Alligators Research Paper
Equipped with a powerful tail, a massive jaw adorned with jagged teeth, and an armored body all infused with lethal instincts, it is no wonder why alligators are reminiscent of a time when dinosaurs ruled. Yet these apex predators are more than mere relics of the distant past. They may just hold the key to unlocking some of the medical community’s most complex dilemmas.
Alligators frequently wear serious injuries as battle medallions when fighting for territory and mates. During conquests, it is not uncommon for an animal to lose a limb or portion of the tail. For most species dwelling in swamps laced with bacteria and fungi, such injuries would prove to be a detriment to survival. Research has shown that alligators actually rarely exhibit
physiological symptoms of an infection. In fact, an alligator’s immune system is anything but primitive and functions both innately and adaptively. Their immune system is comprised of antimicrobial peptides, macrophages, heterophils, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, phagocytic B cells, and proteins.
Mark Merchant, a biochemist and professor at McNeese State University has been investigating the potency and applications of alligator blood. Merchant’s work has led to the discovery that alligators can fight off microorganisms even without previous exposure. Furthermore, his data has illustrated that alligator white blood cells create tiny proteins with tremendous antibacterial and antifungal properties. Merchant and his colleagues discovered that American alligator blood successfully destroyed twenty-three strains of bacteria, including MRSA. Additionally, the samples depleted and destroyed significant amounts of HIV. In contrast, human serum exposed to the same strains were only effective in combatting eight.
If you are feeling under the weather, don’t rush out and attempt a do it yourself alligator blood infusion. Pure alligator blood can actually make humans extremely ill. Researchers envision an alligator blood serum being synthesized in a pharmacology lab in our lifetime. It is feasible that these mighty reptiles may serve as medical ambassadors carrying a novel generation of antibiotics that can ward off superbugs. Other hypothesized applications include creams for diabetic ulcers and severe burns.
Alligators frequently wear serious injuries as battle medallions when fighting for territory and mates. During conquests, it is not uncommon for an animal to lose a limb or portion of the tail. For most species dwelling in swamps laced with bacteria and fungi, such injuries would prove to be a detriment to survival. Research has shown that alligators actually rarely exhibit
physiological symptoms of an infection. In fact, an alligator’s immune system is anything but primitive and functions both innately and adaptively. Their immune system is comprised of antimicrobial peptides, macrophages, heterophils, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, phagocytic B cells, and proteins.
Mark Merchant, a biochemist and professor at McNeese State University has been investigating the potency and applications of alligator blood. Merchant’s work has led to the discovery that alligators can fight off microorganisms even without previous exposure. Furthermore, his data has illustrated that alligator white blood cells create tiny proteins with tremendous antibacterial and antifungal properties. Merchant and his colleagues discovered that American alligator blood successfully destroyed twenty-three strains of bacteria, including MRSA. Additionally, the samples depleted and destroyed significant amounts of HIV. In contrast, human serum exposed to the same strains were only effective in combatting eight.
If you are feeling under the weather, don’t rush out and attempt a do it yourself alligator blood infusion. Pure alligator blood can actually make humans extremely ill. Researchers envision an alligator blood serum being synthesized in a pharmacology lab in our lifetime. It is feasible that these mighty reptiles may serve as medical ambassadors carrying a novel generation of antibiotics that can ward off superbugs. Other hypothesized applications include creams for diabetic ulcers and severe burns.