title: Vascular contrast enhanced micro-CT imaging of "radiators" in the Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis).
abstract: The Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) exhibits a highly vascularized, hairless thermal window (or "radiator") on the proximal ventral surfaces of extended wings and body. We identified this character using thermal infrared imaging and investigated the vasculature using barium sulfate enhanced microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Micro-CT images revealed unique arrangements of arteries and veins in the region of the radiator positioned perpendicular to the axis of the body. Coupling micro-CT imaging with analysis of surface temperature profiles, we concluded that radiators aid in thermoregulation during flight in variable environments. This study represents the first application of contrast enhanced micro-CT to visualize vasculature of bats and thus exhibits a promising technique for further investigations of cardiovascular function and anatomy in bats.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Reichard
authors.forename: Thomas H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Kunz
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Keller
authors.forename: Suresh I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Prajapati
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D001938:Brazil; D002685:Chiroptera / Q000502:physiology*; D003287:Contrast Media; D014921:Wings, Animal / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media