1. Location of Pheromone Production and / or Expression in Red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis)
By: Molly Geranio
June 2016

2. Abstract Pheromone communication in vertebrates -not much is known
Collected red-sided garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis
-top three layers of epidermis studied throughout hibernation
Statistically significant decrease in thickness of beta keratin layer

3. beta keratin
alpha keratin
stratum germinativum

4. Why snakes?
Scientifically: red-sided garter snakes are great for studying pheromones
lots of them available
pheromones are distinct
Personally: I think snakes are super awesome and adorable
they are cute
they are cuddly

5. Materials and methods
50 adult female red-sided garter snakes collected
-Manitoba, Canada
Placed in 5 groups: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 16 weeks, spring emergence
Tissue prepped, stained, and imaged
Statistical analysis run to compare groups

6. Results Beta keratin layer comparison
-Statistically significant difference in thickness across all time periods throughout hibernation

7. Results Beta keratin layer regression analysis
-Statistically significant decrease in thickness throughout hibernation

8. Results
Alpha keratin layer comparison
- Not statistically significant

9. Results Alpha keratin layer regression analysis
- Not statistically significant

10. Results Stratum germinativum layer comparison
- Not statistically significant

11. Results Stratum germinativum layer regression analysis
- Not statistically significant

12. Discussion Alpha keratin and stratum germinativum
-may be involved but irrelevant to changes in thickness
Beta keratin layer
-only layer with statistically significant changes in thickness
-less beta keratin could mean increased permeability
-pheromones may be able to reach surface more easily

13. acknowledgements Dr. Michael LeMaster, Thesis Adviser
Dr. Gavin Keulks, Honors Program Director
My parents

14. references
the-Perfect-Comic-Characters/
champagne-ball-python/
snoot/