1
|
Kissane RWP, Griffiths A, Sharp AC. Functional anatomy of the wing muscles of the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) using dissection and diceCT. J Anat 2024. [PMID: 39344777 DOI: 10.1111/joa.14145] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Bats are unique among mammals for evolving powered flight. However, very little data are available on the muscle properties and architecture of bat flight muscles. Diffusible iodine contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT) is an established tool for 3D visualisation of anatomy and is becoming a more readily accessible and widely used technique. Here, we combine this technique with gross dissection of the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) to compare muscle masses, fibre lengths and physiological cross-sectional areas (PCSA) of muscles with published forelimb data from an array of non-flying mammals and flying birds. The Egyptian fruit bat has a highly specialised pectoralis (pars posterior) architecturally optimised to generate power. The elbow flexion/extension muscles (biceps brachii and triceps brachii) have comparable PCSAs to the pectoralis, but shorter fibre lengths, which are optimised to generate large forces. Our data also show that the Egyptian fruit bat is more similar to flying birds than non-flying mammals with its highly disparate muscle architecture. Specifically, the Egyptian fruit bat have uniquely enlarged pectoralis muscles and elbow flexion and extension muscles (bicep brachii and triceps brachii) to aid powered flight. Finally, while the Egyptian fruit bat has a comparable heterogeneity in pectoralis (pars posterior) fibre length across the cranial-caudal axis to that seen in birds, the average normalised fibre length is larger than that seen in any of the surveyed birds. Our data here provide a greater understanding of the anatomy and functional specialisation of the forelimb musculature that powers flight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger W P Kissane
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Sciences, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Amy Griffiths
- School of Biosciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Alana C Sharp
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Sciences, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Deng F, Morales-Sosa P, Bernal-Rivera A, Wang Y, Tsuchiya D, Javier JE, Rohner N, Zhao C, Camacho J. Establishing Primary and Stable Cell Lines from Frozen Wing Biopsies for Cellular, Physiological, and Genetic Studies in Bats. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e1123. [PMID: 39228233 PMCID: PMC11378949 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Bats stand out among mammalian species for their exceptional traits, including the capacity to navigate through flight and echolocation, conserve energy through torpor/hibernation, harbor a multitude of viruses, exhibit resistance to disease, survive harsh environmental conditions, and demonstrate exceptional longevity compared to other mammals of similar size. In vivo studies of bats are challenging for several reasons, such as difficulty in locating and capturing them in their natural environments, limited accessibility, low sample size, environmental variation, long lifespans, slow reproductive rates, zoonotic disease risks, species protection, and ethical concerns. Thus, establishing alternative laboratory models is crucial for investigating the diverse physiological adaptations observed in bats. Obtaining quality cells from tissues is a critical first step for successful primary cell derivation. However, it is often impractical to collect fresh tissue and process the samples immediately for cell culture due to the resources required for isolating and expanding cells. As a result, frozen tissue is typically the starting resource for bat primary cell derivation, but cells in frozen tissue are usually damaged and have low integrity and viability. Isolating primary cells from frozen tissues thus poses a significant challenge. Herein, we present a successfully developed protocol for isolating primary dermal fibroblasts from frozen bat wing biopsies. This protocol marks a significant milestone, as this is the first protocol specifically focused on fibroblast isolation from bat frozen tissue. We also describe methods for primary cell characterization, genetic manipulation of primary cells through lentivirus transduction, and the development of stable cell lines. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Bat wing biopsy collection and preservation Support Protocol 1: Blood collection from bat venipuncture Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of primary fibroblasts from adult bat frozen wing biopsy Support Protocol 2: Primary fibroblast culture and subculture Support Protocol 3: Determination of growth curve and doubling time Support Protocol 4: Cell banking and thawing of primary fibroblasts Basic Protocol 3: Lentiviral transduction of bat primary fibroblasts Basic Protocol 4: Bat stable fibroblast cell line development Support Protocol 5: Bat fibroblast validation by immunofluorescence staining Basic Protocol 5: Chromosome counting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengyan Deng
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri
| | | | | | - Yan Wang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Dai Tsuchiya
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri
| | | | - Nicolas Rohner
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Chongbei Zhao
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Jasmin Camacho
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Deng F, Morales-Sosa P, Bernal-Rivera A, Wang Y, Tsuchiya D, Javier JE, Rohner N, Zhao C, Camacho J. Establishing Primary and Stable Cell Lines from Frozen Wing Biopsies for Cellular, Physiological, and Genetic Studies in Bats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586286. [PMID: 38585913 PMCID: PMC10996558 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Bats stand out among mammalian species for their exceptional traits, including the capacity to navigate through flight and echolocation, conserve energy through torpor/hibernation, harbor a multitude of viruses, exhibit resistance to disease, survive harsh environmental conditions, and demonstrate exceptional longevity compared to other mammals of similar size. In vivo studies of bats can be challenging for several reasons such as ability to locate and capture them in their natural environments, limited accessibility, low sample size, environmental variation, long lifespans, slow reproductive rates, zoonotic disease risks, species protection, and ethical concerns. Thus, establishing alternative laboratory models is crucial for investigating the diverse physiological adaptations observed in bats. Obtaining quality cells from tissues is a critical first step for successful primary cell derivation. However, it is often impractical to collect fresh tissue and process the samples immediately for cell culture due to the resources required for isolating and expanding cells. As a result, frozen tissue is typically the starting resource for bat primary cell derivation. Yet, cells in frozen tissue are usually damaged and represent low integrity and viability. As a result, isolating primary cells from frozen tissues poses a significant challenge. Herein, we present a successfully developed protocol for isolating primary dermal fibroblasts from frozen bat wing biopsies. This protocol marks a significant milestone, as this the first protocol specially focused on fibroblasts isolation from bat frozen tissue. We also describe methods for primary cell characterization, genetic manipulation of primary cells through lentivirus transduction, and the development of stable cell lines. Basic Protocol 1: Bat wing biopsy collection and preservation Support Protocol 1: Blood collection from bat- venipuncture Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of primary fibroblasts from adult bat frozen wing biopsy Support Protocol 2: Maintenance of primary fibroblasts Support Protocol 3: Cell banking and thawing of primary fibroblasts Support Protocol 4: Growth curve and doubling time Support Protocol 5: Lentiviral transduction of bat primary fibroblasts Basic Protocol 3: Bat stable fibroblasts cell lines development Support Protocol 6: Bat fibroblasts validation by immunofluorescence staining Support Protocol 7: Chromosome counting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengyan Deng
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA, 64110
| | | | | | - Yan Wang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA, 64110
| | - Dai Tsuchiya
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA, 64110
| | | | - Nicolas Rohner
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA, 64110
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA, 66103
| | - Chongbei Zhao
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA, 64110
| | - Jasmin Camacho
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA, 64110
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hedenström A. Effects of wing damage and moult gaps on vertebrate flight performance. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:307304. [PMID: 37132410 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.227355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrates capable of powered flight rely on wings, muscles that drive their flapping and sensory inputs to the brain allowing for control of the motor output. In birds, the wings are formed of arrangements of adjacent flight feathers (remiges), whereas the wings of bats consist of double-layered skin membrane stretched out between the forelimb skeleton, body and legs. Bird feathers become worn from use and brittle from UV exposure, which leads to loss of function; to compensate, they are renewed (moulted) at regular intervals. Bird feathers and the wings of bats can be damaged by accident. Wing damage and loss of wing surface due to moult almost invariably cause reduced flight performance in measures such as take-off angle and speed. During moult in birds, this is partially counteracted by concurrent mass loss and enlarged flight muscles. Bats have sensory hairs covering their wing surface that provide feedback information about flow; thus, wing damage affects flight speed and turning ability. Bats also have thin, thread-like muscles, distributed within the wing membrane and, if these are damaged, the control of wing camber is lost. Here, I review the effects of wing damage and moult on flight performance in birds, and the consequences of wing damage in bats. I also discuss studies of life-history trade-offs that make use of experimental trimming of flight feathers as a way to handicap parent birds feeding their young.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Hedenström
- Department of Biology, Animal Flight Lab, SE-223 62 Ecology Building, Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Quiroga N, Campos-Soto R, Yañez-Meza A, Rodríguez-San Pedro A, Allendes JL, Bacigalupo A, Botto-Mahan C, Correa JP. Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in Desmodus rotundus (common vampire bat) and Histiotus montanus (small big-eared brown bat) from Chile. Acta Trop 2022; 225:106206. [PMID: 34687642 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, is transmitted by infected feces or consumption of blood-sucking triatomine insects to several mammalian orders including Chiroptera. In Chile, the distribution of several insectivorous and one hematophagous bat species overlaps with those of triatomine vectors, but the T. cruzi infection status of local chiropterans is unknown. In 2018, we live-captured bats from two protected areas in Chile to collect plagiopatagium tissue, feces and perianal swab samples, in search for T. cruzi-DNA by real time PCR assays using species-specific primers. In Pan de Azúcar island (∼26°S), we examined a roost of Desmodus rotundus (common vampire bat) and sampled tissue from 17 individuals, detecting T. cruzi-DNA in five of them. In Las Chinchillas National Reserve (∼31°S), we examined two roosts of Histiotus montanus (small big-eared brown bat), collecting feces or perianal swab samples from eight individuals, detecting T. cruzi-DNA in four of them. This is the first report of T. cruzi-DNA evidence in bat species from Chile. Both vector-borne and oral transmission are potential infection routes that can explain our results. Further investigation is needed for a better understanding of the role of bats in the T. cruzi transmission cycle.
Collapse
|
6
|
Power ML, Power S, Bertelsen MF, Jones G, Teeling EC. Wing: A suitable nonlethal tissue type for repeatable and rapid telomere length estimates in bats. Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 21:421-432. [PMID: 33049101 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are used increasingly in ecology and evolution as biomarkers for ageing and environmental stress, and are typically measured from DNA extracted from nonlethally sampled blood. However, obtaining blood is not always possible in field conditions and only limited amounts can be taken from small mammals, such as bats, which moreover lack nucleated red blood cells and hence yield relatively low amounts of DNA. As telomere length can vary within species according to age and tissue, it is important to determine which tissues serve best as a representation of the organism as a whole. Here, we investigated whether wing tissue biopsies, a rapid and relatively noninvasive tissue collection method, could serve as a proxy for other tissues when measuring relative telomere length (rTL) in the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus). Telomeres were measured from blood, brain, heart, kidney, liver lung, muscle and wing, and multiple wing biopsies were taken from the same individuals to determine intra-individual repeatability of rTL measured by using qPCR. Wing rTL correlated with rTL estimates from most tissues apart from blood. Blood rTL was not significantly correlated with rTL from any other tissue. Blood and muscle rTLs were significantly longer compared with other tissues, while lung displayed the shortest rTLs. Individual repeatability of rTL measures from wing tissue was high (>70%). Here we show the relationships between tissue telomere dynamics for the first time in a bat, and our results provide support for the use of wing tissue for rTL measurements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Power
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarahjane Power
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mads F Bertelsen
- Center for Zoo and Wild Animal Health, Copenhagen Zoo, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Gareth Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma C Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ineson KM, O’Shea TJ, Kilpatrick CW, Parise KL, Foster JT. Ambiguities in using telomere length for age determination in two North American bat species. J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe age of an animal, determined by time (chronological age) as well as genetic and environmental factors (biological age), influences the likelihood of mortality and reproduction and thus the animal’s contribution to population growth. For many long-lived species, such as bats, a lack of external and morphological indicators has made determining age a challenge, leading researchers to examine genetic markers of age for application to demographic studies. One widely studied biomarker of age is telomere length, which has been related both to chronological and biological age across taxa, but only recently has begun to be studied in bats. We assessed telomere length from the DNA of known-age and minimum known-age individuals of two bat species using a quantitative PCR assay. We determined that telomere length was quadratically related to chronological age in big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), although it had little predictive power for accurate age determination of unknown-age individuals. The relationship was different in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), where telomere length instead was correlated with biological age, apparently due to infection and wing damage associated with white-nose syndrome. Furthermore, we showed that wing biopsies currently are a better tissue source for studying telomere length in bats than guano and buccal swabs; the results from the latter group were more variable and potentially influenced by storage time. Refinement of collection and assessment methods for different non-lethally collected tissues will be important for longitudinal sampling to better understand telomere dynamics in these long-lived species. Although further work is needed to develop a biomarker capable of determining chronological age in bats, our results suggest that biological age, as reflected in telomere length, may be influenced by extrinsic stressors such as disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Ineson
- Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Thomas J O’Shea
- United States Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Katy L Parise
- Pathogen & Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Foster
- Pathogen & Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fuller NW, McGuire LP, Pannkuk EL, Blute T, Haase CG, Mayberry HW, Risch TS, Willis CKR. Disease recovery in bats affected by white-nose syndrome. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb211912. [PMID: 32054681 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.211912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Processes associated with recovery of survivors are understudied components of wildlife infectious diseases. White-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats provides an opportunity to study recovery of disease survivors, understand implications of recovery for individual energetics, and assess the role of survivors in pathogen transmission. We documented temporal patterns of recovery from WNS in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) following hibernation to test the hypotheses that: (1) recovery of wing structure from WNS matches a rapid time scale (i.e. approximately 30 days) suggested by data from free-ranging bats; (2) torpor expression plays a role in recovery; (3) wing physiological function returns to normal alongside structural recovery; and (4) pathogen loads decline quickly during recovery. We collected naturally infected bats at the end of hibernation, brought them into captivity, and quantified recovery over 40 days by monitoring body mass, wing damage, thermoregulation, histopathology of wing biopsies, skin surface lipids and fungal load. Most metrics returned to normal within 30 days, although wing damage was still detectable at the end of the study. Torpor expression declined overall throughout the study, but bats expressed relatively shallow torpor bouts - with a plateau in minimum skin temperature - during intensive healing between approximately days 8 and 15. Pathogen loads were nearly undetectable after the first week of the study, but some bats were still detectably infected at day 40. Our results suggest that healing bats face a severe energetic imbalance during early recovery from direct costs of healing and reduced foraging efficiency. Management of WNS should not rely solely on actions during winter, but should also aim to support energy balance of recovering bats during spring and summer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan W Fuller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2901 Main Street, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Liam P McGuire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2901 Main Street, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Evan L Pannkuk
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Todd Blute
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Catherine G Haase
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Heather W Mayberry
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L 1C6
| | - Thomas S Risch
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 847, Jonesboro, AR 72467, USA
| | - Craig K R Willis
- Department of Biology and Centre for Forest Inter-Disciplinary Research (C-FIR), University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3B 2E9
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bachorec E, Horáček I, Hulva P, Konečný A, Lučan RK, Jedlička P, Shohdi WM, Řeřucha Š, Abi-Said M, Bartonička T. Spatial networks differ when food supply changes: Foraging strategy of Egyptian fruit bats. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229110. [PMID: 32097434 PMCID: PMC7041839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals are faced with a range of ecological constraints that shape their behavioural decisions. Habitat features that affect resource abundance will also have an impact, especially as regards spatial distribution, which will in turn affect associations between the animals. Here we utilised a network approach, using spatial and genetic data, to describe patterns in use of space (foraging sites) by free-ranging Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) at the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt. We observed a decrease in home range size during spring, when food availability was lowest, which was reflected by differences in space sharing networks. Our data showed that when food was abundant, space sharing networks were less connected and more related individuals shared more foraging sites. In comparison, when food was scarce the bats had few possibilities to decide where and with whom to forage. Overall, both networks had high mean degree, suggesting communal knowledge of predictable food distribution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Bachorec
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Horáček
- Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague, Viničná, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Hulva
- Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague, Viničná, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Konečný
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radek K. Lučan
- Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague, Viničná, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Jedlička
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ISI), Královopolská, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Šimon Řeřucha
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ISI), Královopolská, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mounir Abi-Said
- Department of Earth and Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Tomáš Bartonička
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Khayat ROS, Shaw KJ, Dougill G, Melling LM, Ferris GR, Cooper G, Grant RA. Characterizing wing tears in common pipistrelles ( Pipistrellus pipistrellus): investigating tear distribution, wing strength, and possible causes. J Mammal 2019; 100:1282-1294. [PMID: 31379390 PMCID: PMC6660809 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bats have large, thin wings that are particularly susceptible to tearing. Anatomical specializations, such as fiber reinforcement, strengthen the wing and increase its resistance to puncture, and an extensive vasculature system across the wing also promotes healing. We investigated whether tear positioning is associated with anatomy in common pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pipistrellus). Wing anatomy was described using histological techniques, imaging, and material testing. Tear information, including type, position, time in rehabilitation, and possible causes, was collected from rehabilitators of injured bats across the United Kingdom. Results suggest that the position of the plagiopatagium (the most proximal wing section to the body), rather than its anatomy, influenced the number, location, and orientation of wing tears. While material testing did not identify the plagiopatagium as being significantly weaker than the chiropatagium (the more distal sections of the wing), the plagiopatagium tended to have the most tears. The position of the tears, close to the body and toward the trailing edge, suggests that they are caused by predator attacks, such as from a cat (Felis catus), rather than collisions. Consistent with this, 38% of P. pipistrellus individuals had confirmed wing tears caused by cats, with an additional 38% identified by rehabilitators as due to suspected cat attacks. The plagiopatagium had the lowest number of blood vessels and highest amounts of elastin fibers, suggesting that healing may take longer in this section. Further investigations into the causes of tears, and their effect on flight capabilities, will help to improve bat rehabilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rana Osama S Khayat
- School of Science and the Environment, John Dalton Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty J Shaw
- School of Science and the Environment, John Dalton Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gary Dougill
- School of Science and the Environment, John Dalton Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Louise M Melling
- School of Science and the Environment, John Dalton Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Glenn R Ferris
- School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Glen Cooper
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Robyn A Grant
- School of Science and the Environment, John Dalton Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|