Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Chemical Isolation, Quantification, and Separation of Skin Lipids from Reptiles
Published on: February 7, 2019
Thyroid and skin-shedding in the rat snake (Ptyas korros)
Abstract:
Epidermal-thyroid relationships were studied in thyroidectomized (Tx) Ptyas korros kept at 23 degrees C by observing changes in shedding frequency (SF), body weight, oxygen consumption rate (OCR), and postsurgical survival. Tx animals showed increased SFs but lost weight and eventually died, as did Tx animals receiving 3-mono-iodotyrosine injections. However, injections of 3, 5-diiodothyronine inhibited shedding and the animals survived longer. OCRs were similar in all control and experimental groups. It is concluded that among thyroid secretions, only iodothyronines inhibit shedding. Snake shedding is concluded not to reflect general metabolic status as it does in lizards.
Related Concept Videos
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

