RAMAN-SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF THE SKINS OF THE SAHARA SAND VIPER, THE CARPET PYTHON AND THE AMERICAN BLACK RAT SNAKE

Vibrational Raman spectra of the skins of the snakes Cerastes vipera ( Sahara sand viper) and Morelia argus (carpet python) have been recorde d for the first time using visible and IR laser excitation. Full vibra tional assignments are proposed and comparisons made with vibrational Raman spectra of the snake Elaphe obsoleta (American black rat snake); such studies may be important in correlating the permeabilities of hu man and snake skins to drugs and contaminants.