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Zhang F, Tan Y, Cai Z, An K, Liu Y, Su J. Two plants improve stress response of a subterranean herbivore by downregulating amphetamine addiction pathways. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1342630. [PMID: 38283372 PMCID: PMC10811048 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1342630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Captivity serves as the primary method for enhancing animal survival and productivity. However, the stress induced by confinement can hinder animal growth and reproduction. The administration of drugs to captive animals can effectively regulate their stress response and can also be used inartificial breeding, reproduction, and experimental animalization of wild species. The plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi), a subterranean herbivore, experiences significant stress during the captive process owing to its unique habitat. Methods In our study, we utilized Radix astragali (RA) and Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) extracts to intervene in the stress response of plateau zokors. Results Our findings demonstrated that RA and AS treatment considerably improved food intake and reduced weight loss, stress-related behavior, and stress hormone levels in plateau zokors. Furthermore, the excitatory pathway of amphetamine addition in the hypothalamus was suppressed by RA and AS treatment, acting through the Grin and Prkc gene families. Notably, after RA treatment, the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction pathway, enriched by the Col1a1/3a1/1a2/6a1 gene, was significantly upregulated, potentially enhancing the immune function of captive plateau zokors. Discussion In conclusion, our research demonstrates that RA and AS treatment can effectively alleviate the stress response of plateau zokors in captive environments. The downregulation of the excitation pathway and upregulation of the immune pathway offer valuable insights into the response and potential mechanisms of plant-based drugs in mitigating animal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyu Zhang
- Southwest Survey and Planning Institute of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Cai
- Southwest Survey and Planning Institute of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming, China
| | - Kang An
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongjie Liu
- Southwest Survey and Planning Institute of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
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Tan Y, Wang Y, Liu Q, Wang Z, Shi S, Su J. Comparative transcriptomes reveal geographic differences in the ability of the liver of plateau zokors (Eospalax baileyi) to respond and adapt to toxic plants. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:529. [PMID: 37674113 PMCID: PMC10483729 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09642-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental changes are expected to intensify in the future. The invasion of toxic plants under environmental changes may change herbivore feeding environments. Herbivores living long-term in toxic plant-feeding environments will inevitably ingest plant secondary metabolites (PSMs), and under different feeding environments are likely to have unique protection mechanisms that support improved adaptation to PSMs in their habitat. We aimed to compare different subterranean herbivore population responses and adaptations to toxic plants to unveil their feeding challenges. RESULTS Here, we investigated the adaptive capacity of the liver in two geographically separated populations of plateau zokors (Eospalax baileyi) before and after exposure to the toxic plant Stellera chamaejasme (SC), at the organ, biochemical, and transcriptomic levels. The results showed no significant liver granules or inflammatory reactions in the Tianzhu (TZ) population after the SC treatment. The transaminase level in the TZ population was significantly lower than that in the Luqu population. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the TZ population exhibited interactions with other detoxification metabolic pathways by oxytocin pathway-associated genes, including diacylglycerol lipase alpha (Dagla), calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II Alpha (Camk2a), and CD38 molecule (Cd38). The phase II process of liver drug metabolism increased to promote the rate of metabolism. We found that alternative splicing (AS) and the expression of the cyclin D (Ccnd1) gene interact-a TZ population hallmark-reduced liver inflammatory responses. CONCLUSION Our study supports the detoxification limitation hypothesis that differences in liver detoxification metabolism gene expression and AS are potential factors in herbivore adaptation to PSMs and may be a strategy of different herbivore populations to improve toxic plant adaptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Yanli Wang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Shangli Shi
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
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Aquino J, Moreira MA, Evangelista NCL, Maior RS, Barros M. Spontaneous object recognition in capuchin monkeys: assessing the effects of sex, familiarization phase and retention delay. Anim Cogn 2023; 26:551-561. [PMID: 36181571 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01697-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The spontaneous object recognition (SOR) task is a versatile and widely used memory test that was only recently established in nonhuman primates (marmosets). Here, we extended these initial findings by assessing the performance of adult capuchin monkeys on the SOR task and three potentially intervening task parameters-object familiarization phase, retention delay and sex. In Experiment 1, after an initial 10-min familiarization period with two identical objects and a pre-established retention delay (0.5, 6 or 24 h), the capuchins preferentially explored a new rather than the familiar object during a 10-min test trial, regardless of delay length. In Experiment 2, the capuchins were again exposed to two identical objects (but now for 10 or 20 min), then a 30-min retention delay and a 10-min test trial. An exploratory preference for the new over the familiar item was not affected by the length of the familiarization interval, possibly because overall exploration remained the same. However, the amount of initial object exploration was not related to task performance, and both males and females performed similarly on the SOR task with a 10-min familiarization, 30-min delay and 10-min test trial. Therefore, male and female capuchins recognize objects on the SOR task after both short and long delays, whereas a twofold increase in the familiarization phase does not affect task performance. The results also provide further support for the use of incidental learning paradigms to assess recognition memory in nonhuman primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Aquino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Matheus A Moreira
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Nathália C L Evangelista
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael S Maior
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.,Primate Center, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Marilia Barros
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil. .,Primate Center, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.
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Yao B, Hegab IM, Kang Y, Tan Y, Zhang D, Su J. Underground environment increases the differentiation of personality traits between male and female plateau zokors (Eospalax baileyi). Acta Ethol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10211-023-00414-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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Dong K, Zhou J, Zhang F, Dong L, Chu B, Hua R, Hua L. Seismic Signaling for Detection of Empty Tunnels in the Plateau Zokor, Eospalax baileyi. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020240. [PMID: 36670779 PMCID: PMC9854526 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
There are considerable challenges involved in studying the behavior of subterranean rodents owing to the underground nature of their ecotope. Seismic communication plays a crucial role in the behavior of subterranean rodents, particularly solitary ones. The plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi), a solitary subterranean rodent species endemic to the Qinghai−Tibet Plateau, will usually occupy empty neighboring tunnels in order to extend their territory. Little is known, however, about the process of territorial occupation or the function of animal communication when occupation is taking place. Based on previous studies of subterranean rodent communication, we hypothesized that plateau zokors use seismic signals to detect neighboring tunnels and then occupy them when it was found their neighbors were absent. To test this, we placed artificial tunnels close to active original zokor tunnels to simulate the availability of an empty neighboring tunnel, and then the seismic signals when a zokor chose to occupy the empty artificial tunnel were recorded. The results showed that the frequency of zokors occupying artificial empty tunnels within 48 h was 7/8, In all of these instances, the zokors generated seismic signals before and after occupation of the empty artificial tunnel. The number of seismic signals generated by the zokors increased significantly (p = 0.024) when they detected and occupied the artificial tunnels, compared to those generated in their original tunnels without the presence of an artificial tunnel alongside. Inside the original tunnels, the inter-pulse time interval of the seismic signals was significantly higher (p < 0.001), the peak frequency of these signals was significantly higher (p < 0.01), and the energy of the signals was significantly lower (p = 0.006), compared with those when an artificial tunnel was positioned next to the original. The results of this study suggest that plateau zokors first generate seismic signals to detect empty neighboring tunnels and that they are empty. In the absence of neighbor plateau zokors, they occupy the empty tunnels to extend their own territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kechi Dong
- College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem of the Ministry of Education, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Alpine Rodent Pest Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Institute of Grassland Research of CAAS, Key Laboratory of Biohazard Monitoring, Green Prevention and Control for Artificial Grassland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot 010010, China
| | - Feiyu Zhang
- Southwest Survey and Planning Institute of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming 650031, China
| | - Longming Dong
- College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem of the Ministry of Education, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Alpine Rodent Pest Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Bin Chu
- College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem of the Ministry of Education, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Alpine Rodent Pest Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Rui Hua
- College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem of the Ministry of Education, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Alpine Rodent Pest Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Limin Hua
- College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem of the Ministry of Education, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Alpine Rodent Pest Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence:
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Tan Y, Liu Q, Wang Z, Pu Q, Shi S, Su J. Plateau zokors (Eospalax baileyi) respond to secondary metabolites from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme by enhancing hepatic inflammatory factors and metabolic pathway genes. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 258:109368. [PMID: 35589064 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Herbivores rarely consume toxic plants. An increase in the proportion of toxic plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) in poisonous plants can promote detoxification and related metabolic capacity of animals. Poisonous plants with thick taproots like Stellera chamaejasme (SC) are important stored food for the plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) during the winter and promote the development of detoxification mechanisms in this animal. In this study, plateau zokors were administered gavages of 0.2, 1.05, and 2.10 ml/kg SC water extracts. Serum samples were collected from plateau zokors to measure the levels of transaminases and oxidative stress. Transcriptome analysis was conducted to evaluate the differential genes of multiple metabolic pathways to investigate the relationship between the physiological processes and metabolic adaptation capacity of these animals in response to SC. After SC administration, plateau zokors showed significant hepatic granular degeneration and inflammatory reactions in the liver and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels increased in a dose-dependent manner. Further, differential expression was also found in the plateau zokor livers, with most enrichment in inflammation and detoxification metabolism pathways. The metabolic adaptation responses in P450 xenobiotic clearance, bile secretion, and pancreatic secretion (Gusb, Hmgcr, Gstm1, Gstp1, and Eobag004630005095) were verified by mRNA network analysis as key factors related to the mechanism. Plateau zokors respond to SC PSMs through changes in liver physiology, biochemistry, and genes in multiple metabolic pathways, validating our hypothesis that plateau zokors can metabolize PSMs when they ingest toxic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qiangsheng Pu
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Shangli Shi
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Qilianshan Grassland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Wuwei 733200, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Qilianshan Grassland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Wuwei 733200, China.
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Wang D, Liu Y, Zhao D, Jin M, Li L, Ni H. Plppr5 gene inactivation causes a more severe neurological phenotype and abnormal mitochondrial homeostasis in a mouse model of juvenile seizure. Epilepsy Res 2022; 183:106944. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2022.106944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Guo H, Hegab IM, Tan Y, Yao B, Wang C, Cai Z, Ji W, Su J. Exposure to eagle owl feces induces anti-predator behavior, physiology, and hypothalamic gene responses in a subterranean rodent, the plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-02934-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Vannuchi CR, Costa CS, de Jesus FM, Maior RS, Barros M. Sex, diurnal variation and retention interval differently affect performance of marmoset monkeys in a recognition memory task for object location. Behav Brain Res 2020; 379:112334. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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10
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Assessing spatial learning and working memory in plateau zokors in comparison with plateau pikas and laboratory rats. Acta Ethol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10211-019-00320-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Guo H, Xie Q, Cui J, Xu D, Deji C, Chen Y, Wang Y, Lai J. Naloxone reversed cognitive impairments induced by repeated morphine under heavy perceptual load in the 5-choice serial reaction time task. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:1051-1065. [PMID: 31081159 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Repeated opioids abuse may produce long-lasting and complicated cognitive deficits in individuals. Naloxone is a typical mu-opioid receptor antagonist widely used in clinical treatment for opioid overdose and opioid abuse. However, it remains unclear whether naloxone affects morphine-induced cognitive deficits. Using the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT), the present study investigated cognitive profiles including attention, impulsivity, compulsivity, and processing speed in repeated morphine-treated mice. Repeated morphine administration (10 mg/kg, i.p.) induced complex cognitive changes including decreased attention and increased impulsivity, compulsivity, processing speed. Systemic naloxone administration (5 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed these cognitive changes under the heavy perceptual load in 5-CSRTT. Using the novel object recognition (NOR), Y-maze and open-field test (OFT), the present study investigated the memory ability and locomotor activity. Naloxone reversed the effect of morphine on recognition memory and locomotion but had no effect on working memory. In addition, repeated morphine administration decreased the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP), and these effects were significantly reversed by naloxone in PFC. Our study suggests that repeated exposure to morphine affects multiple cognitive aspects and impairs synaptic functions. Systemic naloxone treatment reverses the mu-opioids-induced cognitive changes, especially under the heavy perceptual load, possibly by restoring the synaptic dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Guo
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiaoli Xie
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingjing Cui
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dan Xu
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Cuola Deji
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianghua Lai
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Public Health for Forensic Science, Xi'an, China
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Gender difference in unconditioned and conditioned predator fear responses in Smith's zokors (Eospalax smithii). Glob Ecol Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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13
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Su J, Hegab IM, Ji W, Nan Z. Function-related Drivers of Skull Morphometric Variation and Sexual Size Dimorphism in a Subterranean Rodent, Plateau Zokor ( Eospalax baileyi). Ecol Evol 2018; 8:4631-4643. [PMID: 29760903 PMCID: PMC5938458 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism is prevalent in most living organisms. The difference in size between sexes of a given species is generally known as sexual size dimorphism (SSD). The magnitude of the SSD is determined by Rensch's rule where size dimorphism increases with increasing body size when the male is the larger sex and decreases with increasing average body size when the female is the larger sex. The unique underground environment that zokors (Eospalax baileyi) live under in the severe habitat of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP) could create SSD selection pressures that may or may not be supported by Rensch's rule, making this scientific question worthy of investigation. In this study, we investigated the individual variation between sexes in body size and SSD of plateau zokors using measurements of 19 morphological traits. We also investigated the evolutionary mechanisms underlying SSD in plateau zokors. Moreover, we applied Rensch's rule to all extant zokor species. Our results showed male‐biased SSD in plateau zokors: The body‐ and head‐related measurements were greater in males than in females. Linear regression analysis between body length, body weight, and carcass weight showed significant relationships with some traits such as skull length, lower incisor length, and tympanic bulla width, which might support our prediction that males have faster growth rates than females. Further, the SSD pattern corroborated the assumption of Rensch's rule in plateau zokors but not in the other zokor species. Our findings suggest that the natural underground habitat and behavioral differences between sexes can generate selection pressures on male traits and contribute to the evolution of SSD in plateau zokors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhu Su
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology Lanzhou University Lanzhou China.,College of Grassland Science Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education) Gansu Agricultural University Lanzhou China.,Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity Gansu Agricultural University Lanzhou China
| | - Ibrahim M Hegab
- College of Grassland Science Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education) Gansu Agricultural University Lanzhou China.,Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity Gansu Agricultural University Lanzhou China.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Department of Hygiene, Zoonosis and Animal Behavior & Management Suez Canal University Ismailia Egypt
| | - Weihong Ji
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity Gansu Agricultural University Lanzhou China.,Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Auckland New Zealand
| | - Zhibiao Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
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