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Watts HE, Jimenez D, Pacheco V, Vilgalys TP. Effects of temperature on the timing of breeding and molt transitions in house finches. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.185058. [PMID: 30104303 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.185058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Temperature-correlated shifts in reproductive timing are now well documented in numerous bird species. However, whether temperature directly influences reproductive timing or whether its effects are mediated by an intermediate environmental cue, such as plant phenology, remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the direct effects of temperature on reproductive timing in house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), which have a range and breeding diet not well represented in previous studies of temperature and reproductive timing. We conducted experiments with captive male house finches in which temperature was elevated within realistic ranges and the effects on the timing of preparations for reproduction, as well as on the termination of reproduction and the onset of prebasic feather molt, were examined. We found no adjustments in the timing of reproductive preparations of males in direct response to temperature. However, elevated temperature did advance the breeding-molt transition. Our results suggest that elevated temperatures in the range tested here do not directly impact physiological preparations for reproduction in male house finches, but may constrain the timing of the breeding-molt transition in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Watts
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA .,Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
| | - Daniela Jimenez
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
| | - Veronica Pacheco
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
| | - Tauras P Vilgalys
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
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2
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Goutte A, Angelier F, Chastel CC, Trouvé C, Moe B, Bech C, Gabrielsen GW, Chastel O. Stress and the timing of breeding: glucocorticoid-luteinizing hormones relationships in an arctic seabird. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 169:108-16. [PMID: 20688061 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2010] [Revised: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In birds, stressful environmental conditions delay the timing of breeding but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The stress hormone corticosterone appears to be a good candidate for mediating the decision to breed and when to start egg-laying, via a possible inhibition of luteinizing hormone (LH) and sex-steroids production. We used luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) challenge in pre-laying male and female Black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) to test whether LH and testosterone secretion were depressed by elevated corticosterone levels. Females bearing high baseline corticosterone levels showed reduced baseline LH levels and a low ability to release LH, following LHRH challenge. Further, females bearing low baseline LH levels and elevated baseline corticosterone levels were more likely to skip breeding. However, non-breeding females were physiologically primed for breeding, since they mounted high LHRH-induced LH release. Egg-laying date was advanced in good body condition females but was unaffected by hormones secretion. In males, corticosterone levels had no effect on LH and/or testosterone secretion and did not affect their decision to breed. Interestingly, males with high LHRH-induced testosterone release bred early. Our study highlights clear sex-differences in the HPG sensitivity to stress hormones in pre-laying kittiwakes. Because females have to store body reserves and to build up the clutch, they would be more sensitive to stress than males. Moreover, intrasexual competition could force male kittiwakes to acquire reproductive readiness earlier in the season than females and to better resist environmental perturbations. We suggest that high testosterone releasing ability would mediate behavioural adjustments such as courtship feeding, which would stimulate early egg-laying in females.
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Leboucher G, Depraz V, Kreutzer M, Nagle L. Male Song Stimulation of Female Reproduction in Canaries: Features Relevant to Sexual Displays are not Relevant to Nest-building or Egg-laying. Ethology 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.1998.tb00096.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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4
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Schoech SJ, Rensel MA, Bridge ES, Boughton RK, Wilcoxen TE. Environment, glucocorticoids, and the timing of reproduction. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 163:201-7. [PMID: 18938168 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2008] [Revised: 09/10/2008] [Accepted: 09/26/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids mediate glucose availability under stressful and non-stressful conditions and, therefore, are essential for life. However, data across taxa demonstrate that chronic or elevated secretion of corticosterone or cortisol (CORT) can have negative effects at many levels and can trigger physiological or behavioral responses that may delay or, even halt reproduction. We present a brief overview of the effects that glucocorticoids, primarily the avian form, corticosterone, can have on the reproductive axis. Considerable data have demonstrated that environmental perturbations can result in elevated CORT levels that alter a bird's investment in current reproduction. Studies in our laboratory have shown a link between CORT and timing of reproduction in Florida scrub-jays: in "bad" years, clutch initiation dates are positively correlated with baseline CORT levels of female breeders. Also, population-level differences in CORT levels may explain timing of reproduction as lower CORT levels in suburban-dwelling jays are coupled with early breeding. Most research on stress and CORT concentrates on transient effects of CORT secretion. However, developmental CORT exposure, either from the yolk or embryo, may have long-term effects upon adult phenotype. For example, CORT levels in nestling scrub-jays predicts later 'personality,' as levels were highly correlated (r(2)=0.84) with fearfulness at 7 months of age. One can imagine that such 'personality' traits might also translate into differential success in gaining a territory or a mate. While speculative, it may be that early CORT exposure effectively programs adult behaviors that have wide ranging effects, including upon reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan J Schoech
- Department of Biology, University of Memphis, 3774 Walker Avenue, Memphis, TN 38152, USA.
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5
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Wingfield JC. Influences of weather on reproductive function in male Song sparrows, Melospiza melodia. J Zool (1987) 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1985.tb03542.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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6
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Wingfield JC. Influences of weather on reproductive function in female Song sparrows, Melospiza melodia. J Zool (1987) 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1985.tb03543.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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7
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Schoech SJ, Bowman R, Bridge ES, Boughton RK. Baseline and acute levels of corticosterone in Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens): effects of food supplementation, suburban habitat, and year. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2007; 154:150-60. [PMID: 17624348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2007.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2006] [Revised: 05/15/2007] [Accepted: 05/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent work has shown that Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) living in suburban habitats, as well as birds that reside in a natural habitat (hereafter referred to as wildland birds) provided supplemental food during the pre-breeding period, have lower baseline corticosterone (CORT) levels than nonsupplemented wildland birds, suggesting that predictable and abundant foods can lower stress levels. Here, we investigate whether the acute CORT response to capture stress reflects our earlier findings. During the pre-breeding seasons in 2004 and 2005 we captured over 200 Florida Scrub-Jays and collected four blood samples from each bird over a 30 min time period. We compared hormonal and morphometric data from birds in four treatment groups: wildland birds that were provided with supplemental food during the pre-breeding period, wildland birds that were provided with supplemental food during the winter and pre-breeding period, nonsupplemented wildland birds, and suburban birds that effectively have access to ad libitum human-source food year-round. Suburban birds had lower baseline levels, and a more acute initial CORT response (i.e., rate of increase) than wildland birds, but we did not observe any differences among the treatment groups of wildland birds. Baseline CORT concentrations were unusually low across treatments in 2005, a year that was characterized by increased adult body mass, superior body condition, and a high fledgling success rate, all of which suggest favorable environmental conditions. Thus, abundant or more reliable food sources in 2005 may have overwhelmed any potential benefits of supplemental feeding and explain the absence of any strong experimental effects on CORT for that year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan J Schoech
- University of Memphis, Department of Biology, Memphis, TN 38152, USA.
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8
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Schoech SJ, Bowman R, Reynolds SJ. Food supplementation and possible mechanisms underlying early breeding in the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens). Horm Behav 2004; 46:565-73. [PMID: 15555498 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2004.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2003] [Revised: 03/17/2004] [Accepted: 06/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Food supplementation studies demonstrate the importance of resources in the timing of reproduction. Studies of Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) found that supplemented jays bred earlier than unsupplemented jays and that protein may play a critical role. In this study, free-living scrub-jays were provided with supplemental diets high in fat and protein (HFHP) or high in fat and low in protein (HFLP). Jays in both treatments bred earlier than unsupplemented controls (CNT), but HFHP-supplemented jays bred earlier than HFLP jays. To assess possible mechanisms, we measured testosterone (T) in males, estradiol (E2) in females, and corticosterone (CORT) in both. HFHP males had higher T than HFLP and CNT males, but treatment did not affect E2 levels of females. Pilot studies of scrub-jays in suburban environments suggest that the spatial and temporal predictability of food may influence corticosterone (CORT) levels. Suburban jays have year-round access to human-provided foods and breed earlier than wildland jays; thus, we compared CORT in all treatments in the natural site (wildlands) with those of suburban jays. CORT levels of suburban jays were lower than HFLP, HFHP, and CNT jays. HFHP-supplemented jays had lower CORT levels than those of HFLP and CNT jays. The observed differences in the timing of breeding, both between suburban and wildland populations and between experimental groups in the wildlands, may result from differences in the spatial and temporal predictability of food, and the nutritional differences in diets. Because CORT can negatively affect the reproductive axis, we postulate that nutrient availability, the predictability of food, CORT levels, and initiation of reproduction are inextricably linked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan J Schoech
- Department of Biology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA.
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9
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Wrogemann D, Zimmermann E. Aspects of reproduction in the eastern rufous mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus) and their implications for captive management. Zoo Biol 2001. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.1017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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10
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Deviche P, Wingfield JC, Sharp PJ. Year-class differences in the reproductive system, plasma prolactin and corticosterone concentrations, and onset of prebasic molt in male dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) during the breeding period. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2000; 118:425-35. [PMID: 10843794 DOI: 10.1006/gcen.2000.7478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Year-class differences in reproductive function were investigated in a free-living population of adult male Dark-eyed Juncos, Junco hyemalis, breeding in interior Alaska. Second-year males (SY, entering their first breeding season) were compared with after-second-year males (ASY, entering at least their second breeding season). We measured body mass, size of the cloacal protuberance (CP), testis mass, onset of prebasic molt, and concentrations of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), corticosterone (CORT), and prolactin (PRL) throughout the reproductive season (April to mid-July). There were no differences in SY and ASY body weights but SY males had smaller CPs and testis masses than ASY males during gonadal recrudescence and at the end of the breeding season. Plasma LH was elevated from April until mid-June and then decreased in the same way in both year classes. In contrast, plasma T was high from April until mid-May and was lower in SY than in ASY juncos shortly after they arrived on their breeding grounds at the end of April, but not at other times. In July, SY males started to molt earlier, suggesting that they became photorefractory earlier than ASY males. Plasma PRL increased progressively in both year classes between April and early June and decreased in early July. At this time, plasma PRL decreased earlier in SY than in ASY males. Plasma CORT changed seasonally, but did not differ between SY and ASY juncos. Thus, year-class differences in CP sizes and testis mass apparently did not result from SY males secreting less LH or more PRL or CORT than ASY males. It is suggested that differences in reproductive condition in SY and ASY juncos are mediated by interactions with conspecific birds and do not result from an intrinsic effect of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Deviche
- Department of Biology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-1501, USA.
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Silverin B, Kikuchi M, Ishii S. Seasonal changes in follicle-stimulating hormone in free-living great tits. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1997; 108:366-73. [PMID: 9405113 DOI: 10.1006/gcen.1997.6980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We describe the annual cycle in plasma levels of FSH in free-living male and female great tits from southwest Sweden. Both juvenile (here defined as first-time breeders or birds <1 year old) and adult great tits, of both sexes, showed clear annual cycles with three periods of elevated FSH levels: period from territorial establishment till end of breeding (mid-March to June), October (a time when the birds break photorefractoriness), and winter (January-February). Significant differences between ages and between sexes occurred only during March and April (period of territorial establishment and gonadal recrudescens). Male FSH levels increased significantly as early as between early February and early March. Levels continued to increase until mid-April when maximal values had been reached in paired males. Territorial, but unpaired, males had significantly lower plasma levels of FSH in mid-April than did territorial and paired males. After this, FSH levels did not change until levels had decreased to basal in early July. On average, females did not show a vernal increase in FSH levels until early/mid April. However, just as in males, female FSH levels were dependent upon whether she was paired or unpaired. Females having a mate in mid-April had significantly higher FSH levels than did single females. Contrary to the males, females showed a transitory FSH peak during egg-laying. Females showed no differences between other breeding stages, until basal levels were reached during incubation of the second clutch in July. Adult birds (of both sexes) had significantly higher plasma levels of FSH than juvenile birds of the same sex during the period March-April. Furthermore, during this period adult males continually had higher FSH levels than did adult females, and juvenile males continually had higher levels than did juvenile females. In all groups a second period of elevated FSH levels occurred during early October, a time when the great tits break photorefractoriness. All groups showed basal levels during November and December. By January all four groups had increased their circulating levels of FSH to moderately high. This elevated level was maintained during February and was at the same level as that observed in October.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Silverin
- Department of Zoology, University of Göteborg, Medicinargatan 18, Göteborg, S-413 90, Sweden
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12
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Sorenson LG, Nolan PM, Brown AM, Derrickson SR, Monfort SL. Hormonal dynamics during mate choice in the northern pintail: a test of the 'challenge' hypothesis. Anim Behav 1997; 54:1117-33. [PMID: 9398367 DOI: 10.1006/anbe.1997.0554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In previous mate choice experiments, we found no relationship between dominance rank and pairing success in male northern pintails, Anas acutaOnce chosen by a female, however, males became aggressive, initiated fights with higher-ranked males and quickly established dominance. In the present study, we tested a variation of the 'challenge' hypothesis, that the behavioural stimuli associated with acquiring and defending a mate induce an increase in testosterone level, which in turn facilitates aggressive behaviours required for males to establish dominance. We measured plasma hormone levels (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, luteinizing hormone and corticosterone) before and after mate choice in two experiments in which males competed for a single female (experiments 1 and 2) and in a control experiment in which no female was introduced (experiment 3). We used groups of either three adult males (experiment 1) or one adult and two yearling males (experiments 2 and 3). Contrary to expectation, in experiment 1, plasma levels of corticosterone increased significantly and testosterone levels decreased in chosen males following mate choice. The magnitude of change in corticosterone was positively correlated with the rate of aggression by males. Chosen adult males in experiment 2 showed similar patterns of hormone change (corticosterone increase and testosterone decrease), although not all changes were significant. Hormone levels of unchosen yearlings in experiment 2 and control adults and yearlings in experiment 3 showed no changes. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that behavioural stimuli associated with successful pair formation induce a transitory increase in circulating levels of corticosterone, which in turn mediates the behavioural response of increased aggression leading to the establishment of dominance following mate choice. A short-term increase in corticosterone may be adaptive in this situation because it would mobilize energy stores needed by the male to defend the new pair bond and establish dominance.Copyright 1997 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour1997The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
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Affiliation(s)
- LG Sorenson
- Smithsonian Institution, Conservation and Research Center, U.S. National Zoological Park
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13
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Wingfield JC, Hahn TP, Levin R, Honey P. Environmental predictability and control of gonadal cycles in birds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1992. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402610212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Chaturvedi CM, Suresh PK. Effects of corticosterone, metapyrone, and ACTH on testicular function at different stages of the breeding cycle in migratory redheaded bunting, Emberiza bruniceps. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1990; 78:1-11. [PMID: 2158919 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(90)90041-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
To study the seasonal reproductive responses, corticosterone (0.2 and 2 micrograms/day), metapyrone (0.6 mg/day), and ACTH (0.25 IU/day) were administered in male redheaded bunting, Emberiza bruniceps, during different phases of the annual gonadal cycle. All of the three treatments inhibited gonadal growth during the preparatory phase, suggesting that during the early stage of annual gonadal growth, an optimum level of the hormones of pituitary-adrenal axis is essential. In the progressive and breeding phase, while corticosterone administration had no effect, metapyrone inhibited the annual gonadal development, suggesting the necessity of increasing or increased adrenal steroid hormone during this phase. In the regressive phase, while corticosterone enhanced the rate of gonadal regression, metapyrone treatment did not allow the gonad to regress. Further, ACTH administration induced full breeding condition in the regressing gonad. It is suggested that while a higher level of adrenal steroids and a low ACTH (by exogenous corticosterone) may enhance the testicular regression, moderate levels of ACTH (caused by exogenous metapyrone) did not allow regression and increased ACTH levels (by exogenous ACTH) caused full development of the regressing gonad. Thus the sensitivity of the neuroendocrine-gonadal axis not only varies in response to photoperiod, but the reproductive system also responds differently to pharmacological administration of the above three hormones and drugs during different phases of the breeding cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Chaturvedi
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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15
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Carragher JF, Sumpter JP, Pottinger TG, Pickering AD. The deleterious effects of cortisol implantation on reproductive function in two species of trout, Salmo trutta L. and Salmo gairdneri Richardson. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1989; 76:310-21. [PMID: 2591721 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(89)90163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Implantation of a cortisol-releasing pellet (60 mg kg-1 fish) into the peritoneal cavity of brown trout, Salmo trutta L. (sexually maturing males and females), and rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson (maturing males and immature fish of both sexes), significantly elevated their plasma cortisol level. At 18 days postimplantation, cortisol-implanted sexually maturing male brown trout had smaller gonads, a lower plasma testosterone level, and less gonadotropin in their pituitary gland than control fish. Plasma levels of 11-ketotestosterone and gonadotropin were not significantly affected. Cortisol-implanted sexually maturing female brown trout had smaller gonads, reduced plasma levels of 17 beta-oestradiol, testosterone, and vitellogenin, and a lower pituitary gland gonadotropin content than control fish. The plasma gonadotropin level was unaffected. At 36 days post-implantation, cortisol treatment of maturing male rainbow trout significantly suppressed plasma gonadotropin levels. Plasma levels of testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, and 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, pituitary gonadotropin content, and gonad size were not significantly affected. In sexually immature female rainbow trout, cortisol administration suppressed the level of vitellogenin in the plasma, compared to control-implanted fish. The 17 beta-oestradiol level was not affected. Cortisol implantation did not affect the plasma testosterone level in sexually immature male trout. These results suggest that prolonged elevation of plasma cortisol, to levels well within physiological range, can affect a wide range of reproductive parameters in both brown and rainbow trout. Further, some effects are manifest in immature as well as in mature fish. These findings are discussed in relation to the effects of cortisol treatment on the state of health of the treated fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Carragher
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, United Kingdom
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Abstract
White Leghorn pullets, 18 weeks of age, were infused with 30 micrograms/hr of corticosterone for 14 days. After 7 days of continuous infusion, the pullets were photostimulated by transfer from 8L:16D to 16L:8D. Noninfused controls were either photostimulated on Day 7 or remained on an 8L:16D photoschedule. Blood samples were obtained on 3, 6, 8, 10, and 12 days of infusion and were assayed for plasma concentrations of LH, estradiol, and corticosterone by radioimmunoassay. On Day 14 all birds were weighed and sacrificed, and the ovarian and oviductal weights were recorded. Photostimulation had no effect on plasma concentrations of corticosterone. The infusion of corticosterone significantly raised the plasma concentration to 5.2 ng/ml, suppressed the photo-induced rise in plasma concentrations of LH, and resulted in significantly lower plasma concentrations of estradiol. After 7 days of photostimulation either with or without corticosterone infusion, there were no significant differences in mean ovarian weight. The oviducal weight of hens infused with corticosterone was, however, significantly lowered. It is suggested that one of the mechanisms associated with the antigonadal effect of corticosterone involves an inhibition of Gn-RH release by the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Petitte
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Maitra SK. Histophysiological changes in the adrenal cortex of male blossomheaded parakeet in relation to the annual testicular and environmental cycles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1987. [DOI: 10.1080/09291018709359951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
An enzymatically dispersed pituitary preparation from male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix) was used to study the effects of gonadal and adrenal steroids on gonadotropin release. Cells were preincubated for 18 hr with or without steroids and then challenged with chicken luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (cLH-RH I; Gln8-LH-RH). Preincubation with testosterone (T; 10 nM) significantly suppressed (P less than 0.05) luteinizing hormone release in response to cLH-RH I (10 ng/ml). Preincubation with 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DHT) (10 nM) caused even further suppression of LH-RH-stimulated LH release while the same concentration of 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone and estradiol-17 beta had no effect. In addition, preincubation with corticosterone (10 nM) significantly (P less than 0.01) suppressed the amount of LH released in response to cLH-RH I. Pituitary cells from immature males, when stimulated with cLH-RH I, released LH in a dose-related manner. Neither T nor 5 alpha-DHT (10 nM) altered the effect of LH-RH. These data suggest that T and 5 alpha-DHT play a role in mediating LH release in the avian pituitary while 5 beta-reduced androgens have no effect. There appears to be no androgen effect in the immature quail. In addition, corticosterone seems to be a factor in controlling gonadotropin secretion in the quail.
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Affiliation(s)
- P B Connolly
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Massachusetts 02215
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Wingfield JC, Silverin B. Effects of corticosterone on territorial behavior of free-living male song sparrows Melospiza melodia. Horm Behav 1986; 20:405-17. [PMID: 3793022 DOI: 10.1016/0018-506x(86)90003-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A group of 10 territorial male song sparrows, Melospiza melodia, were given subcutaneous implants of corticosterone in Silastic tubing. A second group of 10 territorial males were given empty implants as controls. After 18-24 hr all males were then subjected to a simulated territorial intrusion (STI) by placing a caged male song sparrow in the center of the subject's territory, and playing tape recorded songs through a speaker placed alongside. Significantly fewer males with corticosterone implants responded to STI than to controls, and the latency to respond was longer. Of the 3 experimental males that did respond to STI, all had a lower frequency of songs and did not approach the simulated intruder as closely as controls. Many males were captured 2-7 days after implantation and blood samples collected for measurement of circulating hormone levels. As expected, plasma levels of corticosterone were high in the group given corticosterone implants. However, plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) were not affected by treatment with corticosterone, and although circulating levels of testosterone were depressed slightly compared with controls, they were within the normal range for territorial and breeding males. There were no differences in body mass despite greatly increased fat depots in males treated with corticosterone. These data suggest that high levels of corticosterone, similar to those measured during stressful episodes both in the laboratory and field, may suppress territorial behavior independently of the adenohypophysial-gonad axis. Since plasma levels of LH and testosterone are not depressed markedly, thus maintaining the gonads in a near functional state, renesting can begin as soon as environmental conditions ameliorate. Such mechanisms could potentially increase the probability of raising viable young after unpredictable, severe weather resulted in failure of the previous breeding attempt.
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Moore FL, Zoeller RT. Stress-induced inhibition of reproduction: evidence of suppressed secretion of LH-RH in an amphibian. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1985; 60:252-8. [PMID: 3905502 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(85)90321-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Male rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) were used to investigate the hormonal responses associated with stress-induced inhibition of reproduction. When male newts were confined for 1 hr, using a procedure that previously had elicited physiological stress responses, androgen concentrations decreased in the plasma and immunoreactive (ir) LH-RH concentrations increased in the infundibulum and rostral hypothalamus. Likewise, when male newts were injected with 25 micrograms of corticosterone, androgen concentrations decreased and hypothalamic irLH-RH concentrations increased. These data, which are from experiments in February, support the hypothesis that in this amphibian, exposure to acute stress or to exogenous corticosterone can suppress plasma androgen titers by inhibiting the release of LH-RH from the hypothalamus. The effects of the confinement procedure and the injection of corticosterone on the concentrations of irLH-RH and androgens were different for newts in September than for newts in February.
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Etches RJ, Petitte JN, Anderson-Langmuir CE. Interrelationships between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovary, adrenal gland, and the open period for LH release in the hen (Gallus domesticus). THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1984; 232:501-11. [PMID: 6394694 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402320317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The asynchronous ovulatory cycle of the hen is believed to be the consequence of two interacting systems, one of which is circadian and regulates the timing of the preovulatory LH surge. In support of this proposition, the open period for LH release was shown to oscillate with the same periodicity as the photoschedule when the hens were exposed to 14 L:7 D, 14 L:10 D, and 14 L:14 D. In addition, it was demonstrated that follicular maturation is not affected by or synchronized with the photoperiod. The physiological system that transduces the light/dark cycle into an open period for LH release has not been identified although circumstantial evidence supports the idea that the adrenal gland plays a role in this function. This evidence includes the anatomical juxtaposition of the left ovary and adrenal gland, innervation of steroid-producing cells within the follicle by nerve tracts passing through the adrenal glands, the ability of injections of metyrapone to alter the timing of preovulatory LH release, the ability of injections of corticosterone to induce ovulation when a mature follicle is present in the ovary, and the ability of dexamethasone or infusions of corticosterone to block ovulation. Recently we have also shown that infusions of corticosterone will block the gonadotropic effect of PMSG, will inhibit the photoperiodic response, and do not affect the release of LH in response to injections of GnRH. The addition of corticosterone to incubations of dispersed granulosa cells does not affect their response to LH. These data suggest that corticosterone may modulate the responsiveness of the hypothalamus to tropic stimuli and demonstrate that exposure to corticosterone can alter the responsiveness of some ovarian tissues to gonadotropins.
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Cunningham FJ, Wilson SC, Knight PG, Gladwell RT. Chicken ovulation cycle. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1984; 232:485-94. [PMID: 6394693 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402320315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Abstract
Laboratory investigations suggest that the effects of weather on avian reproduction could be manifest via a "stress" response resulting in an elevation of circulating levels of corticosterone and a depression of reproductive hormone secretion. However, field investigations indicate that additional endocrine responses also occur. Inclement weather early in the breeding season, i.e., before the nesting phase has begun, is generally not stressful in terms of plasma levels of corticosterone but does result in a delay of gonadal maturation and decreases in circulating levels of LH and sex steroid hormones. Conversely, storms that strike after the nesting phase has begun and when adults are feeding young do appear to be stressful, resulting in an increase in corticosterone and loss of body weight, but do not affect plasma levels of LH and sex steroid hormones. This latter fact is thought to be highly adaptive because the reproductive apparatus is maintained in a functional state so that renesting can begin immediately when environmental conditions improve. These data indicate that two endocrine mechanisms may be important for regulating responses to inclement weather under natural conditions.
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Poggioli R, Vergoni AV, Santi R, Carani C, Baraghini GF, Zini D, Marrama P, Bertolini A. Sexual behavior of male rats: influence of short- and long-term adrenalectomy. Horm Behav 1984; 18:79-85. [PMID: 6706321 DOI: 10.1016/0018-506x(84)90052-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Adult male rats (3 months old) were tested for their copulatory behavior: those satisfying the criterion of sexual vigor in the last three out of five weekly tests were randomly divided into two groups and adrenalectomized or sham operated, and their copulatory activity was retested 35 and 420 days after surgery. Short-term adrenalectomy did not modify any of the parameters of sexual behavior. On the other hand, a higher percentage of adrenalectomized than of sham-operated rats still had successful sexual performance when 18 months old (420 days after surgery); moreover, blood levels of testosterone were higher in adrenalectomized than in sham-operated old rats. The possibility that adrenal steroids may play a role in the age-linked decline in male sexual activity in mammals is discussed.
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Dawson A, Howe PD. Plasma corticosterone in wild starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) immediately following capture and in relation to body weight during the annual cycle. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1983; 51:303-8. [PMID: 6618160 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(83)90085-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Free-living starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were caught by mist netting. Blood samples were taken from them between 20 sec and 4 min after capture and assayed for corticosterone. Before 1 min corticosterone levels were constant (10.3 nmol litre-1) but after 1 min they increased rapidly (27.0 +/- 3.6 nmol litre-1 min-1). Male and female free-living starlings were caught throughout the year with mist nets, and traps placed in nest boxes. Blood samples were taken within 1 min of capture and body weights recorded. Plasma corticosterone varied between 3 and 13 nmol litre-1. In both sexes the level was high during winter and through the breeding season. It fell to low levels during late summer and increased again during autumn. Body weight in both sexes was highest in midwinter and lowest in midsummer but there was no correlation between body weight and plasma corticosterone concentration.
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Deviche P, Balthazart J, Malacarne G, Hendrick JC. Effects of in vivo corticosterone treatment on the in vitro metabolism of testosterone in the comb and brain of the young male chicken. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1982; 48:398-402. [PMID: 7152241 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(82)90152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Wilson SC, Cunningham FJ. Modification by metyrapone of the "open period" for pre-ovulatory lh release in the hen. Br Poult Sci 1980; 21:351-61. [PMID: 7459652 DOI: 10.1080/00071668008416681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
1. A single injection into laying hens of 60 mg metyrapone 28 h after the final ovulation of a sequence induced increases in the plasma concentrations of LH and progesterone, followed by premature ovulation. Injection of metyrapone 8 h after ovulation, however, did not affect plasma concentrations of either LH or progesterone. 2. Injection of laying hens with 60 mg metyrapone on 5 successive days reduced the effectiveness of exogenous ACTH in increasing the plasma concentration of corticosterone and abolished the system of "open" and "closed periods" for pre-ovulatory LH release. Thus, pre-ovulatory LH surges and ovipositions occurred throughout the 24-h day instead of being restricted to an 8 to 10-h period of the day. 3. These observations suggest that changes in environmental stimuli such as light act via the adrenal gland in regulating the timing of the "open period" for the pre-ovulatory release of LH in the hen.
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Stokkan KA, Sharp PJ. The roles of day length and the testes in the regulation of plasma LH levels in photosensitive and photorefractory willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus lagopus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 1980; 41:520-6. [PMID: 7409453 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(80)90056-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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31
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Deviche P, Balthazart J, Heyns W, Hendrick JC. Endocrine effects of castration followed by androgen replacement and ACTH injections in the male domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos L.). Gen Comp Endocrinol 1980; 41:53-61. [PMID: 6248415 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(80)90031-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Silverin B. Activity of the adrenal glands in the pied flycatcher and its relation to testicular regression. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1979; 38:162-71. [PMID: 226451 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(79)90203-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Wilson SC, Lacassagne L. The effects of dexamethasone on plasma luteinizing hormone and oviposition in the hen (Gallus domesticus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 1978; 35:16-26. [PMID: 207620 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(78)90164-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Wilson FE, Follett BK. Dissimilar effects of hemicastration on plasma LH and FSH in photostimulated tree sparrows (Spizella arborea). Gen Comp Endocrinol 1978; 34:251-5. [PMID: 631546 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(78)90218-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Wilson FE, Follett BK. Testicular inhibition of gonadotropin secretion in photosensitive tree sparrows (spizella arborea) exposed to a winter-like day length. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1977; 32:440-5. [PMID: 902978 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(77)90227-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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36
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Sharp PJ, Moss R. The effects of castration on concentrations of luteinizing hormone in the plasma of photorefractory red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 1977; 32:289-93. [PMID: 892416 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(77)90208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Mattocks PW, Farner DS, Follett BK. The annual cycle in luteinizing hormone in the plasma of intact and castrated white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1976; 30:156-61. [PMID: 992335 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(76)90094-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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