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Surber-Cunningham LL, Jimenez LS, Mobo LW, Westrick SE, Fischer EK. Early development of the glucocorticoid stress response in poison frog tadpoles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.31.596457. [PMID: 38895357 PMCID: PMC11185533 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
In vertebrates, the glucocorticoid response through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis controls many essential functions, including behavior, metabolism, and ontogenetic transitions. However, there are tradeoffs associated with high levels of glucocorticoids, including reduced growth rate and lowered immunity. These tradeoffs drive variation in the timing of the development of the HPA axis across taxa. In anurans (frogs and toads), corticosterone has critical roles in development and behavior, and concentrations can fluctuate in response to environmental stressors. Given the role of corticosterone in ontogenetic changes and behaviors, we hypothesized that species with immediate habitat transitions and challenges would develop an HPA axis early in development. To test this hypothesis, we studied tadpoles of the dyeing poison frog ( Dendrobates tinctorius ), a species in which tadpoles hatch terrestrially and are transported to pools of water by their parent. We measured the excretion rate and whole-body concentration of corticosterone and the corticosterone response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). We found no significant differences in excretion rates and whole-body concentration of corticosterone, nor physiological response to ACTH injection across tadpole development. These findings indicate that the glucocorticoid response is developed early in ontogeny. These findings generally differ from those found in other species of tadpoles, which may suggest the unique ecological pressures of D. tinctorius has shaped the development of its HPA axis. More broadly, this study illustrates how life history strategies and tradeoffs of glucocorticoids impact the timing of the development of the HPA axis. Highlights The timing of HPA axis development differs across species. We studied the HPA axis across tadpole development in Dendrobates tinctorius . No difference in corticosterone concentration across development.No difference in corticosterone response to ACTH across development.Results suggest an early developed HPA axis is essential for their life history.
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O'Dwyer K, Milotic D, Milotic M, Koprivnikar J. Behave yourself: effects of exogenous-glucocorticoid exposure on larval amphibian anti-parasite behaviour and physiology. Oecologia 2024; 205:95-106. [PMID: 38689180 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-024-05547-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Parasites represent a ubiquitous threat for most organisms, requiring potential hosts to invest in a range of strategies to defend against infection-these include both behavioural and physiological mechanisms. Avoidance is an essential first line of defence, but this behaviour may show a trade-off with host investment in physiological immunity. Importantly, while environmental stressors can lead to elevated hormones in vertebrates, such as glucocorticoids, that can reduce physiological immunity in certain contexts, behavioural defences may also be compromised. Here, we investigate anti-parasite behaviour and immune responses against a trematode (flatworm) parasite by larval amphibians (tadpoles) exposed or not to a simulated general stressor in the form of exogenous corticosterone. Tadpoles that were highly active in the presence of the trematode infectious stage (cercariae) had lower infection loads, and parasite loads from tadpoles treated only with dechlorinated water were significantly lower than those exposed to corticosterone or the solvent control. However, treatment did not affect immunity as measured through white blood-cell profiles, and there was no relationship between the latter and anti-parasite behaviour. Our results suggest that a broad range of stressors could increase host susceptibility to infection through altered anti-parasite behaviours if they elevate endogenous glucocorticoids, irrespective of physiological immunity effects. How hosts defend themselves against parasitism in the context of multiple challenges represents an important topic for future research, particularly as the risk posed by infectious diseases is predicted to increase in response to ongoing environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie O'Dwyer
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Atlantic Technological University, Old Dublin Road, Co., Galway, Ireland.
| | - Dino Milotic
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Marin Milotic
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Janet Koprivnikar
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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3
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Schulte L, Oswald P, Mühlenhaupt M, Ossendorf E, Kruse S, Kaiser S, Caspers BA. Stress response of fire salamander larvae differs between habitat types. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231304. [PMID: 38577214 PMCID: PMC10987980 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The larvae of the European fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) can inhabit two different habitats: streams and ponds. Streams are characterized by lower predation risks and higher food availability. Thus, ponds are considered a less suitable habitat. To investigate the differential impacts of these two habitats on larval physiology, we measured the stress response of larvae. After successfully validating the measure of water-borne corticosterone release rates in fire salamander larvae, we measured the baseline and stress-induced corticosterone of 64 larvae from ponds and streams in the field. We found that larvae in ponds have a higher baseline and stress-induced corticosterone levels. Additionally, we performed a reciprocal transplant experiment (RTE) and tested whether larvae can adapt their stress responses to changing habitats. After two weeks, we did not find an increase in corticosterone levels when comparing stress-induced corticosterone values with baseline corticosterone values in larvae transferred into ponds, irrespective of their habitat of origin. However, larvae transferred into streams still exhibited an increase in the stress-induced corticosterone response in comparison with the baseline values. These results show that non-invasive hormone measurements can provide information on the habitat quality and potential adaptation and thus emphasize the potential for its use in conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schulte
- Behavioural Ecology Department, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld33615, Germany
| | - Pia Oswald
- Behavioural Ecology Department, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld33615, Germany
| | - Max Mühlenhaupt
- Behavioural Ecology Department, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld33615, Germany
| | - Edith Ossendorf
- Institute for Neuro- and Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster48149, Germany
| | - Sabine Kruse
- Institute for Neuro- and Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster48149, Germany
| | - Sylvia Kaiser
- Institute for Neuro- and Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster48149, Germany
- Joint Institute for Individualisation in a Changing Environment (JICE), University of Münster and Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Barbara A. Caspers
- Behavioural Ecology Department, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld33615, Germany
- Joint Institute for Individualisation in a Changing Environment (JICE), University of Münster and Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Bókony V, Kalina C, Ujhegyi N, Mikó Z, Lefler KK, Vili N, Gál Z, Gabor CR, Hoffmann OI. Does stress make males? An experiment on the role of glucocorticoids in anuran sex reversal. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:172-181. [PMID: 38155497 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Environmentally sensitive sex determination may help organisms adapt to environmental change but also makes them vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors, with diverse consequences for population dynamics and evolution. The mechanisms translating environmental stimuli to sex are controversial: although several fish experiments supported the mediator role of glucocorticoid hormones, results on some reptiles challenged it. We tested this hypothesis in amphibians by investigating the effect of corticosterone on sex determination in agile frogs (Rana dalmatina). This species is liable to environmental sex reversal whereby genetic females develop into phenotypic males. After exposing tadpoles during sex determination to waterborne corticosterone, the proportion of genetic females with testes or ovotestes increased from 11% to up to 32% at 3 out of 4 concentrations. These differences were not statistically significant except for the group treated with 10 nM corticosterone, and there was no monotonous dose-effect relationship. These findings suggest that corticosterone is unlikely to mediate sex reversal in frogs. Unexpectedly, animals originating from urban habitats had higher sex-reversal and corticosterone-release rates, reduced body mass and development speed, and lower survival compared to individuals collected from woodland habitats. Thus, anthropogenic environments may affect both sex and fitness, and the underlying mechanisms may vary across ectothermic vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Bókony
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csenge Kalina
- Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Ujhegyi
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsanett Mikó
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kinga Katalin Lefler
- Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Nóra Vili
- Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Gál
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Caitlin R Gabor
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Orsolya Ivett Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science, Gödöllő, Hungary
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Liedtke HC, Lopez-Hervas K, Galván I, Polo-Cavia N, Gomez-Mestre I. Background matching through fast and reversible melanin-based pigmentation plasticity in tadpoles comes with morphological and antioxidant changes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12064. [PMID: 37495600 PMCID: PMC10371988 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Facultative colour change is widespread in the animal kingdom, and has been documented in many distantly related amphibians. However, experimental data testing the extent of facultative colour change, and associated physiological and morphological implications are comparatively scarce. Background matching in the face of spatial and temporal environmental variation is thought to be an important proximate function of colour change in aquatic amphibian larvae. This is particularly relevant for species with long larval periods such as the western spadefoot toad, Pelobates cultripes, whose tadpoles spend up to six months developing in temporary waterbodies with temporally variable vegetation. By rearing tadpoles on different coloured backgrounds, we show that P. cultripes larvae can regulate pigmentation to track fine-grained differences in background brightness, but not hue or saturation. We found that colour change is rapid, reversible, and primarily achieved through changes in the quantity of eumelanin in the skin. We show that this increased eumelanin production and/or maintenance is also correlated with changes in morphology and oxidative stress, with more pigmented tadpoles growing larger tail fins and having an improved redox status.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Christoph Liedtke
- Ecology Evolution and Development Group. Biological Station of Doñana - CSIC, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Karem Lopez-Hervas
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann Str. 2, 24306, Plön, Germany
| | - Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, CSIC, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Polo-Cavia
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivan Gomez-Mestre
- Ecology Evolution and Development Group. Biological Station of Doñana - CSIC, 41092, Seville, Spain
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Üveges B, Kalina C, Szabó K, Móricz ÁM, Holly D, Gabor CR, Hettyey A, Bókony V. Does the Glucocorticoid Stress Response Make Toads More Toxic? An Experimental Study on the Regulation of Bufadienolide Toxin Synthesis. Integr Org Biol 2023; 5:obad021. [PMID: 37435008 PMCID: PMC10331804 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical defense is a crucial component of fitness in many organisms, yet the physiological regulation of defensive toxin synthesis is poorly understood, especially in vertebrates. Bufadienolides, the main defensive compounds of toads, are toxic to many predators and other natural enemies, and their synthesis can be upregulated by stressors, including predation risk, high conspecific density, and pollutants. Thus, higher toxin content may be the consequence of a general endocrine stress response in toads. Therefore, we hypothesized that bufadienolide synthesis may be stimulated by elevated levels of corticosterone (CORT), the main glucocorticoid hormone of amphibians, or by upstream regulators that stimulate CORT production. To test these alternatives, we treated common toad tadpoles with exogenous CORT (exoCORT) or metyrapone (MTP, a CORT-synthesis inhibitor that stimulates upstream regulators of CORT by negative feedback) in the presence or absence of predation cues for 2 or 6 days, and subsequently measured their CORT release rates and bufadienolide content. We found that CORT release rates were elevated by exoCORT, and to a lesser extent also by MTP, regardless of treatment length. Bufadienolide content was significantly decreased by treatment with exoCORT for 6 days but was unaffected by exposure to exoCORT for 2 days or to MTP for either 6 or 2 days. The presence or absence of predation cues affected neither CORT release rate nor bufadienolide content. Our results suggest that changes in bufadienolide synthesis in response to environmental challenges are not driven by CORT but may rather be regulated by upstream hormones of the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Kalina
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - K Szabó
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department for Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Móricz Zsigmond út 22, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Á M Móricz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
| | - D Holly
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
| | - C R Gabor
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Engineering, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
| | - A Hettyey
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
| | - V Bókony
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
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Niu Z, Xue H, Jiang Z, Chai L, Wang H. Effects of temperature on metamorphosis and endochondral ossification in Rana chensinensis tadpoles. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2023; 45:101057. [PMID: 36657230 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2023.101057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Temperature is one of the important factors affecting the growth, development, and metamorphosis of amphibians. Endochondral ossification during metamorphosis plays a crucial role in amphibian survival and adaptation on land. In this study, we explored the effects of different temperature treatments on the growth, development, and endochondral ossification of Rana chensinensis tadpoles during metamorphosis. The results showed that high temperature exposure may affect the skeletal development of tadpoles during metamorphosis, such as reduction of bone length and ossification of limbs, thyroid gland damage and change of ossification-related genes expression levels,and ultimately affect the movement and survival of tadpoles in the terrestrial environment. These results provide an experimental reference for further research on the effects of temperature on amphibian growth and development and provide an important theoretical basis for the decline of the amphibian population caused by temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Niu
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - HaoYu Xue
- School of Philosophy and Government, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Zhaoyang Jiang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Lihong Chai
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Hongyuan Wang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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Phenotypic Plasticity in Juvenile Frogs That Experienced Predation Pressure as Tadpoles Does Not Alter Their Locomotory Performance. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030341. [PMID: 36979033 PMCID: PMC10045024 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Anuran species can respond to environmental changes via phenotypic plasticity, which can also result in ecological impacts across the life history of such species. We investigated the effects of predation pressure (i.e., the non-consumption effect) from the dragonfly larva (Anax parthenope) on the phenotypical change of tadpoles into juvenile frogs (specifically the black-spotted pond frog, Pelophylax nigromaculatus), and also analyzed the impact of morphological changes on locomotory performance after metamorphosis. The experiments on predator impact were conducted in the laboratory. Body length, weight, development timing, and metamorphosis timing in the presence of dragonfly nymphs were measured in both tadpoles and juvenile frogs. The body and tail shapes of the tadpoles, as well as the skeletal shape of the juvenile frogs, were analyzed using landmark-based geometric morphometrics. Furthermore, the locomotory performance of the juvenile frogs was tested by measuring their jumping and swimming speeds. Tadpoles that had grown with predators possessed smaller bodies, deeper tail fins, and slower development rates, and they waited longer periods of time before commencing metamorphosis. Having said this, however, the effect of predator cues on the body length and weight of juvenile frogs was not found to be significant. These juvenile frogs possessed longer limbs and narrower skulls, with subtle morphological changes in the pelvis and ilium, but there was no subsequent difference in their swimming and jumping speeds. Our results showed that the changes in anatomical traits that can affect locomotor performance are so subtle that they do not affect the jumping or swimming speeds. Therefore, we support the view that these morphological changes are thus by-products of an altered tadpole period, rather than an adaptive response to predator-escape ability or to post-metamorphosis life history. On the other hand, delayed metamorphosis, without an increase in body size, may still be disadvantageous to the reproduction, growth, and survival of frogs in their life history following metamorphosis.
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9
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Antipredator responses of Indosylvirana indica tadpoles do not match the level of predation risk. J Biosci 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-022-00317-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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10
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Wang H, Liu Y, Chai L, Wang H. Effects of nitrite exposure on metamorphosis and skeletal development of Bufo gargarizans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:51847-51859. [PMID: 35253106 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19468-5] [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: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrite, as a part of nitrogen cycle, is one of the most common toxic compounds in aquatic ecosystems. Since skeletal development is an essential process during amphibian metamorphosis, exposure of larval amphibians to nitrite might disrupt skeletal development. To evaluate whether nitrite affects skeletal development of amphibian larvae, Bufo gargarizans larvae at Gs26 were exposed to 10, 100, 500 and 1000 μg/L nitrite-nitrogen (NO2-N) in the present study. The metamorphosis rate, body weight, body length, forelimb length and hindlimb length of B. gargarizans exposed to NO2-N were decreased. The microscopic structures of thyroid gland were altered under NO2-N exposure at Gs42. The skeletal lengths of the humerus, femur and fibulare of tadpole at Gs42 were significantly reduced under 100, 500 and 1000 μg/L NO2-N treatment groups, and the lengths of humerus, tibia-fibula and tibiale of tadpole at Gs46 were significantly reduced under 1000 μg/L NO2-N treatment groups. In addition, the expression levels of thyroid hormone (TH) and endochondral ossification-related genes of tadpoles at Gs42 and Gs46 were tested by qRT-PCR. Overall, NO2-N exposure could affect the expressions of these genes and then may influence the activity and function of thyroid gland, further disturbing the amphibian metamorphosis and skeletal development of amphibian larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemei Wang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Yutian Liu
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Lihong Chai
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Hongyuan Wang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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Liu Y, Wang H, Chai L, Li X, Wu M, Wang H. Effects of perchlorate and exogenous T4 exposures on development, metamorphosis and endochondral ossification in Bufo gargarizans larvae. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 242:106036. [PMID: 34818595 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.106036] [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: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Several endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been proven to interfere with the physiological function of thyroid hormone (TH), which affected growth and development. However, few studies have investigated the effects of EDCs on TH axis with consequence for skeletal development in amphibians. This study thus examined the potential role of perchlorate and T4 in growth, development and endochondral ossification during metamorphosis of Bufo gargarizans. Our studies showed that NaClO₄ treatment caused weight gain and delayed the developmental stage in B. gargarizans tadpoles, while T4 decreased body size and survival rate, accelerated metamorphic duration and increased the risk of early death. Histological sections suggested that NaClO₄ and T4 treatments caused damages to thyroid tissue, such as decreased thyroid gland size, follicle size, colloid area, the height of follicular epithelial cells and the number of follicles. In addition, the double skeletal staining and RT-qPCR showed that NaClO₄ and T4 treatments inhibited the endochondral ossification by regulating TH synthesis (TRs, Dios) and endochondral ossification-related genes (MMPs, Runxs, VEGFs and VEGFRs) expression levels, which might affect terrestrial locomotion and terrestrial life. Altogether, these thyroid injury and gene expression changes as caused by NaClO₄ and T4 may have an influence on development and endochondral ossification during the metamorphosis of amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutian Liu
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Hemei Wang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Lihong Chai
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Minyao Wu
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Hongyuan Wang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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12
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Ren C, Teng Y, Shen Y, Yao Q, Wang H. Altered temperature affect body condition and endochondral ossification in Bufo gargarizans tadpoles. J Therm Biol 2021; 99:103020. [PMID: 34420650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103020] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bufo gargarizans is one kind of economic animals with higher medicinal value in China. In this study, B. gargarizans (Bufo gargarizans) tadpoles were reared at three different water temperature (15, 22 and 29 °C) from Gosner stages 28-46. We investigated the effects of temperature on growth, development, survival, metamorphic duration, size and skeletal ossification at Gosner stage 40, 42, and 46, as well as thyroid tissue reached metamorphic climax (Gs42). Besides, we examined the transcription levels of endochondral ossification-related genes in hind limb at metamorphic climax (Gs42). Our results showed that the growth and development of tadpoles conform to the temperature-size rule (TSR). While warm temperature resulted in the decrease in body size and hind limb length, and shorten larval period, cold temperature led to increase in body size and hind limb length but prolonged larval period. Histological examinations revealed that warm and cold temperatures caused damage to thyroid tissue. Also, warm and cold temperatures inhibited the degree of ossification with the double staining methodology. Additionally, the real-time PCR results suggested that warm and cold temperatures significantly up-regulated Runx2, VEGF and VEGFR mRNA levels, and down-regulated TRβ, MMP9, MMP13 and Runx3 mRNA levels. The up-regulation of Dio2 level and down-regulation of Dio3 level were observed in warm temperature. TRα mRNA level was significantly increased in warm temperature, but decreased in cold temperature. Collectively, these observations demonstrated that warm and cold temperatures affected endochondral ossification in B. gargarizans tadpoles, which might influence their capacity to terrestrial locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaolu Ren
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Yiran Teng
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Yujia Shen
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Qiong Yao
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Hongyuan Wang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
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Horn CJ, Mierzejewski MK, Elahi ME, Luong LT. Extending the ecology of fear: Parasite-mediated sexual selection drives host response to parasites. Physiol Behav 2020; 224:113041. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Sarma RR, Edwards RJ, Crino OL, Eyck HJF, Waters PD, Crossland MR, Shine R, Rollins LA. Do Epigenetic Changes Drive Corticosterone Responses to Alarm Cues in Larvae of an Invasive Amphibian? Integr Comp Biol 2020; 60:1481-1494. [PMID: 32544233 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The developmental environment can exert powerful effects on animal phenotype. Recently, epigenetic modifications have emerged as one mechanism that can modulate developmentally plastic responses to environmental variability. For example, the DNA methylation profile at promoters of hormone receptor genes can affect their expression and patterns of hormone release. Across taxonomic groups, epigenetic alterations have been linked to changes in glucocorticoid (GC) physiology. GCs are metabolic hormones that influence growth, development, transitions between life-history stages, and thus fitness. To date, relatively few studies have examined epigenetic effects on phenotypic traits in wild animals, especially in amphibians. Here, we examined the effects of exposure to predation threat (alarm cues) and experimentally manipulated DNA methylation on corticosterone (CORT) levels in tadpoles and metamorphs of the invasive cane toad (Rhinella marina). We included offspring of toads sampled from populations across the species' Australian range. In these animals, exposure to chemical cues from injured conspecifics induces shifts in developmental trajectories, putatively as an adaptive response that lessens vulnerability to predation. We exposed tadpoles to these alarm cues, and measured changes in DNA methylation and CORT levels, both of which are mechanisms that have been implicated in the control of phenotypically plastic responses in tadpoles. To test the idea that DNA methylation drives shifts in GC physiology, we also experimentally manipulated methylation levels with the drug zebularine. We found differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between control tadpoles and their full-siblings exposed to alarm cues, zebularine, or both treatments. However, the effects of these manipulations on methylation patterns were weaker than clutch (e.g., genetic, maternal, etc.) effects. CORT levels were higher in larval cane toads exposed to alarm cues and zebularine. We found little evidence of changes in DNA methylation across the GC receptor gene (NR3C1) promoter region in response to alarm cue or zebularine exposure. In both alarm cue and zebularine-exposed individuals, we found differentially methylated DNA in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 gene (SOCS3), which may be involved in predator avoidance behavior. In total, our data reveal that alarm cues have significant impacts on tadpole physiology, but show only weak links between DNA methylation and CORT levels. We also identify genes containing DMRs in tadpoles exposed to alarm cues and zebularine, particularly in range-edge populations, that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshmi R Sarma
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Richard J Edwards
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ondi L Crino
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (LES), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Harrison J F Eyck
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Paul D Waters
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael R Crossland
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Richard Shine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lee A Rollins
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Gao J, Li X, Zhang Y, Wang H. Endochondral ossification in hindlimbs during bufo gargarizans
metamorphosis: A model of studying skeletal development in vertebrates. Dev Dyn 2018; 247:1121-1134. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jinshu Gao
- College of Life Science; Shaanxi Normal University; Xi'an, 710119 China
| | - Xinyi Li
- College of Life Science; Shaanxi Normal University; Xi'an, 710119 China
| | - Yuhui Zhang
- College of Life Science; Shaanxi Normal University; Xi'an, 710119 China
| | - Hongyuan Wang
- College of Life Science; Shaanxi Normal University; Xi'an, 710119 China
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Swierk L, Langkilde T. Does repeated human handling of study animals during the mating season affect their offspring? JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 329:80-86. [PMID: 29806245 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Minimizing disturbance of study animals is a major consideration in ethological and ecological research design. One nearly universal type of disturbance is the handling of study animals as a component of trial setup. Even low to moderate levels of handling can be a substantial stressor to study animals, which may negatively affect their offspring via maternal effects. Understanding how routine human handling and manipulation may affect the outcome of research studies is therefore critical for interpreting study outcomes. We tested whether repeatedly handling and manipulating (i.e., manually disengaging) amplexed pairs of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica [Lithobates sylvaticus]), which have an explosive breeding season, would affect their reproductive output and offspring fitness. Handling and manipulation did not alter any parameter that we measured: reproductive timing, hatching success, and offspring larval duration, survival, and size at metamorphosis. These results suggest that handling and manipulation by researchers may have a negligible effect on wood frog reproduction and offspring fitness. It is possible that many species that are commonly used in reproductive studies because they suppress behavioral and physiological responses during the mating season are likewise unaffected by human handling. Nevertheless, researchers should examine possible consequences of methodological interventions on their study species in order to determine any potential influence on their results. Having a broad understanding of these effects on species that have robust or dampened stress responsiveness during the breeding season would be useful for making generalizations about potential effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Swierk
- Department of Biology, Intercollege Graduate Program in Ecology, and Center for Brain, Behavior and Cognition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Tracy Langkilde
- Department of Biology, Intercollege Graduate Program in Ecology, and Center for Brain, Behavior and Cognition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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Proximity to parasites reduces host fitness independent of infection in a Drosophila-Macrocheles system. Parasitology 2018. [PMID: 29530103 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018000379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Parasites are known to have direct negative effects on host fitness; however, the indirect effects of parasitism on host fitness sans infection are less well understood. Hosts undergo behavioural and physiological changes when in proximity to parasites. Yet, there is little experimental evidence showing that these changes lead to long-term decreases in host fitness. We aimed to determine if parasite exposure affects host fitness independent of contact, because current approaches to parasite ecology may underestimate the effect of parasites on host populations. We assayed the longevity and reproductive output of Drosophila nigrospiracula exposed or not exposed to ectoparasitic Macrocheles subbadius. In order to preclude contact and infection, mites and flies were permanently separated with a mesh screen. Exposed flies had shorter lives and lower fecundity relative to unexposed flies. Recent work in parasite ecology has argued that parasite-host systems show similar processes as predator-prey systems. Our findings mirror the non-consumptive effects observed in predator-prey systems, in which prey species suffer reduced fitness even if they never come into direct contact with predators. Our results support the perspective that there are analogous effects in parasite-host systems, and suggest new directions for research in both parasite ecology and the ecology of fear.
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