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Fanjul MS, Cutrera AP, Luna F, Zenuto RR. Individual differences in behaviour are related to metabolism, stress response, testosterone, and immunity in the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum. Behav Processes 2023; 212:104945. [PMID: 37775063 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The growth of personality research has led to the integration of consistent variation of individual behaviour in multidimensional approaches including physiological variables, which are required to continue building a more comprehensive theory about coping strategies. In this study, we used wild-caught males of Ctenomys talarum (tuco-tucos), a solitary subterranean rodent, to assess the relationships among personality traits and several physiological variables, namely stress response, testosterone, immunity, and energy metabolism. Subjects (n = 21) were used in experimental tests assessing behaviour, energy metabolism, testosterone levels, inflammatory cell-mediated and humoral immunity, and stress response to a simulated predator attack. The structural equation model explained a moderate portion of the variance of personality behaviours related to activity (52%), boldness (35%), and socioaversion (30%). More active and bold individuals showed higher oxygen consumption. While those subjects had lower baseline cortisol levels, there was no relationship between cortisol levels of the stress-induced response. Cell-mediated immune response was related to activity levels. Finally, testosterone only affected boldness. Despite some of these relationships diverge in direction to predicted ones, overall they support the existence of coping styles in male C. talarum; and are discussed in the light of current hypotheses and particular behavioural and ecological traits of tuco-tucos.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Sol Fanjul
- Grupo "Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento", Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Ana Paula Cutrera
- Grupo "Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento", Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Facundo Luna
- Grupo "Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento", Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Roxana Rita Zenuto
- Grupo "Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento", Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina.
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Saylan Y, Denizli A. Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Microfluidic Systems for Point-of-Care Applications. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10110766. [PMID: 31717964 PMCID: PMC6915378 DOI: 10.3390/mi10110766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Fast progress has been witnessed in the field of microfluidic systems and allowed outstanding approaches to portable, disposable, low-cost, and easy-to-operate platforms especially for monitoring health status and point-of-care applications. For this purpose, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based microfluidics systems can be synthesized using desired templates to create specific and selective cavities for interaction. This technique guarantees a wide range of versatility to imprint diverse sets of biomolecules with different structures, sizes, and physical and chemical features. Owing to their physical and chemical robustness, cost-friendliness, high stability, and reusability, MIP-based microfluidics systems have become very attractive modalities. This review is structured according to the principles of MIPs and microfluidic systems, the integration of MIPs with microfluidic systems, the latest strategies and uses for point-of-care applications and, finally, conclusions and future perspectives.
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Vera F, Antenucci CD, Zenuto RR. Different regulation of cortisol and corticosterone in the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum: Responses to dexamethasone, angiotensin II, potassium, and diet. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:108-117. [PMID: 29782839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
When harmful environmental stimuli occur, glucocorticoids (GCs), cortisol and corticosterone are currently used to evaluate stress status in vertebrates, since their secretions are primarily associated to an increased activity of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis. To advance in our comprehension about GCs regulation, we evaluated the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum to assess cortisol and corticosterone response to (1) the negative feedback of the HPA axis using the dexamethasone (DEX) suppression test, (2) angiotensin II (Ang II), (3) potassium (K+) intake, and (4) different diets (vegetables, grasses, acute fasting). Concomitantly, several indicators of individual condition (body mass, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, blood glucose, triglycerides and hematocrit) were measured for diet treatments. Results confirm the effect of DEX on cortisol and corticosterone in recently captured animals in the field but not on corticosterone in captive animals. Data suggest that Ang II is capable of stimulating corticosterone, but not cortisol, secretion. Neither cortisol nor corticosterone were responsive to K+ intake. Cortisol levels increased in animals fed with grasses in comparison to those fed with vegetables while corticosterone levels were unaffected by diet type. Moreover, only cortisol responded to fasting. Overall, these results confirm that cortisol and corticosterone are not interchangeable hormones in C. talarum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Vera
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - C Daniel Antenucci
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Roxana R Zenuto
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Kellens E, Bové H, Vandenryt T, Lambrichts J, Dekens J, Drijkoningen S, D'Haen J, Ceuninck WD, Thoelen R, Junkers T, Haenen K, Ethirajan A. Micro-patterned molecularly imprinted polymer structures on functionalized diamond-coated substrates for testosterone detection. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 118:58-65. [PMID: 30056301 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can selectively bind target molecules and can therefore be advantageously used as a low-cost and robust alternative to replace fragile and expensive natural receptors. Yet, one major challenge in using MIPs for sensor development is the lack of simple and cost-effective techniques that allow firm fixation as well as controllable and consistent receptor material distribution on the sensor substrate. In this work, a convenient method is presented wherein microfluidic systems in conjunction with in situ photo-polymerization on functionalized diamond substrates are used. This novel strategy is simple, efficient, low-cost and less time consuming. Moreover, the approach ensures a tunable and consistent MIP material amount and distribution between different sensor substrates and thus a controllable active sensing surface. The obtained patterned MIP structures are successfully tested as a selective sensor platform to detect physiological concentrations of the hormone disruptor testosterone in buffer, urine and saliva using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The highest added testosterone concentration (500 nM) in buffer resulted in an impedance signal of 10.03 ± 0.19% and the lowest concentration (0.5 nM) led to a measurable signal of 1.8 ± 0.15% for the MIPs. With a detection limit of 0.5 nM, the MIP signals exhibited good linearity between a 0.5 nM and 20 nM concentration range. Apart from the excellent and selective recognition offered by these MIP structures, they are also stable during and after the dynamic sensor measurements. Additionally, the MIPs can be easily regenerated by a simple washing procedure and are successfully tested for their reusability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Kellens
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; IMOMEC, IMEC vzw, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Bové
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Thijs Vandenryt
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; IMOMEC, IMEC vzw, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Lambrichts
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; IMOMEC, IMEC vzw, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jolien Dekens
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sien Drijkoningen
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; IMOMEC, IMEC vzw, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jan D'Haen
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; IMOMEC, IMEC vzw, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ward De Ceuninck
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; IMOMEC, IMEC vzw, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ronald Thoelen
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; IMOMEC, IMEC vzw, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tanja Junkers
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ken Haenen
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; IMOMEC, IMEC vzw, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Anitha Ethirajan
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1 and Agoralaan D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; IMOMEC, IMEC vzw, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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Boonstra R, Dušek A, Lane JE, Boutin S. When the ball is in the female's court: How the scramble-competition mating system of the North American red squirrel has shaped male physiology and testosterone dynamics. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017. [PMID: 28648995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Male reproductive success in most mammals is determined by their success in direct inter-male competition through aggression and conflict, resulting in female-defense mating systems being predominant. This is linked to male testosterone levels and its dynamics. However, in certain environments, a scramble-competition mating system has evolved, where female reproductive behavior takes precedence and male testosterone dynamics are unlikely to be related to inter-male competition. We studied the North American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), a species with a well-established scramble-competition system. Using an ACTH hormonal challenge protocol as a proxy for competitive interactions, we compared the testosterone dynamics in breeding males in late winter with that in nonbreeding males in late spring in the Yukon. To gain an integrated picture of their physiological state, we also assessed changes in their stress response, body mass, energy mobilization, and indices of immune function. Testosterone levels at the base bleed were high in breeding males (2.72ng/mL) and virtually absent in non-breeding males (0.04ng/mL). Breeding males were in better condition (heavier body mass, higher hematocrit, and higher erythrocytes), had higher indices of immune function (neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio), but a similar ability to mobilize energy (glucose) compared with non-breeding males. Though total cortisol was higher in non-breeding males, free cortisol was twice as high in breeding males as their corticosteroid binding globulin levels were half as high. In response to the ACTH challenge, testosterone levels in breeding males declined 49% over the first hour and increased 36% over the next hour; in non-breeding males levels showed no change. Free cortisol increased only modestly (26% in breeding males; 23% in non-breeding males). Glucose levels changed similarly in breeding and nonbreeding males, declining for the first 30min and then increasing for the next 60min. Thus, testosterone and components of the stress axis function in a profoundly different manner in male red squirrels than in males of mammals with female-defense mating systems. There are four probable interrelated reasons for these adaptations in male red squirrels: the marginal benefits of each mating, the constraints of mate searching away from their own resource-based territories, energy mobilization in a harsh environment, and a long life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudy Boonstra
- Centre for the Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada.
| | - Adam Dušek
- Centre for the Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Praha CZ-104 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jeffrey E Lane
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Stan Boutin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
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Fanjul MS, Zenuto RR. Female choice, male dominance and condition-related traits in the polygynous subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum. Behav Processes 2017; 142:46-55. [PMID: 28591643 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ctenomys talarum is a solitary and highly territorial species in which dominant males aggressively deter other males and monopolize reproductive activity. Female preference for dominant males is not easy to assess due to coercive mating by males. Hence, we aimed to answer if behavioural dominance and several condition-related traits like testosterone and cortisol levels, endoparasite load, and hematocrit volume may affect female preference when they have the opportunity to exert it. We designed a laboratory experiment using wild-caught C. talarum and employed a combined approach involving behavioural observations and the measurements of parameters of physical condition. We staged dyadic encounters between males to determine dominance index and then analyzed female preference towards tethered males (n=15) or their odours (n=18). Male dominance did not affect female preferences when odours were presented. When two tethered males were offered, females preferred those with higher dominance index. Preference of females for dominant males would mainly represent indirect benefits. Females did not show preference for males in relation to any physiological trait evaluated. Dominance was found negatively related to cortisol levels, probably avoiding the glucocorticoids-related costs, and positively related to parasite diversity, since they could tolerate it without impairing their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Fanjul
- Grupo 'Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento', Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Box 1260, CP 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - R R Zenuto
- Grupo 'Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento', Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Box 1260, CP 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
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Vera F, Zenuto RR, Antenucci CD. Seasonal variations in plasma cortisol, testosterone, progesterone and leukocyte profiles in a wild population of tuco-tucos. J Zool (1987) 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2012.00967.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Cutrera AP, Fanjul MS, Zenuto RR. Females prefer good genes: MHC-associated mate choice in wild and captive tuco-tucos. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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