Re: leucistic rat snake question

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Posted by ken on July 16, 1999 at 09:08:08:

In Reply to: Re: leucistic rat snake question posted by dg on July 15, 1999 at 10:16:56:

: Ken,
: Leucism is a hereditary genetic defect. This mutation is caused by a simple autosomal recessive gene. This has been proven by many snake breeders over the last 15 years.

: What is not so clear is exactly how leucism affects an organism. The exact nature of the defect is still undetermined, but there is a basic understanding of what may be going on. In snakes, colors are produced by pigment cells known as chromatophores. There are three distinct types, each serving a different function. The melanophores are responsible for the production of melanin(black,brown pigment.) Xanthophores synthesize pteridine pigments (reds,yellows.) Each of these two produce colors by metabolic methods in the cells. However, the third type of pigment cells in snakes, the iridophores, produce color by physical means rather than synthesizing it within the cells. They contain reflecting platelets typically arranged in oriented stacks. Color is produced by the reflection of light and results in blue,green,and red hues.

: Leucism affects all chromatophores, unlike the some of the other popular mutations like albinism, axanthism, etc. In leucistic snakes there are no functional melanophores or xanthophores, and very few iridophores. This results in an organism that has no pigmentation. Experiments have shown that if normal chromatoblasts (stem cells) are transplanted into axanthic or albino skin, normal pigment cells are able to establish themselves and produce their respective colors. This is not the case with leucism. Leucistic skin is unable to support pigments cells due to its unique defect. It is believed that the tissue environment of the skin itself is defective.

: Hope this helps,
: dg

Thanks dg.... exactly what I wanted....

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: : Ken, : : Leucism is a hereditary genetic defect. This mutation is caused by a simple autosomal recessive gene. This has been proven by many snake breeders over the last 15 years. : : What is not so clear is exactly how leucism affects an organism. The exact nature of the defect is still undetermined, but there is a basic understanding of what may be going on. In snakes, colors are produced by pigment cells known as chromatophores. There are three distinct types, each serving a different function. The melanophores are responsible for the production of melanin(black,brown pigment.) Xanthophores synthesize pteridine pigments (reds,yellows.) Each of these two produce colors by metabolic methods in the cells. However, the third type of pigment cells in snakes, the iridophores, produce color by physical means rather than synthesizing it within the cells. They contain reflecting platelets typically arranged in oriented stacks. Color is produced by the reflection of light and results in blue,green,and red hues. : : Leucism affects all chromatophores, unlike the some of the other popular mutations like albinism, axanthism, etc. In leucistic snakes there are no functional melanophores or xanthophores, and very few iridophores. This results in an organism that has no pigmentation. Experiments have shown that if normal chromatoblasts (stem cells) are transplanted into axanthic or albino skin, normal pigment cells are able to establish themselves and produce their respective colors. This is not the case with leucism. Leucistic skin is unable to support pigments cells due to its unique defect. It is believed that the tissue environment of the skin itself is defective. : : Hope this helps, : : dg : Thanks dg.... exactly what I wanted....

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