Electrocardiographic changes induced by temperature variations in newly hatched Aperema (Rhinoclemmys punctularia, Daudin, 1801)

Electrocardiographic changes induced by temperature variations in newly hatched Aperema (Rhinoclemmys punctularia, Daudin, 1801)

IntroductionAperema (Rhinoclemmys punctularia) is a South American semi-aquatic freshwater turtle characterized by a highly curved, dark brown to black carapace and is distributed across Central and South America. Climate change affects freshwater turtles in a number of ways, including temperature,...

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Main Authors: Deise de Lima Cardoso, Brenda Stefany dos Santos Braga, Daniella Bastos de Araújo, Clarissa Araújo da Paz, Luciana Eiró-Quirino, Thaysa de Sousa Reis, Luana Vasconcelos de Souza, Rayllan da Cunha Ferreira, Gabriela Brito Barbosa, Raíssa Vieira de Souza, Yris da Silva Deiga, Maria Klara Otake Hamoy, Diva Anelie de Araújo Guimarães, Moisés Hamoy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Subjects:
reptiles
heart rate
temperature
freshwater turtle
Aperema
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1516112/full
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Summary:IntroductionAperema (Rhinoclemmys punctularia) is a South American semi-aquatic freshwater turtle characterized by a highly curved, dark brown to black carapace and is distributed across Central and South America. Climate change affects freshwater turtles in a number of ways, including temperature, hatchling sex, and survival.MethodsTherefore, we analyzed temperature variations in these turtles through electrocardiographic recordings, since studies on temperature variations in R. punctularia are limited.Results and discussionElectrocardiography (ECG) is a highly relevant diagnostic tool as it allows for precise assessments of cardiac events and is non-invasive. The development of non-invasive ECG measurement methods is crucial for evaluating and maintaining the health of chelonian individuals during veterinary treatment or experimental procedure. Our findings revealed that heart rate is temperature-dependent, showing that lower environmental temperatures result in decreased heart rates. Therefore, we demonstrated through the electrocardiographic patterns observed during the experiment that a reduction in the ambient temperature to which Rhinoclemmys punctularia are exposed can modulate the conductivity and automaticity of cardiac cells, subsequently leading to a decrease in heart rate.
ISSN:2297-1769

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