Publications

the organization of the sensory and motor areas of cerebral cortex in the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).		1977	864030
intestinal mucosa of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.	the intestinal mucosa of the platypus takes the form of numerous transverse surface folds. these folds are made up of a lamina propria covered by pseudostratified epithelium which lies on a thick modified basement membrane. the cells of the intestinal epithelium consist of columnar cells which generally resemble typical intestinal epithelium and cuboidal cells, which are undifferentiated in appearance, show few organelles and possess an electron lucent cytoplasm. numerous desmosomes are found be ...	1975	1115355
proceedings: reproduction in the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus, with particular reference to the evolution of viviparity.		1975	1127659
proceedings: progestagens and oestrogens in peripheral plasma of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.		1975	1127660
studies on monotreme proteins. vi. amino acid sequence of the beta-chain of haemoglobin from the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.	the amino acid sequence of the 146 residues of the beta-chain of the major haemoglobin from the platypus has been determined. the soluble peptides derived from the chain by tryptic digestion were isolated by paper ionophoresis and chromatography. the amino acid sequences were determined by the dansyl-edman procedure or by further digestion with other enzymes. the tryptic peptides were aligned by homology with other beta-globins. there were 14 changes in sequence compared with echidna beta-chain. ...	1975	1191127
morphology of the kidney of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus: monotremata).	the platypus kidney shows morphological similarities to those of other mammals. macroscopically, the cortex is easily distinguishable from the fairly wide medulla. within the medulla, no clear border is observed between the inner and outer zones. light and transmission electron microscopically, the glomeruli show quite similar architecture to those of other mammals; however, the glomerular lobulation is very clear. the glomerular tufts are rather simple, but capillary lumen varies widely in size ...	1992	1443663
platypus envenomation--a painful learning experience.	to describe in detail for the first time, the clinical course and medical management of a significant human envenomation by the australian platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	1992	1454022
sparganosis in the monotremes tachyglossus aculeatus and ornithorhynchus anatinus in australia.	sparganosis in the echidna, tachyglossus aculeatus, is characterized by large subcutaneous masses that may be confused with neoplasms. plerocercoids, believed to be spirometra erinacei, were found in the ventral or lateral subcutaneous tissues of three echidnas. in each case there was a prominent fibrous mass < or = 12 cm in diameter enclosing plerocercoids, which were surrounded by an intense inflammatory infiltrate dominated by plasma cells and lymphocytes, with focal suppuration. multiple, sm ...	1992	1474663
the evolution of human chromosome 21: evidence from in situ hybridization in marsupials and a monotreme.	we have mapped five human chromosome 21 (hsa 21) markers in marsupials and a monotreme, two major groups of mammals that diverged from eutherians 130-150 and 150-170 million years before present (myrbp), respectively. we have found that these genes map to two distinct autosomal sites, one containing sod1/cbr/bcei and the other containing ets2/infar, in the marsupials macropus eugenii and sminthopsis macroura (which belong to orders that diverged 40-80 myrbp), as well as in the monotreme ornithor ...	1992	1505947
the central projection of electrosensory information in the platypus.	1. this is the first detailed description of the projection to the cerebral cortex of afferent information coming from electroreceptors in the bill of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus. 2. in animals anaesthetized with chloralose, with the bill immersed in tap water, applying a potential difference between plate electrodes on either side of the bill produced large amplitude potentials from the surface of a postero-lateral region of cerebral cortex. response threshold was 300 microv cm-1, so ...	1992	1593454
the anatomy and fine structure of the echidna tachyglossus aculeatus snout with respect to its different trigeminal sensory receptors including the electroreceptors.	the gross anatomy and nerve supply of the bill of echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus) is described in relation to its function as an outstanding sensory organ. the sensory innervation of the skin of the echidna snout was investigated by means of frontal serial sections, after decalcification of the specimens. a comprehensive light and electron microscopic description of the location and fine structure of cutaneous sensory receptors of the trigeminal system was made by this means. the encapsulated a ...	1991	1952110
some monotreme milk "whey" and blood proteins.	1. electrophoretic studies are made of mature phase milk "whey" proteins and blood serum proteins of echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus) and platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus). the echidna milk bands are designated a-m, those of platypus a-g. some of the proteins are isolated and characterized. 2. echidna band a protein has some similarity to high cystine "whey" proteins. band e protein (apparent mr 21,000) may be a beta-lactoglobulin-like protein. band m is lysozyme. band c is serum albumin. band ...	1991	1959333
cartilaginous bone extremities of growing monotremes appear unique.	cartilage canals are present in the epiphyseal cartilage of most mammals and birds. they are considered necessary for the maintenance of chondrocytes and for the formation of epiphyseal ossification centers. the epiphyseal cartilage of marsupials was recently shown not to contain cartilage canals, and placental rats appear not to have cartilage canals, although some confusion exists in the literature. the present study examines the cartilaginous epiphyses and physes from the knee and hip of the ...	1991	2048749
intestinal mucosa and intra-abdominal lymphoid tissues of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.	the morphological features of the intestinal mucosa and intra-abdominal lymphoid tissues of the platypus were examined. the mucosal surface of the intestine was characterized by the formation of large folds instead of the finger-like villi found in placental mammals. the lamina propria of the mucosal fold was well developed and contained numerous lymphocytes, expressing the lymphoid nature which is characteristic of the lamina propria of mammalian intestines. although numerous well-developed pey ...	1991	2062481
iron(iii) binding proteins of echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus) and platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	iron (iii) binding proteins are isolated from echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus multiaculeatus) and platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) milk and blood. on the basis of several criteria it is shown that the milk proteins are not lactoferrins, but are transferrins similar to the corresponding transferrins from the blood. the heterogeneity of the proteins, particularly the echidna milk transferrin, is, at least in part, due to different levels of sialic acid. their n-terminal sequences (30 residues) ...	1990	2090097
a viral infection causing cytomegalic inclusion disease in the renal epithelium of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	cytomegaly and intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in the renal collecting duct epithelium in three of four wild caught platypuses (ornithorhynchus anatinus) from new south wales using light and electron microscopy during routine pathological studies. non-enveloped, spherical virions measuring about 80 nm in diameter were present in the nucleus and cytoplasm of affected cells as well as in the lumen of the renal tubule. a single enveloped virion measuring about 150 nm in diameter was fou ...	1990	2154629
the x chromosome of monotremes shares a highly conserved region with the eutherian and marsupial x chromosomes despite the absence of x chromosome inactivation.	eight genes, located on the long arm of the human x chromosome and present on the marsupial x chromosome, were mapped by in situ hybridization to the chromosomes of the platypus ornithorhynchus anatinus, one of the three species of monotreme mammals. all were located on the x chromosome. we conclude that the long arm of the human x chromosome represents a highly conserved region that formed part of the x chromosome in a mammalian ancestor at least 150 million years ago. since three of these gene ...	1990	2402495
distribution of substance p in the enteric plexuses of the small intestine of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.	a study was made of substance p-like-immunoreactive nerves within the small intestine of platypus, an australian prototherian mammal. both immunoreactive nerve cell bodies and fibers were present. no immunoreactive fibers were found in mesenteric nerves or on intramural blood vessels, suggesting that extrinsic sensory neurons containing substance p do not innervate platypus ileum. this was further supported by the result of in vitro experiments. although applied substance p (10(-9) m-3 x 10(-8) ...	1989	2468417
responses of electroreceptors in the platypus bill to steady and alternating potentials.	1. this is a report of further observations on the response characteristics of electroreceptors in the bill of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus, first described by gregory, iggo, mcintyre & proske (1987). 2. the main finding is that, with the bill immersed in water, applying a potential difference between large plate electrodes on either side of the bill, produced detectable responses in a population of electroreceptors to field strengths as low as 4 mv cm-1. threshold for individual recep ...	1989	2778734
lesions associated with metazoan parasites of wild platypuses (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	pathological findings associated with helminth and arthropod parasites of four wild platypuses (ornithorhynchus anatinus) are described. fourth-stage larval rhabditoid nematodes (?cylindrocorporidae) found partially embedded in the stratum corneum were associated with mild acanthosis, orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis and inconstant subacute dermatits. a filarioid nematode (?lemdaninae) was found in hypodermal lymphoid tissue. a larval trichostrongyloid nematode was found in the dermis, with no evid ...	1989	2810552
the lamina cribrosa of ornithorhynchus (monotremata, mammalia).	a vestigial and transitory lamina cribrosa was found in nestling platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus). the heads of two nest-young (180 and 333 mm length), one subadult and one adult ornithorhynchus were serially sectioned and studied with special reference to the development of the nasal region. in nest-young ornithorhynchus an irregularly shaped bar of cartilage develops at the foramen olfactorium advehens. in the subadult it is largely resorbed, and in the osseous skull of the adult it is comp ...	1988	3223609
splenic hemopoiesis of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus): evidence of primary hemopoiesis in the spleen of a primitive mammal.	the generation of blood cells has been observed in the spleen and in the bone marrow of the platypus. hemopoiesis was found to be far more active in the spleen than in the bone marrow judging by the number of proliferating hemopoietic elements within a unit area of tissue from each organ. granulocytes, erythroblasts, and megakaryocytes, with the related immature forms for each cell line, were noted in the spleen. in contrast, there were very few examples of immature forms of these cell lines and ...	1988	3389307
receptors in the bill of the platypus.	1. afferent responses were recorded from filaments of the trigeminal nerve in each of two platypuses (ornithorhynchus anatinus) anaesthetized with alpha-chloralose. all receptive fields were located along the lateral border of the upper bill. discrete receptive fields could be identified as belonging to two distinct classes of sensory receptor. 2. the most prominent response was an irregular resting discharge which could be increased or decreased by weak electric pulses. these receptors were ins ...	1988	3418529
marsupial and monotreme enamel structure.	we present some recent developments in our understanding of two basic questions: the origin, extent, nature and course of marsupial enamel tubules; and the characterisation of monotreme enamel, more particularly, the prismatic nature of platypus enamel. methods used included sem of methacrylate casts of marsupial enamel tubules, worn and cut surfaces of whole marsupial teeth, developing and erupted platypus teeth, and a well-developed molar of the newly discovered miocene ornithorhynchid obdurod ...	1987	3589612
scanning microscopy of platypus teeth.	anorganic unerupted developing teeth and air-dried erupted teeth of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) were examined in a scanning electron microscope and in a tandem scanning reflected light microscope. typically mammalian developing fronts of enamel and dentine were identified in the anorganic unerupted specimens. the developing teeth were particularly small and fragile and the enamel elusive and difficult to examine in the normal way for morphological detail. prepared fractured surfaces ...	1986	3706773
theileria ornithorhynchi mackerras, 1959 in the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus (shaw).	blood smears from 54 platypuses in southeastern australia were examined by light microscopy. protozoa were found in erythrocytes in 53 platypuses; all infections were sparse. a few parasites were found in leukocytes. intraerythrocytic forms examined by electron microscopy contained vacuoles, micronemes, rhoptries and cytostomes with double unit membranes. merozoites were identified in leukocytes. the parasites were identified as theileria ornithorhynchi mackerras, 1959.	1986	3951057
the neurohypophysial hormones of the egg-laying mammals: identification of arginine vasopressin in the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	two neurohypophysial peptides have been purified from acetone desiccated posterior pituitary glands of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) by molecular sieving and high-pressure liquid chromatography. a single pressor peptide, having an amino acid composition and a chromatographic retention time identical to those of arginine vasopressin, has been identified. a single oxytocic peptide has been isolated that ressembles oxytocin by its chromatographic retention time, but lack of material has p ...	1985	3977923
leptospiral titres in wild platypuses (ornithorhynchus anatinus) in new south wales.		1985	3994609
an unusual basement membrane underlying intestinal epithelium of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).		1971	4104116
temperature regulation in the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus (shaw).		1973	4147924
brunner's glands of the duckbilled platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).		1971	4255831
studies on monotreme proteins. v. amino acid sequence of the alpha-chain of haemoglobin from the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.		1974	4464824
primary optic pathways in the duckbill platypus, ornithorynchus anatinus: an experimental degeneration study.		1972	4555426
biosynthesis of adrenocortical steroids by monotremes: echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus) and platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).		1973	4726325
the gastric mucosa of two monotremes: the duck-billed platypus and echidna.		1974	4814644
peripheral auditory function in the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.		1974	4853586
[the external musculature of the eye in ornithorhyncus (ornithorhynchus anatinus shaw)].		1969	4977584
the light and electron microscopic structure of the femoral gland of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).		1971	5147314
respiratory properties of blood and responses to diving of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus (shaw).		1966	5967684
active cation transport and na+k+mg atpase of the monotreme erythrocytes.	the erythrocytes of the echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus) and platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus), which are practically devoid of intracellular atp content (1), were examined for active rb86 influx and for the presence of na+k+mg atpase. we found that intact erythrocytes of both species possess the ability to actively transport cations. ouabain sensitive rb86 influx in the echidna was approximately 0.17 mumoles/ml cells x hr, whereas the platypus exhibited a higher value of 0.43 mumoles/ml cells ...	1984	6143557
an immunohistochemical survey of endocrine cells and nerves in the proximal small intestine of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.	the relative frequencies of endocrine cells and peptidergic nerve elements in the proximal small intestine of the adult platypus were studied by immunohistochemistry. six kinds of endocrine cells - serotonin (5-ht)-, somatostatin-, gastrin-, motilin-, cholecystokinin (cck)- and bovine pancreatic polypeptide (bpp)-immunoreactive cells - were identified in this study. these endocrine cells were found most frequently in the intestinal glands, in moderate numbers in the tubular ducts and were infreq ...	1983	6196117
aspiration pneumonia in a wild platypus ornithorhynchus anatinus.		1983	6360119
carbohydrates of the milk of the platypus.	twelve samples of milk of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus, had a mean content of 3 x 3% hexose. of this, almost half was l-fucose. of the total monosaccharides present in acid hydrolysates of the water-soluble carbohydrates, l-fucose constituted 33%, d-galactose 29%, glucosamine 20%, d-glucose 11% and sialic acid 7%. free lactose was found in only trace amounts. in all samples, the major oligosaccharide was difucosyllactose, which represented 39-52% of the total hexose. five higher neutra ...	1983	6626045
thyroid hormone levels in an egg-laying mammal, the platypus ornithorhynchus anatinus.	serum thyroxine (t4) and triiodothyronine (t3) levels were measured in wild-caught platypuses in southeastern australia in summer (february) and late winter (september). there was little seasonal difference in thyroid hormone levels. males had lower levels of both t4 and t3 than did females, but this was only statistically significant for t3. juveniles had higher levels than adults. the levels of thyroxine ranged from 37 to 136 nmol . liter-1, and triiodothyronine from 0.3 to 1.7 nmol . liter-1. ...	1983	6628969
severe ulcerative dermatitis in platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).		1983	6644940
erythrocyte phosphates and hemoglobin function in monotremes and some marsupials.	hematologic values, red blood cell (rbc) organic phosphate composition, hemoglobin function, and hemoglobin composition have been determined on blood from the monotremes, the duckbill platypus and the echidna, and three species of marsupials, the tasmanian devil, the wallaby, and the brush-tail possum. blood from the platypus had a rbc count of 8.63 x 10(6)/mm3, a mean corpuscular volume of 49.1 millemicron3, and a white blood cell count of 26.0 x 10(3)/mm3. the rbcs from the monotremes and the ...	1984	6696146
two monotreme cell lines, derived from female platypuses (ornithorhynchus anatinus; monotremata, mammalia).	two diploid platypus cell lines, designated oa-1f and oa-2f, have been derived from the toe webs of two females. the development and growth characteristics of the lines are described and g-banded karyotypes presented (the first reported for the platypus). the availability of these lines will greatly facilitate chromosome and gene mapping studies of the platypus and permit the extension of comparative studies of mammalian chromosome and genome evolution to the monotremes.	1984	6715011
pathology in captive platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) in victoria, australia.	between 1978 and 1981, 20 platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) which had been held in exhibits for varying periods, were submitted for necropsy. the most common gross and histologic lesions were adrenal enlargement, pulmonary pathology consistent with shock or aspiration pneumonia, intestinal coccidiosis, the presence of trypanosomes, myocarditis and nephritis. other conditions encountered included infestation with ticks (ixodes ornithorhynchi), a mild infection of intestinal trematodes (mehlisia ...	1983	6887433
a pharmacological and biochemical investigation of the venom from the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	in this study several activities of the venom of ornithorhynchus anatinus have been investigated. whole venom induced local oedema after subplantar injection and produced relaxation of the rat uterus in vitro. the relaxant activity was partially purified by gel permeation hplc and subsequent analyses by sds-page revealed that this activity was associated with a 4200 mol. wt peptide. the n-terminal partial sequence of this peptide exhibited substantial identity with human and porcine c-type natri ...	1995	7597719
nerve terminals of mucous gland electroreceptors in the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	platypus mucous gland electroreceptors differ from electroreceptors described for fish in that they lack an associated specialized sensory cell. thus a bare nerve terminal is used to detect electrical stimuli, and also to generate local and action potentials. previous studies have identified these terminals (an average of 16 per mucous gland), but had not shown whether the terminals have direct contact with the duct of the mucous gland. this poses the problem of how the electrical stimulus reach ...	1995	7761482
cloning and characterization of the platypus mitochondrial genome.	the vertebrate mitochondrial genome is highly conserved in size and gene content. among the chordates there appears to be one basic gene arrangement, but rearrangements in the mitochondrial gene order of the avian lineages have indicated that the mitochondrial genome may be more variable than once thought. different gene orders in marsupials and eutherian mammals leave the ancestral mammalian order in some doubt. we have investigated the mitochondrial gene order in the platypus (ornithorhynchus ...	1994	7932783
wild platypus attack in the antipodes. a case report.	the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a furry duck-billed mammal that inhabits the waterways of eastern australia. the male may reach 60 cm in length with a 20 cm beaver-like tail. we report the case of an american naturalist stung whilst trying to study the male in the wild. this resulted in an intense local reaction. warning signs should therefore be erected at air and sea ports warning tourists of the dangers of these venomous australians.	1994	8014539
innervation of the monotreme gastrointestinal tract: a study of peptide and catecholamine distribution.	the distribution of neurons and endocrine cells containing various peptides or catecholamines was examined in the digestive tracts of the echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus) and the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus). comparisons were made with published studies in other species in order to obtain a broader view of the phylogenetic distribution and possible functions of gut peptides and catecholamines. further comparisons between the echidna and platypus were made in light of their different dieta ...	1993	8103529
evolution of the monotremes. the sequences of the protamine p1 genes of platypus and echidna.	the protamine p1 genes from two monotremes, platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) and echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus) were isolated after polymerase-chain-reaction amplification then cloned and sequenced. the two protamine p1 genes are of 290 bp and 311 bp for platypus and echidna, respectively, and are clearly orthologous to the published sequences of protamine p1 genes of eutherian mammals and birds. both genes contain an intron, like the mammals and marsupials and unlike the bird p1 genes that ...	1993	8269934
mucor amphibiorum infection in platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) from tasmania.	mucor amphibiorum, a fungus previously isolated from frogs and toads, is reported from free-living platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus, from rivers in northern tasmania. this fungus is responsible for the severe ulcerative skin condition originally described by munday and peel (1983). mucor amphibiorum was isolated from dermal lesions on four separate occasions. the gross and histopathological appearance of the fungal lesions were similar to the earlier description. in vivo this fungus develops a ...	1993	8355354
isolation, partial characterisation, and amino acid sequence of alpha-lactalbumin from platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) milk.	alpha-lactalbumin was isolated from the whey fraction of platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) milk by successive ion-exchange, hydrophobic interaction and gel-permeation chromatography. the purified protein modified the action of partially-purified galactosyltransferase from platypus milk to promote the synthesis of lactose, but had very little modifier effect on bovine galactosyltransferase. platypus alpha-lactalbumin has 126 amino-acid residues (molecular mass about 14.3 kda), including a three ...	1993	8431467
hematological changes in the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) following capture.	blood samples were collected from the bill sinus of nine free-living platypuses (ornithorhynehus anatinus) within 12 min of capture of each and again after 1 to 12 hr, new south wales, australia, 1981 to 1988. in seven animals which were not anesthetized, there was a significant (p < 0.01) fall in lymphocyte count between the two samples. the reduction ranged from 10 to 58% of the initial lymphocyte count and caused a significant reduction in the total white cell count (p < 0.05). both the neutr ...	1995	8592361
ultrastructure, number, distribution and innervation of electroreceptors and mechanoreceptors in the bill skin of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.	the platypus is presently the only mammal demonstrated to use electroreception to obtain food. the electroreceptive system of the platypus is far more complex than that of its close relative the echidna. this paper presents an anatomical study of the basis of electroreception in the platypus. the innervation of the bill by the trigeminal nerve is described, as are three sensory structures, associated with food gathering, within the bill skin. there are 40,000 mucous gland electroreceptors found ...	1996	8828862
platypus insulin: indications from the amino acid sequence of significant differences in structure from porcine insulin.	insulin from a monotreme, the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus), was isolated and the amino acid sequence determined. it differs from pig insulin at eleven amino acid sites, mainly on the surface of the monomer. substitutions relative to pig insulin occur in the monomer-monomer interface, the dimer-dimer interface and the receptor binding region. the residues a5 glu, a8 lys and a13 met have not been reported before in any insulin. multiple sequence comparison studies reveal a relatively close ...	1996	8868070
the mitochondrial genome of a monotreme--the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	the complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome of a platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) was determined. its overall genomic organization is similar to that of placental mammals, xenopus laevis, and fishes. however, it contains an apparently noncoding sequence of 88 base pairs located between the genes for trna(leu)(uur) and nd1. the base composition of this sequence and its conservation among monotremes, as well as the existence of a transcript from one of the strands, indicate tha ...	1996	8919867
pharmacological action of australian animal venoms.	1. australia has some of the most venomous fauna in the world. although humans are not usually perceived as being predators against these animals they are often envenomated, accidentally or otherwise. this has led to the development of antivenoms against some of the potentially lethal venoms. however, further understanding of the mechanism(s) of action of these and other venoms is important, not only for developing new treatment strategies but also in the search for novel research tools. 2. the ...	1997	9043799
on the morphology of the brachial plexus of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) and the echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus).	four forelimbs of 3 platypuses and 3 forelimbs of 2 echidnas were examined to study the precise form of the brachial plexus and to clarify the structural characteristics of the brachial plexus in phylogeny. the spinal components contributing to the plexus (c4-t2) and the formation patterns of the 3 trunks of the plexus were the same as those generally observed in mammals. in the cranial half of the brachial plexus from c4, 5 and 6 in monotremes, division into the ventral bundle (lateral cord) an ...	1997	9147230
energetics of swimming by the platypus ornithorhynchus anatinus: metabolic effort associated with rowing.	the metabolism of swimming in the platypus ornithorhynchus anatinus shaw was studied by measurement of oxygen consumption in a recirculating water flume. platypuses swam against a constant water current of 0.45-1.0 ms-1. animals used a rowing stroke and alternated bouts of surface and submerged swimming. metabolic rate remained constant over the range of swimming speeds tested. the cost of transport decreased with increasing velocity to a minimum of 0.51 at 1.0 ms-1. metabolic rate and cost of t ...	1997	9359371
lactose synthesis in a monotreme, the echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus): isolation and amino acid sequence of echidna alpha-lactalbumin.	alpha-lactalbumin and lysozyme were each isolated from echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus) milk by gel permeation and ion exchange chromatography. the alpha-lactalbumin modified the action of echidna milk galactosyltransferase to promote the synthesis of lactose but had very little effect on bovine galactosyltransferase. echidna alpha-lactalbumin is a glycosylated protein with an apparent molecular weight of 20,000 (sds-page) whose concentration in the milk is very low compared with the concentrati ...	1997	9440233
occurrence of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in platypuses (ornithorhynchus anatinus) in tasmania.		1998	9578785
the natriuretic peptide (ovcnp-39) from platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) venom relaxes the isolated rat uterus and promotes oedema and mast cell histamine release.	in this study we characterise the ability of a c-type natriuretic peptide from platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) venom (ovcnp-39) to relax the rat uterus in vitro and we investigate the possibility that ovcnp-39 contributes to the acute effects of envenomation, which include oedema, pain and erythema. we have found that both ovcnp-39 and the endogenous c-type natriuretic peptide, cnp-22, produce oedema in the rat paw and release histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells. two synthetic peptides, ...	1998	9663691
new information about the skull and dentary of the miocene platypus obdurodon dicksoni, and a discussion of ornithorhynchid relationships.	a reconstruction of the skull, dentary and dentition of the middle miocene ornithorhynchid obdurodon dicksoni has been made possible by acquisition of nearly complete cranial and dental material. access to new anatomical work on the living platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus, and the present comparative study of the cranial foramina of ob. dicksoni and or. anatinus have provided new insights into the evolution of the ornithorhynchid skull. the hypertrophied bill in ob. dicksoni is seen here as po ...	1998	9720105
field biology of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus): historical and current perspectives.	the field biology of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus, was first studied by a number of expatriate biologists who visited the australian colonies to collect specimens in the 1800s. their work was followed in the early to mid-1900s by a group of resident natural historians and later by an increasing number of academic biologists. all of these workers contributed significantly to the current understanding of the field biology of this unique australian species. the platypus occupies much the ...	1998	9720106
disease conditions and subclinical infections of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	before the arrival of european settlers in australia, the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus, probably suffered from little disease. among other things, european settlement has involved substantial environmental perturbation, introduction of large predators, introduction of motor vehicles and translocation of potential pathogens. as a result, platypuses are now killed by motor vehicles, dogs, foxes and discarded plastic litter. information programmes targeting appropriate segments of the public ...	1998	9720107
early development and embryology of the platypus.	information on the pre-hatching development of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus, is reliant on a small number of specimens, whose precise age is unknown. material collected for j. p. hill and now housed in the hubrecht international embryological laboratory, utrecht, contributes a major source of specimens. this paper presents new observations on developmental stages from the hill collection, which allow for a more complete description of pre-hatching development. a feature of the pre-embr ...	1998	9720108
the development of the external features of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	the present study describes the post-hatching development of the external features of the platypus. specimens range in age from the day of hatching through to 6 months old, and provide the first comprehensive view of the developmental sequence of these features. various features, those specific to the platypus, those specific to monotremes and those shared with marsupials and eutherians, are described. features specific to the platypus, including the bill and webbing of the forefeet, are seen to ...	1998	9720109
distribution and putative function of autonomic nerve fibres in the bill skin of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	the electroreceptors located in the bill skin of the platypus are modified secretory glands. the electroreceptive nerve terminals form bare endings in close proximity to the duct of these glands. in this study, we describe the autonomic innervation of the glands and a separate specialized autonomic innervation of the epidermal portion of the glandular duct. a range of immunohistochemical labels showed that the gland cells of the electroreceptors have a non-noradrenergic (putative parasympathetic ...	1998	9720112
the development of the electroreceptors of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	a series of developmental stages of the platypus were examined to obtain an anatomical description of the development of the periphery of the electroreceptive system. putative electroreceptors, composed of modified mucous glands, were observed to appear at 10 days post hatching (p.h.). the typical striped arrangement of peripheral electroreceptors in the platypus was seen at 12 days p.h. the arrangement of the stripes was modified during development with a range of additions and divisions of str ...	1998	9720113
sensory receptors in monotremes.	this is a summary of the current knowledge of sensory receptors in skin of the bill of the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus, and the snout of the echidna, tachyglossus aculeatus. brief mention is also made of the third living member of the monotremes, the long-nosed echidna, zaglossus bruijnii. the monotremes are the only group of mammals known to have evolved electroreception. the structures in the skin responsible for the electric sense have been identified as sensory mucous glands with an e ...	1998	9720114
a c-type natriuretic peptide from the venom of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus): structure and pharmacology.	a peptide which relaxes rat uterine smooth muscle and exhibits homology with the mammalian c-type natriuretic peptide (cnp) has previously been identified in platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) venom from its partial n-terminal amino acid sequence. in this study we describe the purification, detailed structure, synthesis and pharmacological characteristics of this peptide, which has been designated ovcnp-39 (ornithorhynchus venom c-type natriuretic peptide). elucidation of the 39-residue amino a ...	1998	9827022
morphology of pyramidal neurones in cytochrome oxidase modules of the s-i bill representation of the platypus.	the primary somatosensory cortex of the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) is characterized by a distinct array of functionally specific cytochrome oxidase (co) modules, forming alternate co-rich and co-poor bands. in the current study, we undertook to establish whether the cellular morphology of layer v pyramidal neurones reflects this modular organization. to this end, we injected neurones with lucifer yellow in 250 microm thick, flat-mounted cortical slices and processed the tissue to reveal ...	1999	9933785
parathyroids and ultimobranchial bodies in monotremes.	only scant information is available in the scientific literature on the parathyroids and ultimobranchial bodies in the primitive mammals, the echidna (tachyglossus aculeatus) and platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus). the major aim of this paper is to describe the morphology of the monotreme parathyroid gland and to compare it with parathyroids in mammals and reptiles. the gross anatomy and light microscopic structure of the ultimobranchial body, thymus, and thyroid are also given. animals were di ...	1999	9972812
a nested pcr for the ssrrna gene detects trypanosoma binneyi in the platypus and trypanosoma sp. in wombats and kangaroos in australia.	trypanosome infections in their natural hosts are frequently difficult to detect by microscopy, and culture methods are unreliable and not suitable for all species of trypanosoma. a nested pcr strategy for detecting and identifying trypanosoma species, suitable for detecting both known and unknown trypanosomes, is presented. thirty-two blood samples from 23 species of australian birds and mammals were screened by a nested pcr for the presence of trypanosoma sp. ssrrna. three infections were dete ...	1999	10221634
sleep in the platypus.	we have conducted the first study of sleep in the platypus ornithorhynchus anatinus. periods of quiet sleep, characterized by raised arousal thresholds, elevated electroencephalogram amplitude and motor and autonomic quiescence, occupied 6-8 h/day. the platypus also had rapid eye movement sleep as defined by atonia with rapid eye movements, twitching and the electrocardiogram pattern of rapid eye movement. however, this state occurred while the electroencephalogram was moderate or high in voltag ...	1999	10336087
characterization of a c-type natriuretic peptide (cnp-39)-formed cation-selective channel from platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) venom.	1. the lipid bilayer technique is used to characterize the biophysical and pharmacological properties of a novel, fast, cation-selective channel formed by incorporating platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) venom (oav) into lipid membranes. 2. a synthetic c-type natriuretic peptide oacnp-39, which is identical to that present in platypus venom, mimics the conductance, kinetics, selectivity and pharmacological properties of the oav-formed fast cation-selective channel. the n-terminal fragment conta ...	1999	10381585
calcium dependence of c-type natriuretic peptide-formed fast k(+) channel.	the lipid bilayer technique was used to characterize the ca(2+) dependence of a fast k(+) channel formed by a synthetic 17-amino acid segment [oacnp-39-(1-17)] of a 39-amino acid c-type natriuretic peptide (oacnp-39) found in platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) venom (oav). the oacnp-39-(1-17)-formed k(+) channel was reversibly dependent on 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-n,n,n',n'-tetraacetic acid-buffered cis (cytoplasmic) ca(2+) concentration ([ca(2+)](cis)). the channel was fully active when [ ...	1999	10409107
isolation of mucor circinelloides from a case of ulcerative mycosis of platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus), and a comparison of the response of mucor circinelloides and mucor amphibiorum to different culture temperatures.	the fungus mucor circinelloides was isolated from a platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) suffering from ulcerative mycosis. on horse blood agar at 20, 25 and 30 degrees c, the fungus formed sphaerule-like bodies, a morphology previously associated with mucor amphibiorum, the species thought to be responsible for the disease in platypus. a biopsy taken from the ulcer was fixed, cut and stained. the sections were compared with sections taken from other platypuses suffering from ulcerative mycosis, ...	1999	10421852
histological and immunohistological investigation of lymphoid tissue in the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).	the gross and histological appearance and the distribution of t and b lymphocytes and plasma cells are described for lymphoid tissues obtained from 15 platypuses. the spleen was bilobed and surrounded by a thick capsule of collagen, elastic fibres and little smooth muscle. white pulp was prominent and included germinal centres and periarterial lymphoid sheaths. red pulp contained haematopoietic tissue. a thin lobulated thymus was located within the mediastinum overlying the heart. the cortex of ...	1999	10529053
a component of platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) venom forms slow-kinetic cation channels.	the lipid bilayer technique is used to examine the biophysical properties of anion and cation channels frequently formed by platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) venom (oav). the oav-formed anion channel in 250/50 mm kcl cis/trans has a maximum conductance of 857 +/- 23 ps (n = 5) in 250/50 mm kcl cis/trans. the current-voltage relationship of this channel shows strong inward rectification. the channel activity undergoes time-dependent inactivation that can be removed by depolarizing voltage steps ...	1999	10552012
maxillary deformity in a wild platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus).		1999	10685173
haematological, serum biochemical and serological features of platypuses with and without mycotic granulomatous dermatitis.	to determine whether there are haematological, serum biochemical and serological differences between platypuses (ornithorhynchus anatinus) with and without granulomatous dermatitis due to mucor amphibiorum infection. an additional objective was to establish reference haematological and serum biochemical ranges for the species in tasmania.	1999	10685184
spermiogenesis and spermiation in a monotreme mammal, the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.	spermatogenesis in the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) is of considerable biological interest as the structure of its gametes more closely resemble that of reptiles and birds than marsupial or eutherian mammals. the ultrastructure of 16 steps of spermatid development is described and provides a basis for determining the kinetics of spermatogenesis. steps 1-3 correspond to the golgi phase of spermatid development, steps 4-8 correspond to the cap phase, steps 9-12 are the acrosomal phase, and ...	2000	10739018
defensin-like peptide-2 from platypus venom: member of a class of peptides with a distinct structural fold.	the venom of the male australian duck-billed platypus contains a family of four polypeptides of appox. 5 kda, which are referred to as defensin-like peptides (dlps). they are unique in that their amino acid sequences have no significant similarities to those of any known peptides; however, the tertiary structure of one of them, dlp-1, has recently been shown to be similar to beta-defensin-12 and to the sodium neurotoxin peptide shi (stichodactyla helianthus neurotoxin i). although dlps are the m ...	2000	10839998
identification and structural analysis of four serine proteases in a monotreme, the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.	to study the emergence of the major subfamilies of serine proteases during vertebrate evolution, we present here the primary structure of four serine proteases expressed in the spleen of a monotreme, the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus. partial cdna clones for four serine proteases were isolated by a pcr-based strategy. this strategy is based on the high level of sequence identity between various members of the large gene family of trypsin-related serine proteases, over two highly conserved r ...	2000	11132153
energetics of terrestrial locomotion of the platypus ornithorhynchus anatinus.	the platypus ornithorhynchus anatinus shaw displays specializations in its limb structure for swimming that could negatively affect its terrestrial locomotion. platypuses walked on a treadmill at speeds of 0.19-1.08 m x s(-1). video recordings were used for gait analysis, and the metabolic rate of terrestrial locomotion was studied by measuring oxygen consumption. platypuses used walking gaits (duty factor >0.50) with a sprawled stance. to limit any potential interference from the extensive webb ...	2001	11171362
venom from the platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus, induces a calcium-dependent current in cultured dorsal root ganglion cells.	the platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus), a uniquely australian species, is one of the few living venomous mammals. although envenomation of humans by many vertebrate and invertebrate species results in pain, this is often not the principal symptom of envenomation. however, platypus envenomation results in an immediate excruciating pain that develops into a very long-lasting hyperalgesia. we have previously shown that the venom contains a c-type natriuretic peptide that causes mast cell degranula ...	2001	11248005
energetics of foraging and locomotion in the platypus ornithorhynchus anatinus.	we measured the energy requirements of platypuses foraging, diving and resting in a swim tank using flow-through respirometry. also, walking metabolic rates were obtained from platypuses walking on a conventional treadmill. energy requirements while foraging were found to depend on water temperature, body weight and dive duration and averaged 8.48 w kg(-1). rates for subsurface swimming averaged 6.71 w kg(-1). minimal cost of transport for subsurface swimming platypuses was 1.85 j n(-1)m(-1) at ...	2001	11585262
phylogenetic relationships of trypanosoma chelodina and trypanosoma binneyi from australian tortoises and platypuses inferred from small subunit rrna analyses.	trypanosome infections are often difficult to detect by conventional microscopy and their pleomorphy often confounds differential diagnosis. molecular techniques are now being used to diagnose infections and to determine phylogenetic relationships between species. complete small subunit rrna gene sequences were determined for isolates of trypanosoma chelodina from the brisbane river tortoise (emydura signata), the saw-shelled tortoise (elseya latisternum), and the eastern snake-necked tortoise ( ...	2001	11719959
phylogenetic analysis of 18s rrna and the mitochondrial genomes of the wombat, vombatus ursinus, and the spiny anteater, tachyglossus aculeatus: increased support for the marsupionta hypothesis.	the monotremes, the duck-billed platypus and the echidnas, are characterized by a number of unique morphological characteristics, which have led to the common belief that they represent the living survivors of an ancestral stock of mammals. analysis of new data from the complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of a second monotreme, the spiny anteater, and another marsupial, the wombat, yielded clear support for the marsupionta hypothesis. according to this hypothesis marsupials are more closely rela ...	2002	11734900
heavy chain v region diversity in the duck-billed platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus): long and highly variable complementarity-determining region 3 compensates for limited germline diversity.	in this work, to study the emergence of the h chain v region repertoire during mammalian evolution, we present an analysis of 25 independent h chain v regions from a monotreme, the australian duck-billed platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus. all the sequences analyzed were found to form a single branch within the clan iii of mammalian v region sequences in a distance tree. however, compared with a classical v gene family this branch was more diversified in sequence. sequence analysis indicates tha ...	2002	11994470
variations in residues of persistent organic pollutants in a platypus (ornythorhynchus anatinus) at consecutive samplings.		2002	12074313
serological responses against the pathogenic dimorphic fungus mucor amphibiorum in populations of platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) with and without ulcerative mycotic dermatitis.	mucor amphibiorum, a dimorphic fungus, causes ulcerative dermatitis and systemic infections in the platypus ornithorhynchus anatinus in some river systems in tasmania but apparently not in other regions of australia. as yet there are no suitable tests for population surveys, nor for detection of internal lesions in live animals. consequently, immunoglobulins were purified from the serum of platypuses and anti-immunoglobulin antisera were prepared in rabbits in order to develop an enzyme-linked i ...	2002	12079747
d-amino acid residue in the c-type natriuretic peptide from the venom of the mammal, ornithorhynchus anatinus, the australian platypus.	the c-type natriuretic peptide from the platypus venom (ovcnp) exists in two forms, ovcnpa and ovcnpb, whose amino acid sequences are identical. through the use of nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and peptidase digestion studies, we discovered that ovcnpb incorporates a d-amino acid at position 2 in the primary structure. peptides containing a d-amino acid have been found in lower forms of organism, but this report is the first for a d-amino acid in a biologically active peptide fr ...	2002	12135762
evidence for an early appearance of modern post-switch immunoglobulin isotypes in mammalian evolution (ii); cloning of ige, igg1 and igg2 from a monotreme, the duck-billed platypus, ornithorhynchus anatinus.	to trace the emergence of the modern post-switch immunoglobulin (ig) isotypes in vertebrate evolution we have studied ig expression in mammals distantly related to eutherians. we here present an analysis of the ig expression in an egg-laying mammal, a monotreme, the duck-billed platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus). fragments of platypus igg and ige cdna were obtained by a pcr-based screening using degenerate primers. the fragments obtained were used as probes to isolate full-length cdna clones of ...	2002	12209626
the major histocompatibility complex in monotremes: an analysis of the evolution of mhc class i genes across all three mammalian subclasses.	we report the isolation and characterization of cdna clones of expressed, functional major histocompatibility complex class-i ( mhc-i) genes from two species of monotremes: the duck-billed platypus and the short-beaked echidna. the cdna clones were isolated from libraries constructed from spleen rna, clearly establishing their expression in at least this one peripheral lymphoid organ. from the presence of conserved amino acid residues, it appears the expressed sequences encode molecules that lik ...	2002	12242589