LIPIDS AND PROTEINS IN THE RATHKES GLAND SECRETIONS OF THE NORTH-AMERICAN MUD TURTLE (KINOSTERNON SUBRUBRUM)

Lipids and proteins in the Rathke's gland secretions of the North Amer ican mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum, Kinosternidae) were analyzed b y gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), respectively. Analysis by GC-MS indica tes 2,3-dihydroxypropanal and C-3-C-24 free or esterified fatty acids. Analysis by SDS-PAGE indicates a major protein component with an appr oximate molecular mass of 60 kDa and minor components ranging from ca. 23 to 34 kDa. The major component of K. subrubrum glandular secretion s exhibits a mobility that matches that of the Kemp's ridley sea turtl e (Lepidochelys kempi, Cheloniidae), suggesting that these proteins ar e evolutionarily conserved.