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MacLeod KJ, Kohl KD, Trevelline BK, Langkilde T. Context-dependent effects of glucocorticoids on the lizard gut microbiome. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:185-196. [PMID: 34661319 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate gut microbiota (bacterial, archaeal and fungal communities of the gastrointestinal tract) can have profound effects on the physiological processes of their hosts. Although relatively stable, changes in microbiome structure and composition occur due to changes in the environment, including exposure to stressors and associated increases in glucocorticoid hormones. Although a growing number of studies have linked stressor exposure to microbiome changes, few studies have experimentally explored the specific influence of glucocorticoids on the microbiome in wild animals, or across ecologically important processes (e.g., reproductive stages). Here we tested the response of the gut microbiota of adult female Sceloporus undulatus across gestation to ecologically relevant elevations of a stress-relevant glucocorticoid hormone (CORT) in order to determine (i) how experimentally elevated CORT influenced microbiome characteristics, and (ii) whether this relationship was dependent on reproductive context (i.e., whether females were gravid or not, and, in those that were gravid, gestational stage). We show that the effects of CORT on gut microbiota are complex and depend on both gestational state and stage. CORT treatment altered microbial community membership and resulted in an increase in microbiome diversity in late-gestation females, and microbial community membership varied according to treatment. In nongravid females, CORT treatment decreased interindividual variation in microbial communities, but this effect was not observed in late-gestation females. Our results highlight the need for a more holistic understanding of the downstream physiological effects of glucocorticoids, as well as the importance of context (here, gestational state and stage) in interpreting stress effects in ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty J MacLeod
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kevin D Kohl
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brian K Trevelline
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.,Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Tracy Langkilde
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Brain, Behavior and Cognition, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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2
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Palacios MG, Bronikowski AM. Immune variation during pregnancy suggests immune component-specific costs of reproduction in a viviparous snake with disparate life-history strategies. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2017; 327:513-522. [PMID: 29356424 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests the existence of trade-offs between immune function and reproduction in diverse taxa. Among vertebrates, however, there is still a taxonomic bias toward studies in endotherms, particularly birds. We tested the hypothesis that reproduction entails immune-related costs in the viviparous garter snake, Thamnophis elegans, from populations that exhibit two life-history strategies, termed ecotypes, with contrasting paces of life. Between the two ecotypes, we predicted lower immune function in gravid than non-gravid females of both strategies, but with relatively larger immunity costs in the ecotype that generally invests more in current reproduction. Across individuals, we predicted greater immune costs for females investing more in the present specific reproductive event (i.e., higher fecundity) irrespective of their ecotype. We assessed leukocyte profiles and measured bactericidal capacity of plasma (innate immunity) and T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation (adaptive immunity) in gravid and non-gravid females in their natural habitats. We also collected data on reproductive output from these same gravid females brought into captivity. Gravid females of both ecotypes showed lower T-lymphocyte proliferation responses to concanavalin A than non-gravid females, but no differential costs were observed between ecotypes. The remaining immune variables did not vary between gravid and non-gravid females. Among gravid females within each ecotype, those with larger reproductive output showed lower total leukocyte counts, suggesting a fecundity-dependent trade-off. Our study contributes to the comparative ecoimmunology of vertebrates by highlighting the immune component-specificity of trade-offs between reproduction and immune function and showing that costs can be fecundity-dependent in some, but not all cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Palacios
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Anne M Bronikowski
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
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3
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Sagonas K, Rota IA, Tsitsilonis OE, Pafilis P, Valakos ED. Infection risk dictates immunological divergence among populations in a Mediterranean lizard. J Evol Biol 2016; 29:1680-8. [PMID: 27208549 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ability of vertebrates to evolve different defence strategies in response to varying parasitism regimes remains poorly understood. Hosts may adopt two different strategies to defend themselves against parasites: tolerance (hosts alleviate the negative fitness consequences of parasite infection) and resistance (hosts strengthen their immune response as parasite burden increases). Both strategies are effective, but fitness has been reported to decline faster in less-tolerant individuals. Here, we assessed the number of splenocytes and the cell-mediated response (proxies for resistance) and body condition (a proxy for tolerance) in four populations of a Greek endemic lizard (Podarcis gaigeae), each exposed to different infection risks (defined as the cumulative effect of parasite burden and duration of exposure). We anticipated that populations with heavy parasite burden would enhance the efficacy of their immune response (resistance) compared to lizards deriving from parasite-poor habitats. We also predicted that populations with longer exposure to parasites would be adopted and be more tolerant. Each factor (duration of exposure and parasite burden) had a distinct effect on the immune response, and thus, our results were rather complicated. Lizards with heavy parasite burden and aperiodic exposure demonstrated resistance, whereas lizards with heavy parasite burden and chronic exposure were more tolerant. Populations with low parasite burden and minimal exposure were more resistant. Our results suggest that the development of some immunological strategies may be differentiated under different infection risks, even within the same species.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sagonas
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - I A Rota
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - O E Tsitsilonis
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - P Pafilis
- Department of Zoology and Marine Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - E D Valakos
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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4
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Van Dyke JU, Brandley MC, Thompson MB. The evolution of viviparity: molecular and genomic data from squamate reptiles advance understanding of live birth in amniotes. Reproduction 2014; 147:R15-26. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes) are an ideal model system for testing hypotheses regarding the evolution of viviparity (live birth) in amniote vertebrates. Viviparity has evolved over 100 times in squamates, resulting in major changes in reproductive physiology. At a minimum, all viviparous squamates exhibit placentae formed by the appositions of maternal and embryonic tissues, which are homologous in origin with the tissues that form the placenta in therian mammals. These placentae facilitate adhesion of the conceptus to the uterus as well as exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, sodium, and calcium. However, most viviparous squamates continue to rely on yolk for nearly all of their organic nutrition. In contrast, some species, which rely on the placenta for at least a portion of organic nutrition, exhibit complex placental specializations associated with the transport of amino acids and fatty acids. Some viviparous squamates also exhibit reduced immunocompetence during pregnancy, which could be the result of immunosuppression to protect developing embryos. Recent molecular studies using both candidate-gene and next-generation sequencing approaches have suggested that at least some of the genes and gene families underlying these phenomena play similar roles in the uterus and placenta of viviparous mammals and squamates. Therefore, studies of the evolution of viviparity in squamates should inform hypotheses of the evolution of viviparity in all amniotes, including mammals.
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Graham SP, Earley RL, Guyer C, Mendonça MT. Innate immune performance and steroid hormone profiles of pregnant versus nonpregnant cottonmouth snakes (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 174:348-53. [PMID: 21986088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Squamates (lizards and snakes) have independently evolved viviparity over 100 times, and exhibit a wide range of maternal investment in developing embryos from the extremes of lecithotrophic oviparity to matrotrophic viviparity. This group therefore provides excellent comparative opportunities for studying endocrine and immune involvement during pregnancy, and their possible interactions. We studied the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), since they exhibit limited placentation (e.g., ovoviviparity), allowing comparison with squamate species hypothesized to require considerable maternal immune modulation due to the presence of a more extensive placental connection. Furthermore, the cottonmouth's biennial reproductive cycle provides an opportunity for simultaneously comparing pregnant and non-pregnant females in the wild. We document significantly elevated concentrations of progesterone (P4) and significantly lower concentrations of estradiol (E2) in pregnant females relative to non-pregnant females. Pregnant females had lower plasma bacteria lysis capacity relative to non-pregnant females. This functional measure of innate immunity is a proxy for complement performance, and we also determined significant correlations between P4 and decreased complement performance in pregnant females. These findings are consistent with studies that have determined P4's role in complement modulation during pregnancy in mammals, and thus this study joins a growing number of studies that have demonstrated convergent and/or conserved physiological mechanisms regulating viviparous reproduction in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Graham
- Department of Biological Sciences, 331 Funchess Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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6
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Santoro M, Hernández G, Caballero M. Aerobic bacterial flora of nesting green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. J Zoo Wildl Med 2007; 37:549-52. [PMID: 17315444 DOI: 10.1638/05-118.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriological examination of 70 nesting green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica was performed to investigate nasal and cloacal aerobic bacteria. A total of 325 bacterial isolates were obtained, including 10 Gram-negative and three Gram-positive genera. Two hundred thirty-nine were Gram-negative and 86 were Gram-positive isolates. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common microbe identified in turtle samples: 27/70 (38.5%) in cloacal, and 33/70 (47.1%) in nasal samples. The Enterobacteriaceae family, including Enterobacter agglomerans, E. cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, K. pneumoniae, and Serratia marcescens, was the largest Gram-negative group of bacteria recovered and comprised 127 of 239 (53.1%) of the Gram-negative isolates. Staphylococcus species was the largest Gram-positive bacteria group, including S. aureus, S. cromogenes, S. epidermis, and S. intermedius, and made up 63 of 86 (73.2%) of the Gram-positive isolates recovered. The results of this study demonstrate that the aerobic bacterial flora of nesting green turtles at Tortuguero National Park is composed of a very wide spectrum of bacteria, including several potential pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Santoro
- Departamento de Patología, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86, Heredia 3000, Costa Rica
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Valakos ED, Kourkouli A, Skopeliti M, Pafilis P, Poulakakis N, Voutsas IF, Lymberakis P, Simou C, Voelter W, Tsitsilonis OE. Combining immunological and molecular data to assess phylogenetic relations of some Greek Podarcis species. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2007; 147:1-10. [PMID: 17347009 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2006.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2006] [Revised: 11/01/2006] [Accepted: 11/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Most recent molecular studies revealed the phylogeny of Greek Podarcis species, which for years remained elusive, due to discordant data produced from various chromosomal, complement fixation and protein studies. In this report, we analyzed cellular immune responses of spleen-derived lymphocytes from six allopatric Podarcis species encountered in Greece, by assessing two-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR)-induced proliferation. On the basis of stimulation indices (S.I.) as determined from cultures set up from xenogeneic splenocytes coincubated in pairs, we generated a phylogenetic tree, fully consistent with the phylogenetic relationships of Podarcis as determined by parallel analyses based on partial mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequences. Although the exact mechanisms triggering lymphocyte responses in lizard two-way xenogeneic MLR are not fully understood, our results show the potential use of cell-mediated immune responses as an additional approach to mtDNA analysis, for species delimitation within specific lizard taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstratios D Valakos
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis 15784, Ilissia, Athens, Greece.
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8
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Santoro M, Greiner EC, Morales JA, Rodríguez-Ortíz B. DIGENETIC TREMATODE COMMUNITY IN NESTING GREEN SEA TURTLES (CHELONIA MYDAS) FROM TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA. J Parasitol 2006; 92:1202-6. [PMID: 17304795 DOI: 10.1645/ge-866r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The digenetic community of 40 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) was investigated at Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. In total, 24,270 trematodes belonging to 29 species and 6 families including Clinostomidae 1, Microscaphidiidae 5, Paramphistomidae 2, Pronocephalidae 15, Rhytidodidae 2, and Spirorchiidae 4 were recorded from chelonians examined. Turtles harbored a mean of 7.63 +/- 3.5 SD species. Only 3 species, i.e., Learedius learedi, Microscaphidium reticulare, and Pyelosomum cochlear, infected more than 50% of the hosts sampled. Learedius learedi was the most prevalent (97.5%) and the second most abundant species with a mean of 25.6 +/- 21.6 SD. Only 1 core species, M. reticulare, was recovered from the gastrointestinal tract; it was the most abundant parasite, with a mean intensity of 477 +/- 1,180 SD, and the second most prevalent (77.5%). Diversity values ranged from 0.10 to 2.10, with a mean of 1.00 +/- 0.43 SD for the total component community and from 0.10 to 1.84, with a mean of 0.79 +/- 0.41 SD, for the gastrointestinal component community. Species richness was the highest recorded from a sea turtle species. All digenetic species were recorded from Costa Rica for the first time. This represents the first report on the helminth community of the green turtle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Santoro
- Departamento de Patología, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86, Heredia 3000, Costa Rica.
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9
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Burnham DK, Keall SN, Nelson NJ, Daugherty CH. T cell function in tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2005; 28:213-22. [PMID: 15857660 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2005.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tuatara are the sole survivors of an entire order of reptiles that thrived during the age of the dinosaurs. Therefore, knowledge of their physiology is critical to understanding the phylogeny of reptiles. Previous studies of the immune system of the tuatara did not assess T cell function. We analyzed T cell function among six captive tuatara by assessing concanavalin A (Con A), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) induced T cell proliferation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from six out of six and four out of four tuatara tested exhibited significant proliferative responses to Con A and PHA, respectively, as measured by an MTT reduction assay. A lower level of proliferation was detected in an MLR. However, Con A activated lymphocytes were not cytotoxic for a xenogeneic murine mastocytoma cell line (P815).
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kim Burnham
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
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Cartledge VA, Gartrell B, Jones SM. Adrenal and white cell count responses to chronic stress in gestating and postpartum females of the viviparous skink Egernia whitii (Scincidae). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2005; 141:100-7. [PMID: 15914051 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2005.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2005] [Revised: 04/12/2005] [Accepted: 04/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates the relationships between plasma corticosterone concentrations and white cell counts in captive females of the viviparous lizard Egernia whitii during two phases of the reproductive cycle. Gestating and postpartum females were captured in the field and held in the laboratory for 4 weeks. Plasma corticosterone and progesterone concentrations and white blood cell counts were examined in blood samples taken at capture and after 24 h, 1 week, and 4 weeks in captivity. At 24 h after capture, plasma corticosterone concentrations in both groups had increased significantly compared with initial values but then returned to initial concentrations after 1 week in captivity and remained low in the 4 week samples. Plasma progesterone concentrations remained elevated in the gestating females until the week 4 sample, just prior to parturition. The hormone data suggest that capture and captivity did not represent a significant long-term stressor to these animals. The increase in plasma corticosterone concentration was associated with heterophilia in the differential leucocyte count in both groups of females. Lymphocyte numbers decreased only in gestating females, suggesting that reproductive status may influence the interaction between adrenal activity and immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Cartledge
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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Abstract
Reptiles are hosts to diverse viral infections. This article reviews the viruses that are known to infect reptiles and discusses associated pathology, available diagnostic methods, and management techniques for the reptile clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F X Wellehan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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12
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Muñoz FJ, De la Fuente M. In vitro proliferation of blood, spleen and thymus leukocytes from the turtle Mauremys caspica. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2003; 134:303-9. [PMID: 12643977 DOI: 10.1016/s1532-0456(03)00004-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cell-mediated immune responses is commonly evaluated by cell proliferation assays. Mitogens are known to induce a vigorous proliferative response in lymphoid cells from mammals but relatively fewer studies have investigated mitogen-mediated lymphoproliferation in non-mammalian animals. In the present work, we incubated spleen, thymus and blood leukocytes with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM), by different times of incubation (96 and 120 h) and at different concentrations. Our results show that the optimal mitogen concentrations inducing proliferation on leukocytes from Mauremys caspica were 20 microg/ml PHA, 1 microg/ml Con A, 12.5 microg/ml LPS and 1/150 dilution PWM. The optimal time of incubation was dependent on the type of leukocytes (peripheral blood leukocytes, splenic leukocytes or thymic cells) and the mitogen utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Muñoz
- Cell Signalling Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
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Brown DR, Schumacher IM, Nogueira MF, Richey LJ, Zacher LA, Schoeb TR, Vliet KA, Bennett RA, Jacobson ER, Brown MB. Detection of antibodies to a pathogenic mycoplasma in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), broad-nosed Caimans (Caiman latirostris), and Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis). J Clin Microbiol 2001; 39:285-92. [PMID: 11136785 PMCID: PMC87716 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.39.1.285-292.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An epidemic of pneumonia with fibrinous polyserositis and multifocal arthritis emerged in captive American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in Florida, United States, in 1995. Mycoplasma alligatoris sp. nov. was cultured from multiple organs, peripheral blood, synovial fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid of affected alligators. In a subsequent experimental inoculation study, the Henle-Koch-Evans postulates were fulfilled for M. alligatoris as the etiological agent of fatal mycoplasmosis of alligators. That finding was remarkable because mycoplasmal disease is rarely fatal in animals. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies produced by alligators in response to M. alligatoris exposure was developed by using plasma obtained from naturally infected alligators during the original epidemic. The assay was validated by using plasma obtained during an experimental dose-response study and applied to analyze plasma obtained from captive and wild crocodilian species. The ELISA reliably detected alligator seroconversion (P < 0.05) beginning 6 weeks after inoculation. The ELISA also detected seroconversion (P < 0.05) in the relatively closely related broad-nosed caiman Caiman latirostris and the relatively distantly related Siamese crocodile Crocodylus siamensis following experimental inoculation with M. alligatoris. The ELISA may be used to monitor exposure to the lethal pathogen M. alligatoris among captive, repatriated, and wild crocodilian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Brown
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0880, USA
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