Effects of ultraviolet radiation on plasma
25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations in corn
snakes (Elaphe guttata)

Mark J. Acierno, MBA, DVM; Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, PhD; Trevor T. Zachariah, DVM;
Marlana K. Roundtree; Megan S. Kirchgessner, DVM; David Sanchez-Migallon Guzman, Lic en Vit

Objective—To determine whether corn snakes exposed to UVB radiation have increased
plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations, compared with control snakes.

Animals—12 corn snakes (Elaphe guttata).

Procedures—After an acclimation period in individual enclosures, a blood sample was collected
from each snake for assessment of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration.
Six snakes were provided with no supplemental lighting, and 6 snakes were exposed to
light from 2 full-spectrum coil bulbs. By use of a radiometer-photometer, the UVA and UVB
radiation generated by the bulbs were measured in each light-treated enclosure at 3 positions
at the basking surface and at 2.54 cm (1 inch) below each bulb surface; the arithmetic
mean values for the 3 positions at the basking surface and each individual bulb surface
were calculated immediately after the start of the study and at weekly intervals thereafter.
At the end of the study (day 28), another blood sample was collected from each snake to
determine plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration.

Results—Mean ± SD plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in snakes that were
provided with supplemental lighting (196 ± 16.73 nmol/L) differed significantly from the
value in control snakes (57.17 ± 15.28 nmol/L). Mean exposure to UVA or UVB did not alter
during the 4-week study period, although the amount of UVA recorded near the bulb surfaces
did change significantly.

Clinical Relevance—These findings have provided important insight into the appropriate
UV radiation requirements for corn snakes. Further investigation will be needed before exact
husbandry requirements can be determined. (Am J Vet Res 2008;69:294–297)
http://vetmed.illinois.edu/mmitch/pdf/corn%20snake.pdf



I'll just leave this here. Do with it what you want.