2020 at 03:12PM
https://ift.tt/3ak6Ytu

Bird and reptile tears aren't so different from human tears - Phys.org
"bird" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2s1zYEq
https://ift.tt/3dbExxU

Bagikan Berita Ini

0 Response to "Bird and reptile tears aren't so different from human tears - Phys.org"

Post a Comment

Powered by Blogger.