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Rystrom TL, Richter SH, Sachser N, Kaiser S. Social niche shapes social behavior and cortisol concentrations during adolescence in female guinea pigs. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105539. [PMID: 38608380 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Individualized social niches arise in social groups, resulting in divergent social behavior profiles among group members. During sensitive life phases, the individualized social niche can profoundly impact the development of social behavior and associated phenotypes such as hormone (e.g. cortisol) concentrations. Focusing on adolescence, we investigated the relationship between the individualized social niche, social behavior, and cortisol concentrations (baseline and responsiveness) in female guinea pigs. Females were pair-housed in early adolescence (initial social pair formation), and a social niche transition was induced after six weeks by replacing the partner with either a larger or smaller female. Regarding social behavior, dominance status was associated with aggression in both the initial social pairs and after the social niche transition, and the results suggest that aggression was rapidly and completely reshaped after the social niche transition. Meanwhile, submissive behavior was rapidly reshaped after the social niche transition, but this was incomplete. The dominance status attained in the initial social pair affected the extent of submissive behavior after the social niche transition, and this effect was still detected three weeks after the social niche transition. Regarding cortisol concentrations, higher baseline cortisol concentrations were measured in dominant females in the initial social pairs. After the social niche transition, cortisol responsiveness significantly increased for the females paired with a larger, older female relative to those paired with a smaller, younger female. These findings demonstrate that the social niche during adolescence plays a significant role in shaping behavior and hormone concentrations in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor L Rystrom
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Münster Graduate School of Evolution, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - S Helene Richter
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Münster Graduate School of Evolution, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Norbert Sachser
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Münster Graduate School of Evolution, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Sylvia Kaiser
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Münster Graduate School of Evolution, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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Pengal P, Cokan B, Økland F, Höjesjö J, Tambets M, Thorstad EB. Comparing dominance relationships and movement of native marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) and introduced rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 102:883-892. [PMID: 36692033 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Behaviour observations of the endangered native marble trout (Salmo marmoratus, Cuvier, 1829) and introduced rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792) in the laboratory and in a tributary to the Idrijca River in Slovenia were combined to study the movements and dominance relationships between individuals of the two species in an open field test. Under laboratory conditions, no difference between the species was detected for neither time spent actively or distance moved. In species paired tests, rainbow trout initiated more aggressive behaviours towards marble trout than vice versa, and rainbow trout were clearly the dominant individuals. After simultaneous release in the river, marble trout immediately left the release area and spent twice as long time as rainbow trout until they settled in an area of the river; therefore, the release site was immediately occupied exclusively by rainbow trout. Thus, the dominant and aggressive behaviour of rainbow trout seen in the laboratory before release might have influenced marble trout's subsequent behaviour in the river, by marble trout leaving the areas occupied by rainbow trout and moving to locations further away from the release site. In the field, the marble trout occupied sites individually, whereas rainbow aggregated at a few locations. Rainbow trout showed higher movement activity in the morning compared to marble trout. There was a positive correlation between swimming speed in the laboratory and movement in the field for marble trout but not for rainbow trout. In conclusion, the results in this study support the need to end stocking of rainbow trout in rivers with native marble trout. To better understand the interaction between the species, and to develop efficient management plans to protect the native marble trout, reference behaviours should first be understood, and future research in sites where the two species do not co-exist is needed. This is especially important for marble trout for which behavioural research and data are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polona Pengal
- Institute for Ichthyological and Ecological Research, Dob, Slovenia
| | - Blaž Cokan
- Institute for Ichthyological and Ecological Research, Dob, Slovenia
| | - Finn Økland
- The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
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Maruska KP, Anselmo CM, King T, Mobley RB, Ray EJ, Wayne R. Endocrine and neuroendocrine regulation of social status in cichlid fishes. Horm Behav 2022; 139:105110. [PMID: 35065406 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105110] [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: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Position in a dominance hierarchy profoundly impacts group members' survival, health, and reproductive success. Thus, understanding the mechanisms that regulate or are associated with an individuals' social position is important. Across taxa, various endocrine and neuroendocrine signaling systems are implicated in the control of social rank. Cichlid fishes, with their often-limited resources of food, shelter, and mates that leads to competition, have provided important insights on the proximate and ultimate mechanisms related to establishment and maintenance of dominance hierarchies. Here we review the existing information on the relationships between endocrine (e.g., circulating hormones, gonadal and other tissue measures) and neuroendocrine (e.g., central neuropeptides, biogenic amines, steroids) systems and dominant and subordinate social rank in male cichlids. Much of the current literature is focused on only a few representative cichlids, particularly the African Astatotilapia burtoni, and several other African and Neotropical species. Many hormonal regulators show distinct differences at multiple biological levels between dominant and subordinate males, but generalizations are complicated by variations in experimental paradigms, methodological approaches, and in the reproductive and parental care strategies of the study species. Future studies that capitalize on the diversity of hierarchical structures among cichlids should provide insights towards better understanding the endocrine and neuroendocrine mechanisms contributing to social rank. Further, examination of this topic in cichlids will help reveal the selective pressures driving the evolution of endocrine-related phenotypic traits that may facilitate an individual's ability to acquire and maintain a specific social rank to improve survival and reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen P Maruska
- Department of Biological Sciences, 202 Life Sciences Bldg., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States of America.
| | - Chase M Anselmo
- Department of Biological Sciences, 202 Life Sciences Bldg., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States of America
| | - Teisha King
- Department of Biological Sciences, 202 Life Sciences Bldg., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States of America
| | - Robert B Mobley
- Department of Biological Sciences, 202 Life Sciences Bldg., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States of America
| | - Emily J Ray
- Department of Biological Sciences, 202 Life Sciences Bldg., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States of America
| | - Rose Wayne
- Department of Biological Sciences, 202 Life Sciences Bldg., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States of America
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Haave-Audet E, Besson AA, Nakagawa S, Mathot KJ. Differences in resource acquisition, not allocation, mediate the relationship between behaviour and fitness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:708-731. [PMID: 34859575 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Within populations, individuals often show repeatable variation in behaviour, called 'animal personality'. In the last few decades, numerous empirical studies have attempted to elucidate the mechanisms maintaining this variation, such as life-history trade-offs. Theory predicts that among-individual variation in behavioural traits could be maintained if traits that are positively associated with reproduction are simultaneously associated with decreased survival, such that different levels of behavioural expression lead to the same net fitness outcome. However, variation in resource acquisition may also be important in mediating the relationship between individual behaviour and fitness components (survival and reproduction). For example, if certain phenotypes (e.g. dominance or aggressiveness) are associated with higher resource acquisition, those individuals may have both higher reproduction and higher survival, relative to others in the population. When individuals differ in their ability to acquire resources, trade-offs are only expected to be observed at the within-individual level (i.e. for a given amount of resource, if an individual increases its allocation to reproduction, it comes at the cost of allocation to survival, and vice versa), while among individuals traits that are associated with increased survival may also be associated with increased reproduction. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, asking: (i) do among-individual differences in behaviour reflect among-individual differences in resource acquisition and/or allocation, and (ii) is the relationship between behaviour and fitness affected by the type of behaviour and the testing environment? Our meta-analysis consisted of 759 estimates from 193 studies. Our meta-analysis revealed a positive correlation between pairs of estimates using both survival and reproduction as fitness proxies. That is, for a given study, behaviours that were associated with increased reproduction were also associated with increased survival, suggesting that variation in behaviour at the among-individual level largely reflects differences among individuals in resource acquisition. Furthermore, we found the same positive correlation between pairs of estimates using both survival and reproduction as fitness proxies at the phenotypic level. This is significant because we also demonstrated that these phenotypic correlations primarily reflect within-individual correlations. Thus, even when accounting for among-individual differences in resource acquisition, we did not find evidence of trade-offs at the within-individual level. Overall, the relationship between behaviour and fitness proxies was not statistically different from zero at the among-individual, phenotypic, and within-individual levels; this relationship was not affected by behavioural category nor by the testing condition. Our meta-analysis highlights that variation in resource acquisition may be more important in driving the relationship between behaviour and fitness than previously thought, including at the within-individual level. We suggest that this may come about via heterogeneity in resource availability or age-related effects, with higher resource availability and/or age leading to state-dependent shifts in behaviour that simultaneously increase both survival and reproduction. We emphasize that future studies examining the mechanisms maintaining behavioural variation in populations should test the link between behavioural expression and resource acquisition - both within and among individuals. Such work will allow the field of animal personality to develop specific predictions regarding the mediating effect of resource acquisition on the fitness consequences of individual behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elène Haave-Audet
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW 405, Biological Sciences Bldg, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Anne A Besson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW 405, Biological Sciences Bldg, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kimberley J Mathot
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW 405, Biological Sciences Bldg, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Canada Research Chair, Integrative Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
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Pandolfi M, Scaia MF, Fernandez MP. Sexual Dimorphism in Aggression: Sex-Specific Fighting Strategies Across Species. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:659615. [PMID: 34262439 PMCID: PMC8273308 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.659615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive behavior is thought to have evolved as a strategy for gaining access to resources such as territory, food, and potential mates. Across species, secondary sexual characteristics such as competitive aggression and territoriality are considered male-specific behaviors. However, although female–female aggression is often a behavior that is displayed almost exclusively to protect the offspring, multiple examples of female–female competitive aggression have been reported in both invertebrate and vertebrate species. Moreover, cases of intersexual aggression have been observed in a variety of species. Genetically tractable model systems such as mice, zebrafish, and fruit flies have proven extremely valuable for studying the underlying neuronal circuitry and the genetic architecture of aggressive behavior under laboratory conditions. However, most studies lack ethological or ecological perspectives and the behavioral patterns available are limited. The goal of this review is to discuss each of these forms of aggression, male intrasexual aggression, intersexual aggression and female intrasexual aggression in the context of the most common genetic animal models and discuss examples of these behaviors in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Pandolfi
- Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Florencia Scaia
- Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Paz Fernandez
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Chen J, Peng C, Huang J, Shi H, Xiao L, Tang L, Lin H, Li S, Zhang Y. Physical interactions facilitate sex change in the protogynous orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 98:1308-1320. [PMID: 33377528 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sex change in teleost fishes is commonly regulated by social factors. In species that exhibit protogynous sex change, such as the orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides, when the dominant males are removed from the social group, the most dominant female initiates sex change. The aim of this study was to determine the regulatory mechanisms of socially controlled sex change in E. coioides. We investigated the seasonal variation in social behaviours and sex change throughout the reproductive cycle of E. coioides, and defined the behaviour pattern of this fish during the establishment of a dominance hierarchy. The social behaviours and sex change in this fish were affected by season, and only occurred during the prebreeding season and breeding season. Therefore, a series of sensory isolation experiments was conducted during the breeding season to determine the role of physical, visual and olfactory cues in mediating socially controlled sex change. The results demonstrated that physical interactions between individuals in the social groups were crucial for the initiation and completion of sex change, whereas visual and olfactory cues alone were insufficient in stimulating sex change in dominant females. In addition, we propose that the steroid hormones 11-ketotestosterone and cortisol are involved in regulating the initiation of socially controlled sex change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Chen
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjun Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Herong Shi
- Marine Fisheries Development Center of Guangdong Province, Huizhou, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoran Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuisheng Li
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Marine Fisheries Development Center of Guangdong Province, Huizhou, China
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7
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Influence of social status on growth performance, reproductive success and sperm quality of the African cichlid Aulonocara nyassae. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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8
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Vissio PG, Darias MJ, Di Yorio MP, Pérez Sirkin DI, Delgadin TH. Fish skin pigmentation in aquaculture: The influence of rearing conditions and its neuroendocrine regulation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 301:113662. [PMID: 33220300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Skin pigmentation pattern is a species-specific characteristic that depends on the number and the spatial combination of several types of chromatophores. This feature can change during life, for example in the metamorphosis or reproductive cycle, or as a response to biotic and/or abiotic environmental cues (nutrition, UV incidence, surrounding luminosity, and social interactions). Fish skin pigmentation is one of the most important quality criteria dictating the market value of both aquaculture and ornamental species because it serves as an external signal to infer its welfare and the culture conditions used. For that reason, several studies have been conducted aiming to understand the mechanisms underlying fish pigmentation as well as the influence exerted by rearing conditions. In this context, the present review focuses on the current knowledge on endocrine regulation of fish pigmentation as well as on the aquaculture conditions affecting skin coloration. Available information on Iberoamerican fish species cultured is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula G Vissio
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Maria J Darias
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - María P Di Yorio
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela I Pérez Sirkin
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomás H Delgadin
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Castillo Y, Arce E. Female preference for dominant males in the Mexican mojarra cichlid fish, Cichlasoma istlanum. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 98:189-195. [PMID: 32997364 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
It is widely assumed that female preference and male competition operate simultaneously during sexual selection. Dominance is likely an honest indicator of male quality, and females can identify and choose the dominant male to reproduce with individuals with greater competitive abilities, thus improving the quality and competitiveness of their offspring. In this context, few studies have investigated female preference in relation to male fighting ability. The Mexican mojarra, Cichlasoma istlanum, is a cichlid species native to the Balsas River basin. It is territorial during reproduction and provides parental care. Males commonly engage in territorial defence, whereas females care directly for offspring. This study examined whether females prefer dominant males that exhibit more aggressive behaviour. The authors conducted experiments using groups of two males and one female to test competitive ability in males and female preference. They also quantified the time during which the female associated with the dominant male and the subordinate male after observing the outcome of a fight between the two males. They found that Mexican mojarra females preferred dominant males and that the time females spent associating with males was positively related with their aggressive behaviours during competition. These results indicate that dominant males were more attractive than subordinate males to female Mexican mojarra. The relationship between female preference and male dominance in the Mexican mojarra demonstrates the importance of male competitive ability for future parental care in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuritzi Castillo
- Maestría en Biología Integrativa de la Biodiversidad y la Conservación, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Elsah Arce
- Laboratorio de Acuicultura, Departamento de Hidrobiología, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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Cartolano MC, Babcock EA, McDonald MD. Evidence that Gulf toadfish use pulsatile urea excretion to communicate social status. Physiol Behav 2020; 227:113182. [PMID: 32976848 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta), a highly territorial marine teleost species, are believed to communicate through chemicals released across the gill during pulsatile urea excretion. While freshwater teleost and crustacean urinary signals have been shown to relay information about dominance to reduce physical aggression in future encounters, the use of chemical signals to convey social status in marine teleosts is understudied. Behavior and urea excretion patterns were monitored in pairs of male toadfish during an initial agonistic encounter and in a 2nd encounter where a subset of pairs had their nares blocked to determine how olfaction, and thus chemical communication, play a role in establishing dominance. Anosmic toadfish did not experience increases in aggressive behavior, unlike other species previously studied. However, behavior and the pattern of urea excretion were disrupted in anosmic pairs compared to control pairs. Specifically, control subordinate fish had an increase in their dominance index during the 2nd encounter, a response that anosmic subordinate fish did not experience suggesting that without the ability to smell, subordinate fish cannot recognize their opponent and assess their fighting ability and have a reduced chance of winning. These anosmic subordinate fish also had an increase in pulse frequency, perhaps reflecting an increased effort in communication of status. Future research is needed to conclude if peaks in agonistic behavior are coordinated around the time of urea pules. However, the observed changes in behavior and pulsatile urea excretion due to anosmia in the present study provide evidence that toadfish use pulsatile urea excretion to release signals for chemical communication during agonistic encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Cartolano
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Babcock
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - M Danielle McDonald
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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12
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Yusishen ME, Yoon GR, Bugg W, Jeffries KM, Currie S, Anderson WG. Love thy neighbor: Social buffering following exposure to an acute thermal stressor in a gregarious fish, the lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 243:110686. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Vitt S, Madge Pimentel I, Thünken T. Presence of same-sex kin promotes explorative behavior in subadult cichlid fish. Behav Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/araa019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
While the importance of kin discrimination, that is, kin recognition and subsequent differential treatment of kin and nonkin, is well established for kin-directed cooperation or altruism, the role of kin discrimination in the context of kin competition and kin avoidance is largely unexplored. Theory predicts that individuals avoiding competition with kin should be favored by natural selection due to indirect fitness benefits. Using an experimental approach, we investigated whether the presence of same-sex kin affects avoidance and explorative behavior in subadult Pelvicachromis taeniatus, a West African cichlid fish with strong intrasexual competition in both sexes. Pelvicachromis taeniatus is capable of recognizing kin using phenotype matching and shows kin discrimination in diverse contexts. When exposed to a same-sex conspecific, both males and females tended to interact less with the related opponent. Moreover, individuals explored a novel environment faster after exposure to kin than to nonkin. This effect was more pronounced in females. Individuals avoiding the proximity of same-sex relatives may reduce kin competition over resources such as mating partners or food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Vitt
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, Bonn, Germany
| | - Iris Madge Pimentel
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo Thünken
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, Bonn, Germany
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Makowicz A, Murray L, Schlupp I. Size, species and audience type influence heterospecific female–female competition. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ogawa S, Parhar I. Morphological Evidence for Functional Crosstalk Between Multiple GnRH Systems in the Male Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:586. [PMID: 32982977 PMCID: PMC7492274 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a reproductive neuropeptide, which controls vertebrate reproduction. In most vertebrates, there are more than two GnRH orthologs in the brain. In cichlid fish, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), GnRH1 is the primary hypophysiotropic hormone, while GnRH2 and GnRH3 are non-hypophysiotropic but neuromodulatory in function. Hypophysiotropic GnRH neurons are thought to inter-communicate, while it remains unknown if hypophysiotropic and non-hypophysiotropic GnRH systems communicate with each other. In the present study, we examined interrelationship between three GnRH types using specific antibodies raised against their respective GnRH associated peptide (GAP) sequence. Double-immunofluorescence labeling coupled with confocal microscopy revealed that in sexually mature males, GnRH-GAP1-immunoreactive (-ir) processes are in proximities of GnRH-GAP3-ir cell somata in the terminal nerve, while GnRH-GAP1-ir cell somata were also accompanied by GnRH-GAP3-ir processes in the preoptic area. However, such interaction was not seen in immature males. Further, there was no interaction between GnRH-GAP2 and GnRH-GAP1 or GnRH-GAP3 neurons. Single cell gene expression analysis revealed co-expression of multiple GnRH receptor genes (gnrhr1 and gnrhr2) in three GnRH-GAP cell types. In mature males, high levels of gnrhr2 mRNA were expressed in GnRH-GAP1-ir cells. In immature males, gnrhr1 and gnrhr2 mRNAs are highly expressed in GnRH-GAP3-ir cells. These results suggest heterologous interactions between the three GnRH-GAP cell types and their potential functional interaction during different reproductive stages.
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Morandini L, Ramallo MR, Scaia MF, Höcht C, Somoza GM, Pandolfi M. Dietary L-tryptophan modulates agonistic behavior and brain serotonin in male dyadic contests of a cichlid fish. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2019; 205:867-880. [PMID: 31691094 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-019-01373-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Although some studies have investigated the effects of dietary L-tryptophan on agonistic behavior, research on adult fish specimens is still lacking. Moreover, submissive behaviors have been generally overlooked. We focused on agonistic behavior between males of the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus, in dyadic encounters held in a novel context after being fed or not with an L-tryptophan enriched diet (TRP) for 2 weeks. We arranged three different dyads: control/control (control conditions: not TRP enriched), control/TRP, and TRP/TRP. We also registered the response of the brain serotonergic system in four brain regions. TRP/TRP dyads showed higher latencies to first attack, lower overall aggression, and lower proportions of bites and passive copings (submissive display) compared to control/control. TRP dominant males performed fewer bites with respect to controls, and subordinate males opposed to TRP males showed fewer passive copings. Higher serotonergic activities were found in subordinates' optic tectum and in the telencephalon and preoptic area/hypothalamus of TRP males. Altogether, results point out that dietary L-tryptophan reduced males' motivation to attack and dominant aggression, which consequently influenced subordinate agonistic repertory. In addition, males within TRP/TRP dyads showed a switch in their behavioral agonistic repertory. These behavioral outcomes were probably due to modifications at brain serotonergic functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Morandini
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, FCEN, UBA e IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Pabellón 2, Piso 4°, Lab. 26, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M R Ramallo
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, FCEN, UBA e IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Pabellón 2, Piso 4°, Lab. 26, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M F Scaia
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, FCEN, UBA e IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Pabellón 2, Piso 4°, Lab. 26, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Höcht
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G M Somoza
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Av. Intendente Marino Km 8.2 (B 7130IWA), Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Pandolfi
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, FCEN, UBA e IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Pabellón 2, Piso 4°, Lab. 26, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Silva AC, Pandolfi M. Vasotocinergic control of agonistic behavior told by Neotropical fishes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:67-72. [PMID: 29702104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptides of the vasopressin-oxytocin family (and their homologs for non-mammalian species) are key modulators of the Social Brain Network, acting via specific receptors reported in all the nuclei of this network. Different conclusive examples have proven the context-dependency actions of hypothalamic nonapeptides on social behavior in several vertebrate taxa. Teleost fishes provide endless possibilities of experimental model systems to explore the underlying mechanisms of nonapeptide actions on social behavior given that they are the most diverse group of vertebrates. Although it has been difficult to identify commonalities of nonapeptide actions across species, indisputable evidence in many teleost species have demonstrated a clear role of vasotocin in the modulation of aggressive and sexual behaviors. Though Neotropical South American fish contribute an important percentage of teleost diversity, most native species remain unexplored as model systems for the study of the neuroendocrine bases of social behavior. In this review, we will revise recent data on the two model systems of Neotropical fish, South American cichlids and weakly electric fish that have contributed to this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Silva
- Unidad Bases Neurales de la Conducta, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, CP 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay; Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, CP 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Matías Pandolfi
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE e IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Gonçalves Junior LP, Mattioli CC, Martins EDFF, Silva WDSE, Ciolete TN, Vasconcellos ADS, Luz RK. Temperature-induced changes in reproductive variables in the teleost fish Lophiosilurus alexandri. J Therm Biol 2019; 80:133-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Renn SCP, O'Rourke CF, Aubin-Horth N, Fraser EJ, Hofmann HA. Dissecting the Transcriptional Patterns of Social Dominance across Teleosts. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 56:1250-1265. [PMID: 27940616 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icw118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In many species, under varying ecological conditions, social interactions among individuals result in the formation of dominance hierarchies. Despite general similarities, there are robust differences among dominance hierarchies across species, populations, environments, life stages, sexes, and individuals. Understanding the proximate mechanisms underlying the variation is an important step toward understanding the evolution of social behavior. However, physiological changes associated with dominance, such as gonadal maturation and somatic growth, often complicate efforts to identify the specific underlying mechanisms. Traditional gene expression analyses are useful for generating candidate gene lists, but are biased by choice of significance cut-offs and difficult to use for between-study comparisons. In contrast, complementary analysis tools allow one to both test a priori hypotheses and generate new hypotheses. Here we employ a meta-analysis of high-throughput expression profiling experiments to investigate the gene expression patterns that underlie mechanisms and evolution of behavioral social phenotypes. Specifically, we use a collection of datasets on social dominance in fish across social contexts, sex, and species. Using experimental manipulation to produce female dominance hierarchies in the cichlid Astatotilapia burtoni, heralded as a genomic model of social dominance, we generate gene lists, and assess molecular gene modules. In the dominant female gene expression profile, we demonstrate a strong pattern of up-regulation of genes previously identified as having male-biased expression and furthermore, compare expression biases between male and female dominance phenotypes. Using a threshold-free approach to identify correlation throughout ranked gene lists, we query previously published datasets associated with maternal behavior, alternative reproductive tactics, cooperative breeding, and sex-role reversal to describe correlations among these various neural gene expression profiles associated with different instances of social dominance. These complementary approaches capitalize on the high-throughput gene expression profiling from similar behavioral phenotypes in order to address the mechanisms associated with social dominance behavioral phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzy C P Renn
- *Department of Biology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock blvd, Portland, OR 97202, USA
| | - Cynthia F O'Rourke
- *Department of Biology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock blvd, Portland, OR 97202, USA
| | - Nadia Aubin-Horth
- Département de Biologie & Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, 1030 Avenue de la Médecine - Local 1242 Québec G1V 0A6, QC Canada
| | - Eleanor J Fraser
- UCSF School of Medicine, 513 Parnassus Ave, Med Sci, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA
| | - Hans A Hofmann
- Department of Integrative Biology, Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2415 Speedway - C0990, Austin, TX 78705, USA
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Scaia MF, Morandini L, Noguera CA, Ramallo MR, Somoza GM, Pandolfi M. Fighting cichlids: Dynamic of intrasexual aggression in dyadic agonistic encounters. Behav Processes 2017; 147:61-69. [PMID: 29273550 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Aggression is an extremely complex behaviour and female aggression is understudied when compared to males. Despite the fact that it has been suggested that conflict among females may be more frequently resolved peacefully, in many species females show high levels of aggression. We used Cichlasoma dimerus to describe dynamics and conflict outcome in intrasexual agonistic encounters. We performed encounters of two sex-matched animals in a neutral arena and we recorded agonistic interactions during one hour. All aggressive and submissive behaviours were described and quantified to perform the ethogram. Encounters followed three phases: pre-contest, contest and post-resolution. Latency, time of resolution and frequency of aggressive displays did not differ between sexes. Relative variations in size between female opponents better explained aggression outcome in each contest, since higher levels of aggression occurred in dyads of more similar fish. However, this was not observed in males, suggesting that probably morphological characteristics could be less relevant in male conflict resolution. Altogether these results suggest that in this ethological context, C. dimerus females are as aggressive as males and that they have similar motivation towards territorial aggression, emphasizing the need of deepening the study of aggression in females and not only in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Scaia
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Auntónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Leonel Morandini
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Auntónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristobal Alejandro Noguera
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Auntónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Roberto Ramallo
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Auntónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Manuel Somoza
- Laboratorio de Ictiofisiología y Acuicultura, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH. CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Matías Pandolfi
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Auntónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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21
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Ramallo MR, Honji RM, Birba A, Morandini L, Varela ML, Genovese G, Moreira RG, Somoza GM, Pandolfi M. A game of two? Gene expression analysis of brain (cyp19a1b) and gonadal (cyp19a1a) aromatase in females of a Neotropical cichlid fish through the parental care period and removal of the offspring. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 252:119-129. [PMID: 28797804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
For many species parental behavior is essential for the survival of the offspring. While the ultimate causes of teleost parental behavior have been widely studied, comparatively little is known about its proximate causes. The aim of this study was to analyze the yet unexplored, potential dual role of brain and gonadal aromatases, the enzymes responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens in the brains and gonads of teleosts, respectively, on the different stages of the maternal care period of the biparental cichlid Cichlasoma dimerus, locally known as chanchita. By immunohistochemistry we analyzed the neural distribution of brain aromatase and observed it exclusively within the forebrain, including areas involved in the regulation of parental behavior. We next analyzed the gene expression of brain aromatase in the brain, and gonadal aromatase in the ovary, of female chanchitas through the parental care period. To further characterize the physiological environment associated to maternal care, we also evaluated sex steroid levels (17β-estradiol, testosterone and 11-ketotestoterone) and ovarian follicle percentage. The onset of parental behavior specifically downregulated sex steroids synthesis and the rate of ovarian maturation, as denoted by a more than 10-fold decrease in steroid levels and delayed detection of mature follicles in females with offspring, compared to females which eggs were removed. Gene expression levels of both aromatases were independent of maternal care at the evaluated time points, even though they varied during the parental care period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín R Ramallo
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Renato M Honji
- Departamento de Fisiologia do Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Agustina Birba
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Leonel Morandini
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - María L Varela
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología Acuática, DBBE, IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Griselda Genovese
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología Acuática, DBBE, IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Renata G Moreira
- Departamento de Fisiologia do Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo M Somoza
- Laboratorio de Ictiofisiología y Acuicultura, IIB-INTECH, CONICET, UNSAM, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matías Pandolfi
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina.
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22
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Social organization and endocrine profiles of Australoheros facetus, an exotic freshwater fish in southern Portugal. Acta Ethol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10211-017-0271-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Hubbard PC, Baduy F, Saraiva JL, Guerreiro PM, Canário AVM. High olfactory sensitivity to conspecific intestinal fluid in the chameleon cichlid Australoheros facetus: could faeces signal dominance? JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2017; 90:2148-2156. [PMID: 28345209 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study shows that the olfactory potency of intestinal and bile fluids taken from dominant male chameleon cichlids Australoheros facetus is greater than those from subordinate males. Thus, dominant status may be communicated by odorants released in the intestinal fluid and bile acids may contribute towards this.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Hubbard
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMar), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - F Baduy
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMar), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - J L Saraiva
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMar), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - P M Guerreiro
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMar), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - A V M Canário
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMar), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
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Ramallo MR, Morandini L, Birba A, Somoza GM, Pandolfi M. From molecule to behavior: Brain aromatase (cyp19a1b) characterization, expression analysis and its relation with social status and male agonistic behavior in a Neotropical cichlid fish. Horm Behav 2017; 89:176-188. [PMID: 28167134 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The enzyme aromatase, responsible for the conversion of C19 androgens to C18 estrogens, exists as two paralogue copies in teleost fish: Cyp19a1a mostly expressed in the gonads, referred as gonadal aromatase, and Cyp19a1b, mostly expressed in the brain, accordingly known as brain aromatase. The neural localization of Cyp19a1b is greatly contained within the social behavior network and mesolimbic reward system in fish, suggesting a strong role of estrogen synthesis in the regulation of social behavior. In this work we aimed to analyze the variation in cyp19a1b expression in brain and pituitary of males of a highly social cichlid, Cichlasoma dimerus (locally known as chanchita), and its relation with inter-individual variability in agonistic behavior in a communal social environment. We first characterized chanchita's cyp19a1b mRNA and deduced amino acid sequence, which showed a high degree of conservation when compared to other teleost brain aromatase sequences, and its tissue expression patterns. Within the brain, Cyp19a1b was solely detected at putative radial glial cells of the forebrain, close to the brain ventricles. We then studied the relative expression levels of cyp19a1b by Real Time PCR in the brain and pituitary of males of different social status, territorial vs. non-territorial, and its relationship with an index of agonistic behavior. We found that even though, brain aromatase expression did not differ between types of males, pituitary cyp19a1b expression levels positively correlated with the index of agonistic behavior. This suggests a novel role of the pituitary in the regulation of social behavior by local estrogen synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín R Ramallo
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Leonel Morandini
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Agustina Birba
- Laboratorio de Ictiofisiología y Acuicultura, IIB-INTECH, CONICET, UNSAM, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo M Somoza
- Laboratorio de Ictiofisiología y Acuicultura, IIB-INTECH, CONICET, UNSAM, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matías Pandolfi
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina.
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Little K, Al-Shaer L, Itzkowitz M. Effects of social experience on pair bonding in a monogamous fish (Amatitlania nigrofasciata). BEHAVIOUR 2017. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
For species in which individuals spend at least some time in groups, dominance relationships and various social cues are often important for mate assessment and choice. For pair bonding species, social experiences may affect reproductive decisions in both sexes. We tested whether prior experience in a mixed-sex group and having a higher dominance status coincides with faster pair formation or spawning in a monogamous fish. Individuals having prior experience in mixed-sex groups paired with a novel fish more frequently than fish from same-sex groups. Fish in mixed-sex groups performed more bites and lateral displays. Although spawning occurred infrequently across pairs, dominant fish from mixed-sex groups spawned more than dominant fish from same-sex groups. Otherwise, there were no clear behavioural relationships between treatment group and subsequent pair formation or spawning, nor were behaviours of the paired fishes related to their prior treatment group. We do not know how mixed-sex social experience may have affected the physiology of those individuals, although our results support a reproductive priming effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.P. Little
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - L. Al-Shaer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - M. Itzkowitz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
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Natural and artificial spawning strategies with fresh and cryopreserved semen in Rhamdia quelen: Reproductive parameters and genetic variability of offspring. Theriogenology 2017; 88:254-263.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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28
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Morandini L, Ramallo MR, Moreira RG, Höcht C, Somoza GM, Silva A, Pandolfi M. Serotonergic outcome, stress and sexual steroid hormones, and growth in a South American cichlid fish fed with an L-tryptophan enriched diet. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 223:27-37. [PMID: 26449161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Reared animals for edible or ornamental purposes are frequently exposed to high aggression and stressful situations. These factors generally arise from conspecifics in densely breeding conditions. In vertebrates, serotonin (5-HT) has been postulated as a key neuromodulator and neurotransmitter involved in aggression and stress. The essential amino acid L-tryptophan (trp) is crucial for the synthesis of 5-HT, and so, leaves a gateway for indirectly augmenting brain 5-HT levels by means of a trp-enriched diet. The cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus, locally known as chanchita, is an autochthonous, potentially ornamental species and a fruitful laboratory model which behavior and reproduction has been studied over the last 15years. It presents complex social hierarchies, and great asymmetries between subordinate and dominant animals in respect to aggression, stress, and reproductive chance. The first aim of this work was to perform a morphological description of chanchita's brain serotonergic system, in both males and females. Then, we evaluated the effects of a trp-supplemented diet, given during 4weeks, on brain serotonergic activity, stress and sexual steroid hormones, and growth in isolated specimens. Results showed that chanchita's brain serotonergic system is composed of several populations of neurons located in three main areas: pretectum, hypothalamus and raphe, with no clear differences between males and females at a morphological level. Animals fed with trp-enriched diets exhibited higher forebrain serotonergic activity and a significant reduction in their relative cortisol levels, with no effects on sexual steroid plasma levels or growth parameters. Thus, this study points to food trp enrichment as a "neurodietary'' method for elevating brain serotonergic activity and decreasing stress, without affecting growth or sex steroid hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonel Morandini
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE e IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güirlades 2160, C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Roberto Ramallo
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE e IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güirlades 2160, C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Renata Guimarães Moreira
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências-USP, Rua do Matão, travessa 14, n.321, sala 220 CidadeUniversitária, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christian Höcht
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, (C1113AAD) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Manuel Somoza
- IIB-INTECH (CONICET-UNSAM), Av. Intendente Marino km 8.2 (B 7130IWA) Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Silva
- Unidad Bases Neurales de la Conducta, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Ministerio de Educación y Cultura, Avda. Italia 3318, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay; Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Matías Pandolfi
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE e IBBEA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güirlades 2160, C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Birba A, Ramallo MR, Lo Nostro F, Guimarães Moreira R, Pandolfi M. Reproductive and parental care physiology of Cichlasoma dimerus males. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 221:193-200. [PMID: 25688482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The South American cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus presents a high breeding frequency and biparental care of the eggs and larvae. The male parental care period was divided in four different phases according to the developmental degree of the offspring: pre-spawning activity (MP, day 0), guarding eggs (ME, one day after fertilization (1 DAF)), guarding hatched larvae (MHL, 3 DAF), and guarding swimming larvae (MSL, 8 DAF). The aim of this study was to characterize male reproductive physiology by measuring steroid hormone plasma levels and analyzing testes cellular composition. Males exhibiting pre-spawning activity showed 8.4 times higher 11-ketotestosterone and 5.63 times higher testosterone levels than MHL. No differences were observed in estradiol and cortisol levels among the different phases. The cellular composition of the testes varied during the reproductive and parental care periods. Testes of MP were composed of 50% of spermatozoa, whereas spermatogonia type B and spermatocytes were predominant in the subsequent parental phases. A morphometric analysis of Leydig cells nuclear area revealed that MP and ME's Leydig cells averaged 1.27 times larger than that those of MHL and MSL and was positively correlated with circulating 11-KT and T levels. Hence, C. dimerus males showed important changes in its hormonal profiles and testicular cellular composition throughout the reproductive and parental care period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustina Birba
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (C1428EHA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Roberto Ramallo
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (C1428EHA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; IBBEA-CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabiana Lo Nostro
- IBBEA-CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología Acuática, DBBE, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (C1428EHA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Renata Guimarães Moreira
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Traversa 14, 321, São Paulo 05508-090, SP, Brazil
| | - Matías Pandolfi
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, DBBE, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (C1428EHA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; IBBEA-CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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30
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Maruska KP. Social Transitions Cause Rapid Behavioral and Neuroendocrine Changes. Integr Comp Biol 2015; 55:294-306. [PMID: 26037297 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icv057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In species that form dominance hierarchies, there are often opportunities for low-ranking individuals to challenge high-ranking ones, resulting in a rise or fall in social rank. How does an animal rapidly detect, process, and then respond to these social transitions? This article explores and summarizes how these social transitions can rapidly (within 24 h) impact an individual's behavior, physiology, and brain, using the African cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni, as a model. Male A. burtoni form hierarchies in which a few brightly-colored dominant males defend territories and spawn with females, while the remaining males are subordinate, more drab-colored, do not hold a territory, and have minimal opportunities for reproduction. These social phenotypes are plastic and reversible, meaning that individual males may switch between dominant and subordinate status multiple times within a lifetime. When the social environment is manipulated to create males that either ascend (subordinate to dominant) or descend (dominant to subordinate) in rank, there are rapid changes in behavior, circulating hormones, and levels of gene expression in the brain that reflect the direction of transition. For example, within minutes, males ascending in status show bright coloration, a distinct eye-bar, increased dominance behaviors, activation of brain nuclei in the social behavior network, and higher levels of sex steroids in the plasma. Ascending males also show rapid changes in levels of neuropeptide and steroid receptors in the brain, as well as in the pituitary and testes. To further examine hormone-behavior relationships in this species during rapid social ascent, the present study also measured levels of testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, estradiol, progestins, and cortisol in the plasma during the first week of social ascent and tested for correlations with behavior. Plasma levels of all steroids were rapidly increased at 30 min after social ascent, but were not correlated with behavior during the initial rise in rank, suggesting that behavior is dissociated from endocrine status. These changes during social ascent are then compared with our current knowledge about males descending in rank, who rapidly show faded coloration, decreased dominance behaviors, increased subordinate behaviors, and higher circulating levels of cortisol. Collectively, this work highlights how the perception of similar social cues that are opposite in value are rapidly translated into adaptive behavioral and neuroendocrine changes that promote survival and reproductive fitness. Finally, future directions are proposed to better understand the mechanisms that govern these rapid changes in social position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen P Maruska
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, 202 Life Sciences Bldg, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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31
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Ramallo MR, Birba A, Honji RM, Morandini L, Moreira RG, Somoza GM, Pandolfi M. A multidisciplinary study on social status and the relationship between inter-individual variation in hormone levels and agonistic behavior in a Neotropical cichlid fish. Horm Behav 2015; 69:139-51. [PMID: 25647157 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Social animals with hierarchal dominance systems are particularly susceptible to their social environment. There, interactions with conspecifics and hierarchal position can greatly affect an individual's behavior, physiology and reproductive success. Our experimental model, Cichlasoma dimerus, is a serially-monogamous Neotropical cichlid fish with a hierarchical social system, established and sustained through agonistic interactions. In this work, we aimed to describe C. dimerus social structure and its association with hormonal profiles and testicular cellular composition. We recorded and quantified agonistic interactions from the territorial pair, i.e. the top ranked male and female, and the lowest ranked male of stable social groups. Plasma levels of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), testosterone, 17β-estradiol (E2) and cortisol were measured by ELISA. Results show that territorial pairs cooperatively guarded the territory, but rarely attacked in synchrony. Territorial males had higher testosterone and 11-KT plasma levels than non-territorial males, while E2 and an index of its metabolization from testosterone were higher in non-territorial males. No difference was observed in cortisol levels. Plasma 11-KT and an index of the conversion of testosterone to 11-KT, positively correlated with the frequency of aggressiveness, while E2 showed the opposite pattern. Territorial males had a higher gonadosomatic index than non-territorial males. The quantification of testicular cellular types revealed that the percentage of spermatocytes and spermatids was higher in non-territorial males, while territorial males showed a greater percentage of spermatozoa. Thus, C. dimerus male social position within a stable hierarchy is associated with distinct behaviors, steroid levels and testicular degree of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín R Ramallo
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biologia Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Birba
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biologia Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Renato M Honji
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Trav. 14 n°321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Leonel Morandini
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biologia Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Renata G Moreira
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Trav. 14 n°321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Gustavo M Somoza
- Laboratorio de Ictiofisiología y Acuicultura, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH. CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Matías Pandolfi
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biologia Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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32
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Maruska KP. Social regulation of reproduction in male cichlid fishes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 207:2-12. [PMID: 24859257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Social interactions and relative positions within a dominance hierarchy have helped shape the evolution of reproduction in many animals. Since reproduction is crucial in all animals, and rank typically regulates access to reproductive opportunities, understanding the mechanisms that regulate socially-induced reproductive processes is extremely important. How does position in a dominance hierarchy impact an individual's reproductive behavior, morphology, and physiology? Teleost fishes, and cichlids in particular, are ideally-suited models for studying how social status influences reproduction on multiple levels of biological organization. Here I review the current knowledge on the reproductive behavioral and physiological consequences of relative position in a dominance hierarchy, with a particular focus on male cichlids. Dominant and subordinate social status is typically associated with distinct differences in activity along the entire hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Further, when transitions in social status occur between subordinate and dominant individuals, there are plastic changes from whole-organism behavior to molecular-level gene expression modifications that occur quickly. These rapid changes in behavior and physiology have allowed cichlids the flexibility to adapt to and thrive in their often dynamic physical and social environments. Studies in cichlid fishes have, and will continue, to advance our understanding of how the social environment can modulate molecular, cellular, and behavioral outcomes relevant to reproductive success. Future studies that take advantage of the extreme diversity in mating systems, reproductive tactics, and parental care strategies within the cichlid group will help generate hypotheses and careful experimental tests on the mechanisms governing the social control of reproduction in many vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen P Maruska
- Department of Biological Sciences, 202 Life Sciences Bldg., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States.
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Birba A, Ramallo MR, Morandini L, Villafañe V, Tubert C, Guimarães Moreira R, Pandolfi M. The pineal complex in the cichlid Cichlasoma dimerus: effect of different photoperiods on its cell morphology. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2014; 85:605-620. [PMID: 24976599 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This research describes the pineal complex histology in juvenile and adult Cichlasoma dimerus, and the effect of different photoperiods on its cell morphology. In both juveniles and adults, the pineal complex of C. dimerus has three components: the pineal organ, consisting of a pineal vesicle (PV) and a pineal stalk, the parapineal organ and the dorsal sac. Although a strong morphological resemblance exists between the two stages, different synthesis patterns of cone and rod opsins were detected in the two life stages. An effect of the photoperiod length was observed on putative pinealocytes' activity from the PV, measured indirectly through nuclear area morphometry. Individuals exposed to a natural photoperiod (14L:10D) had smaller nuclear areas (mean ± s.e. = 13·82 ± 1·52 µm(2) ) than those exposed to a short photoperiod (8:16) (21·45 ± 2·67 µm(2) ; P < 0·001). Eventually, the nuclear area of pinealocytes could be used as a putative indicator of melatonin synthesis in fishes where it is difficult to obtain plasma samples, e.g. due to its small size or age. This work constitutes one of the few comparative descriptions of the pineal complex of juvenile and adult teleost and suggests potential approaches for the study of melatonin synthesis in fish larvae or small adult fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Birba
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Ramallo MR, Morandini L, Alonso F, Birba A, Tubert C, Fiszbein A, Pandolfi M. The endocrine regulation of cichlids social and reproductive behavior through the eyes of the chanchita, Cichlasoma dimerus (Percomorpha; Cichlidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 108:194-202. [PMID: 25159924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Sociobiology, the study of social behavior, calls for a laboratory model with specific requirements. Among the most obvious is the execution of social interactions that need to be readily observable, quantifiable and analyzable. If, in turn, one focuses on the neuroendocrinological basis of social behavior, restrictions grow even tighter. A good laboratory model should then allow easy access to its neurological and endocrine components and processes. During the last years, we have been studying the physiological foundation of social behavior on what we believe fits all the aforementioned requirements: the so called "chanchita", Cichlasoma dimerus. This Neotropical cichlid fish exhibits biparental care of the eggs and larvae and presents a hierarchical social system, established and sustained through agonistic interactions. The aim of the current article is to review new evidence on chanchita's social and reproductive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín Roberto Ramallo
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, IBBEA-Conicet, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), CABA, Argentina; Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), CABA, Argentina
| | - Leonel Morandini
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, IBBEA-Conicet, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), CABA, Argentina; Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), CABA, Argentina
| | - Felipe Alonso
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), CABA, Argentina
| | - Agustina Birba
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), CABA, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Tubert
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), CABA, Argentina
| | - Ana Fiszbein
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), CABA, Argentina
| | - Matías Pandolfi
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, IBBEA-Conicet, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), CABA, Argentina; Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA), CABA, Argentina.
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Hawley PH. Ontogeny and Social Dominance: A Developmental View of Human Power Patterns. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/147470491401200204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental science has long evolutionary roots and has historically focused on individual differences. Accordingly, developmental models can inform conversations about phylogeny and personality. The present paper evokes life history theory to describe a theoretical model of competitive behavior that applies to both children and adults (resource control theory: RCT). The model suggests that prosocial and coercive behavior, though different in manifest form, serve similar evolutionary functions. Accordingly, RCT presents a view on social dominance that gives primacy to function over form that contrasts sharply from traditional views. This reformulation gives rise to novel questions (both developmental and non-developmental) and challenges long accepted views on prosociality (e.g., that it is altruistic) and aggression (e.g., that it is maladaptive). Similarly, RCT gives rise to a minority perspective that aligns aggression with social competence.
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Morandini L, Honji RM, Ramallo MR, Moreira RG, Pandolfi M. The interrenal gland in males of the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus: relationship with stress and the establishment of social hierarchies. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 195:88-98. [PMID: 24184109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In teleosts, cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid secreted by the steroidogenic cells of the interrenal gland and an increase in its plasma concentration is a frequent indicator of stress. Cortisol has been postulated as an endogenous mediator involved in the regulation of reproduction and aggression related to social dynamics. The cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus, is a monogamous species that exhibits complex social hierarchies; males appear in one of two basic alternative phenotypes: non-territorial and territorial males. In this work, we postulated as a general hypothesis that the morphometry of the interrenal gland cells and the plasma levels of cortisol and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) are related to the social rank in adult males of C. dimerus. First, the location and distribution of the interrenal gland with respect to its context - the kidney - was studied. Plasma levels of cortisol and 11-KT in territorial and non-territorial males were established by ELISA. Finally, a morphometric analysis of steroidogenic and chromaffin cells of the interrenal gland was performed. Results showed that the interrenal gland was exclusively located in the posterior portion of the cephalic kidney. Non-territorial males presented a greater nuclear area of their steroidogenic cells. Additionally, plasma cortisol and 11-KT levels were lower and higher, respectively, in territorial males. Finally, plasma cortisol levels positively correlated with the nuclear area of interrenal steroidogenic cells. Thus, the interrenal gland, by means of one of its products, cortisol, may be fulfilling an important role in the establishment of social hierarchies and their stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonel Morandini
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, (C1428EHA) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Renato Massaaki Honji
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências-USP, Rua do Matão, travessa 14, n.321, sala 220 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Martín Roberto Ramallo
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, (C1428EHA) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Renata Guimarães Moreira
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências-USP, Rua do Matão, travessa 14, n.321, sala 220 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Matías Pandolfi
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, (C1428EHA) Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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37
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Maruska KP, Fernald RD. Social regulation of male reproductive plasticity in an African cichlid fish. Integr Comp Biol 2013; 53:938-50. [PMID: 23613320 PMCID: PMC3836007 DOI: 10.1093/icb/ict017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Social interactions with the outcome of a position in a dominance hierarchy can have profound effects on reproductive behavior and physiology, requiring animals to integrate environmental information with their internal physiological state; but how is salient information from the animal's dynamic social environment transformed into adaptive behavioral, physiological, and molecular-level changes? The African cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni, is ideally suited to understand socially controlled reproductive plasticity because activity of the male reproductive (brain-pituitary-gonad) axis is tightly linked to social status. Males form hierarchies in which a small percentage of brightly colored dominant individuals have an active reproductive axis, defend territories, and spawn with females, while the remaining males are subordinate, drably colored, do not hold a territory, and have a suppressed reproductive system with minimal opportunities for spawning. These social phenotypes are plastic and quickly reversible, meaning that individual males may switch between dominant and subordinate status multiple times within a lifetime. Here, we review the rapid and remarkable plasticity that occurs along the entire reproductive axis when males rise in social rank, a transition that has important implications for the operational sex ratio of the population. When males rise in rank, transformations occur in the brain, pituitary, circulation, and testes over short time-scales (minutes to days). Changes are evident in overt behavior, as well as modifications at the physiological, cellular, and molecular levels that regulate reproductive capacity. Widespread changes triggered by a switch in rank highlight the significance of external social information in shaping internal physiology and reproductive competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen P. Maruska
- *Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Russell D. Fernald
- *Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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Weber DN, Ghorai JK. Experimental Design Affects Social Behavior Outcomes in Adult Zebrafish Developmentally Exposed to Lead. Zebrafish 2013; 10:294-302. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2012.0780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel N. Weber
- Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Jugal K. Ghorai
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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