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Hummel G, Aagaard K. Arthropods to Eutherians: A Historical and Contemporary Comparison of Sparse Prenatal Microbial Communities Among Animalia Species. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 92:e13897. [PMID: 39140417 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13897] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the advent of next-generation sequencing, investigators worldwide have sought to discern whether a functional and biologically or clinically relevant prenatal microbiome exists. One line of research has led to the hypothesis that microbial DNA detected in utero/in ovo or prior to birth/hatching is a result of contamination and does not belong to viable and functional microbes. Many of these preliminary evaluations have been conducted in humans, mice, and nonhuman primates due to sample and specimen availability. However, a comprehensive review of the literature across animal species suggests organisms that maintain an obligate relationship with microbes may act as better models for interrogating the selective pressures placed on vertical microbial transfer over traditional laboratory species. To date, studies in humans and viviparous laboratory species have failed to illustrate the clear presence and transfer of functional microbes in utero. Until a ground truth regarding the status and relevance of prenatal microbes can be ascertained, it is salient to conduct parallel investigations into the prevalence of a functional prenatal microbiome across the developmental lifespan of multiple organisms in the kingdom Animalia. This comprehensive understanding is necessary not only to determine the role of vertically transmitted microbes and their products in early human health but also to understand their full One Health impact. This review is among the first to compile such comprehensive primary conclusions from the original investigator's conclusions, and hence collectively illustrates that prenatal microbial transfer is supported by experimental evidence arising from over a long and rigorous scientific history encompassing a breadth of species from kingdom Animalia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolynn Hummel
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine) and Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kjersti Aagaard
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine) and Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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2
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Garcia Neto PG, Titon SCM, Muxel SM, Titon B, Figueiredo ACD, Floreste FR, Lima AS, Assis VR, Gomes FR. Immune and endocrine alterations at the early stage of inflammatory assemblage in toads after stimulation with heat-killed bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 291:111606. [PMID: 38354902 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.111606] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The red-leg syndrome in amphibians is a condition commonly associated with the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila and has led to population declines. However, there is little information concerning the inflammatory assemblage in infected anurans. We evaluated immune and endocrine alterations induced by stimulation with heat-killed A. hydrophila injected in Rhinella diptycha toads. Control animals were not manipulated, while the others were separated into groups that received intraperitoneal injection of 300 μl of saline or heat-killed bacteria: groups A1 (3 × 107 cells), A2 (3 × 108 cells), and A3 (3 × 109 cells). Animals were bled and euthanized six hours post-injection. We evaluated neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio (NLR), plasma bacterial killing ability (BKA), testosterone (T), melatonin (MEL), and corticosterone (CORT) plasma levels. Heat-killed A. hydrophila increased CORT and NLR, and decreased MEL, especially at higher concentrations. There was no effect of treatment on T and BKA. We then selected the saline and A3 groups to conduct mRNA expression of several genes including glucocorticoid receptor (GR), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10. We found higher expression of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and IFN-γ in group A3 compared to the saline group. These results indicate the beginning of an inflammatory assemblage, notably at the two highest concentrations of bacteria, and give a better understanding of how anurans respond to an infection within an integrated perspective, evaluating different physiological aspects. Future studies should investigate later phases of the immune response to elucidate more about the inflammation in amphibians challenged with A. hydrophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrício G Garcia Neto
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Stefanny C M Titon
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Sandra M Muxel
- Laboratório de Neuroimunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes n° 1730, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Braz Titon
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Aymam C de Figueiredo
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe R Floreste
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Alan S Lima
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Vania R Assis
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil; Global Health and Interdisciplinary Disease Research Center and Center for Genomics, College of Public Health, Interdisciplinary Research Building (IDRB), 3720 Spectrum Boulevard. Tampa, FL 33612-9415, United States. https://twitter.com/VaniaRAssis1
| | - Fernando R Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil.
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3
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Jiménez AG. A revisiting of "the hallmarks of aging" in domestic dogs: current status of the literature. GeroScience 2024; 46:241-255. [PMID: 37594598 PMCID: PMC10828135 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00911-5] [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: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A progressive decline in biological function and fitness is, generally, how aging is defined. However, in 2013, a description on the "hallmarks of aging" in mammals was published, and within it, it described biological processes that are known to alter the aging phenotype. These include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication (inflammation), and changes within the microbiome. This mini-review provides a detailed account of the progress on each of these hallmarks of aging in the domestic dog within the last 5 years. Additionally, when there are gaps in the literature between other mammalian species and dogs, I highlight the aging biomarkers that may be missing for dogs as aging models. I also argue for the importance of dog aging studies to include several breeds of dogs at differing ages and for age corrections for breeds with differing mean lifespans throughout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gabriela Jiménez
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, 13 Oak Dr, Hamilton, NY, 133546, USA.
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4
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Kovalchuk LA, Mishchenko VA, Chernaya LV, Snit'ko VP, Bolshakov VN. Seasonal Variation of Immunohematological Parameters of the Peripheral Blood in the Pond Bat Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825) of the Urals. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2023; 510:150-154. [PMID: 37582989 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496623700321] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Immunohematological parameters were for the first time studied in the pond bat Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825), the most common chiropteran species in the Urals, during seasonal periods of the annual life cycle. Multivariate nonparametric analysis of variance showed the absence of significant gender differences in red blood cell parameters (p = 0.35). Gender differences were observed in the counts of white blood cells, band neutrophils, segments neutrophils, and lymphocytes in the blood (p < 0.05). Males showed a higher development of innate immunity in summer compared with females (p < 0.05). A high lymphocyte level (50.6-53.5%) was observed in both males and females in the autumn-winter hibernation period, providing immune surveillance and specific reactive activation of the acquired adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Kovalchuk
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
| | - V A Mishchenko
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
- Yekaterinburg Institute of Viral Infections, Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - L V Chernaya
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - V P Snit'ko
- South Ural Federal Research Center of Mineralogy and Environmental Geology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ilmen Nature Reserve, Miass, Russia
| | - V N Bolshakov
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
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5
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Jiménez AG. Inflammaging in domestic dogs: basal level concentrations of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in serum of healthy dogs of different body sizes and ages. Biogerontology 2023:10.1007/s10522-023-10037-y. [PMID: 37195482 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10037-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Inflammaging, a "hallmark of aging," refers to a chronic, progressive increase in the proinflammatory status of mammals as they age, and this phenotype has been associated with many age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis and cancer. Though, inflammaging research is common in humans, there is a lack of data for this process for the domestic dog. Here, serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in healthy dogs of different body sizes and ages were measured to determine whether inflammaging may play a mechanistic role in aging rates in dogs, similar to those found in humans. Using a four-way ANOVA, a significant decrease in IL-6 concentrations in young dogs with the rest of the age categories showing increased IL-6 concentrations was found, similar to humans. However, only young dogs have decreased IL-6 concentrations, with adult dogs having similar IL-6 concentrations to senior and geriatric dogs, implying differences in aging rates between humans and dogs. And, there was a marginally significant interaction between sex*spayed or neutered status and IL-1β concentrations with intact females having the lowest IL-1β concentrations compared with intact males, and spayed and neutered dogs. The presence of estrogen in intact females may, overall, decrease inflammatory pathways. This implies that age at spaying or neutering may be an important aspect to consider for inflammaging pathways in dogs. Furthermore, sterilized dogs often die of immune-related diseases, which could be linked to the increases in IL-1β in sterilized dogs found in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gabriela Jiménez
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, 13 Oak Dr., Hamilton, NY, 13346, USA.
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6
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Effect of gradual increase and decrease in temperature on innate, cellular and humoral immunity in striped hamsters. Mamm Biol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-023-00351-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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7
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Immunity in Sea Turtles: Review of a Host-Pathogen Arms Race Millions of Years in the Running. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040556. [PMID: 36830343 PMCID: PMC9951749 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system of sea turtles is not completely understood. Sea turtles (as reptiles) bridge a unique evolutionary gap, being ectothermic vertebrates like fish and amphibians and amniotes like birds and mammals. Turtles are ectotherms; thus, their immune system is influenced by environmental conditions like temperature and season. We aim to review the turtle immune system and note what studies have investigated sea turtles and the effect of the environment on the immune response. Turtles rely heavily on the nonspecific innate response rather than the specific adaptive response. Turtles' innate immune effectors include antimicrobial peptides, complement, and nonspecific leukocytes. The antiviral defense is understudied in terms of the diversity of pathogen receptors and interferon function. Turtles also mount adaptive responses to pathogens. Lymphoid structures responsible for lymphocyte activation and maturation are either missing in reptiles or function is affected by season. Turtles are a marker of health for their marine environment, and their immune system is commonly dysregulated because of disease or contaminants. Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumorous disease that afflicts sea turtles and is thought to be caused by a virus and an environmental factor. We aim, by exploring the current understanding of the immune system in turtles, to aid the investigation of environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease and provide options for immunotherapy.
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8
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Field EK, Hartzheim A, Terry J, Dawson G, Haydt N, Neuman-Lee LA. Reptilian Innate Immunology and Ecoimmunology: What Do We Know and Where Are We Going? Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:1557-1571. [PMID: 35833292 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Reptiles, the only ectothermic amniotes, employ a wide variety of physiological adaptations to adjust to their environments but remain vastly understudied in the field of immunology and ecoimmunology in comparison to other vertebrate taxa. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the current state of research on reptilian innate immunology by conducting an extensive literature search of peer-reviewed articles published across the four orders of Reptilia (Crocodilia, Testudines, Squamata, and Rhynchocephalia). Using our compiled dataset, we investigated common techniques, characterization of immune components, differences in findings and type of research among the four orders, and immune responses to ecological and life-history variables. We found that there are differences in the types of questions asked and approaches used for each of these reptilian orders. The different conceptual frameworks applied to each group has led to a lack of unified understanding of reptilian immunological strategies, which, in turn, have resulted in large conceptual gaps in the field of ecoimmunology as a whole. To apply ecoimmunological concepts and techniques most effectively to reptiles, we must combine traditional immunological studies with ecoimmunological studies to continue to identify, characterize, and describe the reptilian immune components and responses. This review highlights the advances and gaps that remain to help identify targeted and cohesive approaches for future research in reptilian ecoimmunological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Field
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Alyssa Hartzheim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Jennifer Terry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Grant Dawson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Natalie Haydt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Lorin A Neuman-Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
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9
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Garcia Neto PG, Titon SCM, Assis VR, Muxel SM, Titon B, Ferreira LF, Markus RP, Gomes FR, Fernandes PACM. Immune and endocrine responses of Cururu toads (Rhinella icterica) in their natural habitat after LPS stimulation. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 269:111213. [PMID: 35421537 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids and melatonin display immunomodulatory functions, with both immune-stimulatory and suppressor effects, depending on the context. While their immune properties are well-explored in mammals, there are still few studies on this immune-endocrine interaction in an inflammatory context in amphibians, all of them under captivity conditions, which can constitute a stressor for these animals. Evaluating how amphibians react to an immune challenge in the field would reveal relevant information regarding how immune-physiological parameters are modulated in natural conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in male toads (Rhinella icterica) recently captured in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Forest at two different times of the day. We evaluated: splenic cytokines mRNA (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-γ) and complement system protein (C1s), plasma bacterial killing ability (BKA), plasma corticosterone (CORT), melatonin (MEL), and testosterone (T) levels, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), two hours post-injections. LPS-injection increased NLR, the gene expression of IL-1β, and less evidently CORT levels independently of the time of the day. These results evidence LPS-induced inflammation, similarly observed in toads in captivity. Saline and LPS-injected toads showed a positive correlation between IL-1β and IL-6, both cytokines with pro-inflammatory effects. Also, CORT was negatively associated with T, suggesting inhibition of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in the LPS-stimulated group. Our results are associated with the first stage of the inflammatory assemblage. Studies evaluating further steps of this process might lead to a better understanding of the immune-endocrine relations in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrício G Garcia Neto
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Stefanny C M Titon
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Vania R Assis
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Sandra M Muxel
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Braz Titon
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Letícia F Ferreira
- Centro Universitário Fundação Santo André, Avenida Príncipe de Gales, n° 821, Vila Príncipe de Gales, Santo André, SP CEP 09060-650, Brazil.
| | - Regina P Markus
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Fernando R Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Pedro A C M Fernandes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - n° 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil.
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10
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Xu DL, Zhao MX. Leptin mediates the suppressive effect of partial fat removal on cellular and humoral immunity in striped hamsters. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 271:111256. [PMID: 35690304 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111256] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Leptin secreted mainly by white adipose tissues (WAT) plays an important role in immune responses. To understand the role of energy status and leptin in immunity, bilateral perigonadal fat pads were removed or sham-removed in male striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis). Half of these hamsters were injected with sterile saline, and another half were administrated with exogenous leptin each day, which lasted for 20 days. Fat removal reduced total body fat mass and leptin titers significantly, leptin administration increased leptin levels in the fat removed hamsters to the control levels, but did not affect total body fat mass. Body mass and gross energy intake were not affected by fat removal, leptin supplement or their interaction. Fat removal decreased thymus mass, phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response at 12 h, and the levels of immunoglobin (Ig) G 5, IgG10, IgM5, IgM10, IL-2, IL-4, and TNF-α, indicating a reduction in fat mass suppressed cellular and humoral immunity and the production of cytokines. However, fat removal had no effect on spleen mass, bacteria killing activity and IFN-γ titers. Leptin supplement increased PHA response at 6 h and 12 h, and the levels of IgG5, IgG10, IL-4, and IFN-γ to the control levels, implying its boosting effects on these parameters. In addition, leptin level was positively correlated with body fat mass, PHA 6 h, 12 h, Ig G10, Ig M5, Ig M10, IL-2, IL-4, and TNF-α. Collectively, these findings implied leptin was a link between energy status and immunity, and leptin mediated the suppressive effects of reduced energy storage on cellular and humoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Ming-Xing Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, Shandong Province, China
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11
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Titon SCM, Titon B, Muxel SM, de Figueiredo AC, Floreste FR, Lima AS, Gomes FR, Assis VR. Day vs. night variation in the LPS effects on toad's immunity and endocrine mediators. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 267:111184. [PMID: 35259499 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111184] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The immune-endocrine interactions following an immune challenge have been demonstrated in amphibians. When considering immune challenges, the immune-endocrine implications can vary with the injection time (day or night), a pattern not explored in amphibians. We investigated the immune response following a lipopolysaccharide - LPS injection, measured as plasma bacterial killing ability - BKA, phagocytosis of blood cells - PP, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio - NLR, splenic proinflammatory cytokines mRNA (IL-1β and IL-6), and also endocrine mediators (corticosterone - CORT and melatonin - MEL plasma levels) in Rhinella icterica adult male toads injected at day (10 am) or night (10 pm). LPS induced increases in CORT, NLR, PP, and IL-1β mRNA compared with amphibian phosphate-buffer saline-injected individuals. For plasma CORT, the response was more pronounced during the night. While for the PP and IL-1β mRNA, the effect was more evident during the day. For NLR, the increase happened at both times, day and night, in the LPS-injected toads. Meanwhile, no changes were observed in BKA, IL-6 mRNA, and MEL levels. Overall, our results demonstrated an LPS-induced inflammatory response in R. icterica toads, characterized by higher PP, NLR, and IL-1β mRNA, followed by activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis (higher CORT levels). The time in which the toads received the LPS injection affected the endocrine and immune mediators. The higher CORT and lower inflammatory response at night suggested a potential functional interaction between CORT and immune reactivity associated with the differences in night vs. day in R. icterica toads. These results highlight the relevance of investigating different injection times and mechanistic pathways to understand LPS-induced immunomodulation in anurans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanny C M Titon
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - N 101, Cidade Universitária - CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
| | - Braz Titon
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - N 101, Cidade Universitária - CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Sandra M Muxel
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - N 101, Cidade Universitária - CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Aymam C de Figueiredo
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - N 101, Cidade Universitária - CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe R Floreste
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - N 101, Cidade Universitária - CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Alan S Lima
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - N 101, Cidade Universitária - CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando R Gomes
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - N 101, Cidade Universitária - CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Vania R Assis
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Rua do Matão - Travessa 14 - N 101, Cidade Universitária - CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil
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12
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Siddiqui R, Maciver SK, Khan NA. Gut microbiome-immune system interaction in reptiles. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 132:2558-2571. [PMID: 34984778 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reptiles are ectothermic amniotes in a world dominated by endotherms. Reptiles originated more than 300 million years ago and they often dwell in polluted environments which may expose them to pathogenic micro-organisms, radiation and/or heavy metals. Reptiles also possess greater longevity and may live much longer than similar-sized land mammals, for example, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles and tuatara are long-lived reptiles living up to 100 years or more. Many recent studies have emphasized the pivotal role of the gut microbiome on its host; thus, we postulated that reptilian gut microbiome and/or its metabolites and the interplay with their robust immune system may contribute to their longevity and overall hardiness. Herein, we discuss the composition of the reptilian gut microbiome, immune system-gut microbiome cross-talk, antimicrobial peptides, reptilian resistance to infectious diseases and cancer, ageing, as well the current knowledge of the genome and epigenome of these remarkable species. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that microbial gut flora of reptiles such as crocodiles, tortoises, water monitor lizard and python exhibit remarkable anticancer and antibacterial properties, as well as comprise novel gut bacterial metabolites and antimicrobial peptides. The underlying mechanisms between the gut microbiome and the immune system may hold clues to developing new therapies overall for health, and possible extrapolation to exploit the ancient defence systems of reptiles for Homo sapiens benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Science, Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Abstract
AbstractTrade-offs and constraints are inherent to life, and studies of these phenomena play a central role in both organismal and evolutionary biology. Trade-offs can be defined, categorized, and studied in at least six, not mutually exclusive, ways. (1) Allocation constraints are caused by a limited resource (e.g., energy, time, space, essential nutrients), such that increasing allocation to one component necessarily requires a decrease in another (if only two components are involved, this is referred to as the Y-model, e.g., energy devoted to size versus number of offspring). (2) Functional conflicts occur when features that enhance performance of one task decrease performance of another (e.g., relative lengths of in-levers and out-levers, force-velocity trade-offs related to muscle fiber type composition). (3) Shared biochemical pathways, often involving integrator molecules (e.g., hormones, neurotransmitters, transcription factors), can simultaneously affect multiple traits, with some effects being beneficial for one or more components of Darwinian fitness (e.g., survival, age at first reproduction, fecundity) and others detrimental. (4) Antagonistic pleiotropy describes genetic variants that increase one component of fitness (or a lower-level trait) while simultaneously decreasing another. (5) Ecological circumstances (or selective regime) may impose trade-offs, such as when foraging behavior increases energy availability yet also decreases survival. (6) Sexual selection may lead to the elaboration of (usually male) secondary sexual characters that improve mating success but handicap survival and/or impose energetic costs that reduce other fitness components. Empirical studies of trade-offs often search for negative correlations between two traits that are the expected outcomes of the trade-offs, but this will generally be inadequate if more than two traits are involved and especially for complex physiological networks of interacting traits. Moreover, trade-offs often occur only in populations that are experiencing harsh environmental conditions or energetic challenges at the extremes of phenotypic distributions, such as among individuals or species that have exceptional athletic abilities. Trade-offs may be (partially) circumvented through various compensatory mechanisms, depending on the timescale involved, ranging from acute to evolutionary. Going forward, a pluralistic view of trade-offs and constraints, combined with integrative analyses that cross levels of biological organization and traditional boundaries among disciplines, will enhance the study of evolutionary organismal biology.
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Ferreira LF, Garcia Neto PG, Titon SCM, Titon B, Muxel SM, Gomes FR, Assis VR. Lipopolysaccharide Regulates Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines, Corticosterone, and Melatonin in Toads. Integr Org Biol 2021; 3:obab025. [PMID: 34589667 PMCID: PMC8475549 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids and melatonin (MEL) show integrated and complex immunomodulatory effects, mostly described for endotherms, yet underexplored in amphibians. In this context, the RT-qPCR of molecules mediating inflammatory processes in amphibians is a valuable tool to explore the relationships among molecular biology, endocrine mediators, and immune response in these animals. In this study, toads (Rhinella diptycha) received an intraperitoneal saline injection or lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2 mg/kg). Six hours post-injection, we analyzed plasma corticosterone (CORT) and MEL levels and pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and C1s). We found increased CORT and decreased MEL levels in response to LPS. Also, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were upregulated in LPS-injected toads compared with saline-injected toads. Overall, our results demonstrate an LPS-induced inflammatory response with endocrine and immune modulation in R. diptycha toads, exhibiting expected patterns for an inflammatory stimulus within this time frame (6 h post-injection). Toads were responsive to LPS by secreting different cytokines, such as proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, related to immune cell attraction to inflammatory sites and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which limits the rate of leukocyte infiltration, inflammation, and downregulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Increased circulating CORT levels are probably associated with the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis by the LPS and the endocrine actions of IL-6. Furthermore, decreased circulating MEL levels are likely due to inhibited MEL secretion by the pineal gland by inflammatory stimuli, indicating the activation/existence of the immune-pineal axis in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Ferreira
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras do Centro Universitário Fundação Santo André, Avenida Príncipe de Gales, 821, Santo André, SP 09060-650, Brasil
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brasil
| | - P G Garcia Neto
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brasil
| | - S C M Titon
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brasil
| | - B Titon
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brasil
| | - S M Muxel
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brasil
| | - F R Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brasil
| | - V R Assis
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brasil
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15
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Kennedy SN, Keogh M, Levin M, Castellini JM, Lian M, Fadely BS, Rea LD, O'Hara TM. Regional variations and relationships among cytokine profiles, white blood cell counts, and blood mercury concentrations in Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 775:144894. [PMID: 33631572 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144894] [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: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Steller sea lion (SSL) population west of 144°W longitude experienced a significant population decline. While there appears to be a stable or increasing population trend in rookeries in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Southeast Alaska (SEA), some rookeries within the Aleutian Islands (AI) have failed to recover. Previous studies found regional differences in whole blood total mercury concentrations ([THg]) showing more than 20% of AI pups had [THg] above critical thresholds for increased risk of immunological effects and other adverse outcomes. Measurements of immune cell-signaling proteins can be used to evaluate the immune status of marine mammals in relation to [THg]. We compared serum cytokine and chemokine concentrations in pups among regions (AI, eastern GOA, SEA), and examined associations among cytokines, chemokines, white blood cell (WBC) counts, and [THg]. Considering liver is an important target organ for mercury and immune protein synthesis we additionally examined the relationship of [THg] with liver-related enzymes serum aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). We observed regional differences in cytokine and chemokine measurements and immune protein associations. There was a positive association between total WBC counts and [THg] in AI pups, whereas a negative association between lymphocytes and [THg] in SEA pups. These findings may indicate regional variation in proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells, differences in immune system development, and/or a difference in antigenic stimuli. No associations between [THg] and cytokines, chemokines, AST or ALT were found. Observed regional differences in cytokine and chemokine milieu during gestational and early development in SSL pups could lead to an imbalance in cell differentiation that could impact immunological resiliency in juvenile and adult life stages. We report concentration ranges of a suite of cytokines and chemokines which may prove to be a useful metric for ecotoxicology and risk assessment studies in SSLs and other wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie N Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA; Harvard Medical School and Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Mandy Keogh
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Juneau, AK, USA.
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
| | - J Margaret Castellini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.
| | - Marianne Lian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.
| | - Brian S Fadely
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Lorrie D Rea
- Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.
| | - Todd M O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA; Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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16
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Whiting-Fawcett F, Field KA, Puechmaille SJ, Blomberg AS, Lilley TM. Heterothermy and antifungal responses in bats. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 62:61-67. [PMID: 34098511 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hibernation, a period where bats have suppressed immunity and low body temperatures, provides the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans the opportunity to colonise bat skin, leading to severe disease in susceptible species. Innate immunity, which requires less energy and may remain more active during torpor, can control infections with local inflammation in some bat species that are resistant to infection. If infection is not controlled before emergence from hibernation, ineffective adaptive immune mechanisms are activated, including incomplete Th1, ineffective Th2, and variable Th17 responses. The Th17 and neutrophil responses, normally beneficial antifungal mechanisms, appear to be sources of immunopathology for susceptible bat species, because they are hyperactivated after return to homeothermy. Non-susceptible species show both well-balanced and suppressed immune responses both during and after hibernation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Whiting-Fawcett
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Thomas M Lilley
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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17
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Jimenez AG, Downs CJ, Lalwani S, Cipolli W. Cellular metabolism and IL-6 concentrations during stimulated inflammation in primary fibroblasts from small and large dog breeds as they age. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb233734. [PMID: 33257435 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.233734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The immune system undergoes marked changes during aging characterized by a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation termed 'inflammaging'. We explore this phenomenon in domestic dogs, which are the most morphologically and physiologically diverse group of mammals, with the widest range in body sizes for a single species. Additionally, smaller dogs tend to live significantly longer than larger dogs across all breeds. Body size is intricately linked to mass-specific metabolism and aging rates, which suggests that dogs are exemplary for studies in inflammaging. Dermal fibroblast cells play an important role in skin inflammation, making them a good model for inflammatory patterns across dog breed, body sizes and ages. Here, we examined aerobic and glycolytic cellular metabolism, and IL-6 concentrations in primary fibroblast cells isolated from small and large dog breeds, that were either recently born puppies or old dogs after death. We found no differences in cellular metabolism when isolated fibroblasts were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli to stimulate an inflammatory phenotype. Unlike responses observed in mice and humans, there was a less drastic amplification of IL-6 concentration after LPS treatment in the geriatric population of dogs compared with recently born dogs. In young dogs, we also found evidence that untreated fibroblasts from large breeds had significantly lower IL-6 concentrations than observed for smaller breeds. This implies that the patterns of inflammaging in dogs may be distinct and different from other mammals commonly studied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia J Downs
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Dr., Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Sahil Lalwani
- Colgate University, Department of Mathematics, 13 Oak Dr., Hamilton, NY 13346, USA
| | - William Cipolli
- Colgate University, Department of Mathematics, 13 Oak Dr., Hamilton, NY 13346, USA
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18
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Titon SCM, Assis VR. Introduction to the special issue: Ecoimmunology in ectotherms. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 333:697-705. [PMID: 33450144 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanny C M Titon
- Laboratório de Comportamento e Fisiologia Evolutiva, Rua do Matão, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vania R Assis
- Laboratório de Comportamento e Fisiologia Evolutiva, Rua do Matão, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Siroski PA, María Soledad MB. Review of the Recent Knowledge on the Crocodilian Immune System. SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-19-00093.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A. Siroski
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Cambio Climático, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Moleón Barsani María Soledad
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Cambio Climático, Santa Fe, Argentina
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20
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Goodchild CG, Love AC, Krall JB, DuRant SE. Weathered Mississippi Canyon 252 crude oil ingestion alters cytokine signaling, lowers heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, and induces sickness behavior in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115302. [PMID: 33254636 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115302] [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: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill caused an estimated 100,000 bird mortalities. However, mortality estimates are often based on the number of visibly oiled birds and likely underestimate the true damage to avian populations as they do not include toxic effects from crude oil ingestion. Elevated susceptibility to disease has been postulated to be a significant barrier to recovery for birds that have ingested crude oil. Effective defense against pathogens involves integration of physiological and behavioral traits, which are regulated in-part by cytokine signaling pathways. In this study, we tested whether crude oil ingestion altered behavioral and physiological aspects of disease defense in birds. To do so, we used artificially weathered Mississippi Canyon 242 crude oil to orally dose zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) with 3.3 mL/kg or 10 mL/kg of crude oil or a control (peanut oil) for 14 days. We measured expression of cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-10) and proinflammatory pathways (NF-κB, COX-2) in the intestine, liver, and spleen (tissues that exhibit pathology in oil-exposed birds). We also measured heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) ratio and complement system activity, and video-recorded birds to analyze sickness behavior. Finches that ingested crude oil exhibited tissue-specific changes in cytokine mRNA expression. Proinflammatory cytokine expression decreased in the intestine but increased in the liver and spleen. Birds exposed to crude oil had lower H:L ratios compared to the control on day 14, but there were no differences in complement activity among treatments. Additionally, birds exposed to 10 mL/kg crude oil had reduced activity, indicative of sickness behavior. Our results suggest cytokines play a role in mediating physiological and behavioral responses to crude oil ingestion. Although most avian population damage assessments focus on mortality caused by external oiling, crude oil ingestion may also indirectly affect survival by altering physiological and behavioral traits important for disease defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Goodchild
- Oklahoma State University, Department of Integrative Biology, 501 Life Sciences West, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA; Virginia Tech, Biological Sciences, 926 West Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Ashley C Love
- Oklahoma State University, Department of Integrative Biology, 501 Life Sciences West, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA; University of Arkansas, Department of Biological Sciences, 601 Science and Engineering, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Krall
- Oklahoma State University, Department of Integrative Biology, 501 Life Sciences West, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Sarah E DuRant
- University of Arkansas, Department of Biological Sciences, 601 Science and Engineering, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
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21
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Young S, Fenn J, Arriero E, Lowe A, Poulin B, MacColl AD, Bradley JE. Relationships between immune gene expression and circulating cytokine levels in wild house mice. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:13860-13871. [PMID: 33391686 PMCID: PMC7771139 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) has been commonly used to measure gene expression in a number of research contexts, but the measured RNA concentrations do not always represent the concentrations of active proteins which they encode. This can be due to transcriptional regulation or post-translational modifications, or localization of immune environments, as can occur during infection. However, in studies using free-living non-model species, such as in ecoimmunological research, qPCR may be the only available option to measure a parameter of interest, and so understanding the quantitative link between gene expression and associated effector protein levels is vital.Here, we use qPCR to measure concentrations of RNA from mesenteric lymph node (MLN) and spleen tissue, and multiplex ELISA of blood serum to measure circulating cytokine concentrations in a wild population of a model species, Mus musculus domesticus.Few significant correlations were found between gene expression levels and circulating cytokines of the same immune genes or proteins, or related functional groups. Where significant correlations were observed, these were most frequently within the measured tissue (i.e., the expression levels of genes measured from spleen tissue were more likely to correlate with each other rather than with genes measured from MLN tissue, or with cytokine concentrations measured from blood).Potential reasons for discrepancies between measures including differences in decay rates and transcriptional regulation networks are discussed. We highlight the relative usefulness of different measures under different research questions and consider what might be inferred from immune assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Young
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- North of England Zoological SocietyChesterUK
| | - Jonathan Fenn
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Elena Arriero
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and EvolutionUniversity Complutense of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Ann Lowe
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Benoit Poulin
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- Leicester Biomedical Research CentreUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustGeneral HospitalLeicesterUK
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22
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Bourque J, Desforges JP, Levin M, Atwood TC, Sonne C, Dietz R, Jensen TH, Curry E, McKinney MA. Climate-associated drivers of plasma cytokines and contaminant concentrations in Beaufort Sea polar bears (Ursus maritimus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 745:140978. [PMID: 32738684 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140978] [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: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Assessing polar bear (Ursus maritimus) immune function in relation to environmental stressors, including habitat change, nutritional stress, pathogen prevalence, and pollution, has been identified as critical for improved understanding of the species' health. The objectives of this study were two-fold: 1) to assess the role of climate-associated factors (habitat use, body condition) in explaining the plasma concentrations of contaminants in southern Beaufort Sea (SB) polar bears, and 2) to investigate how climate-associated factors, contaminant concentrations, and pathogen sero-prevalence influence the plasma concentrations of immune-signaling proteins called cytokines. A commercially available multiplex canine cytokine panel was validated for the quantification of five pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in polar bear plasma: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-10, and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10). This panel was then used to measure cytokine concentrations in 49 SB polar bears sampled in the springs of 2013 and 2014. Mean ∑PCBs (plasma), ∑OCs (plasma), and THg (hair) were 13.01 ± 1.52 ng g-1 w.w. (range: 0.17-52.63), 19.46 ± 1.17 ng g-1 w.w. (range: 6.63-45.82), and 0.49 μg g-1 d.w. (range: 0.99-15.18), respectively. Top models explaining variation in concentrations of plasma PCBs, plasma OC pesticides, and hair THg in SB polar bears included body mass index and/or habitat use (onshore versus offshore), with higher contaminant concentrations in leaner and/or offshore bears. Plasma cytokine concentrations were influenced most strongly by plasma PCBs and age, with little to no influence found for plasma OCs or hair THg concentrations, habitat use, or pathogen sero-prevalence. The lack of association between cytokines and these latter variables is likely due to a temporal disconnect between measured endpoints. The change of polar bear habitat use, feeding ecology, and body condition with ongoing climate warming is affecting exposure to contaminants and pathogens, with potential adverse consequences on a well-balanced immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bourque
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Todd C Atwood
- US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Trine H Jensen
- Aalborg Zoo/Aalborg University, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Erin Curry
- Center for Conservation & Research of Endangered Wildlife, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.
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23
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Meza Cerda MI, Gray R, Higgins DP. Cytokine RT-qPCR and ddPCR for immunological investigations of the endangered Australian sea lion ( Neophoca cinerea) and other mammals. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10306. [PMID: 33240637 PMCID: PMC7668205 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Measurement of cytokine gene expression by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is used widely to assess the immune system of animals and to identify biomarkers of disease, but its application is limited in wildlife species due to a lack of species-specific reagents. The free-ranging endangered Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) experiences significant clinical disease and high pup mortality due to intestinal hookworm infection. Developing immunological tools specific to the species will aid in the assessment of drivers of disease and its impact in population demographics. This study describes the development and validation of cross-reactive RT-qPCR assays to measure five important cytokines involved in innate and Th1/Th2 responses (IL-6, TNFα, IFNγ, IL-4 and IL-10) in unstimulated blood samples from a range of different mammalian species including the Australian sea lion. All RT-qPCR assays efficiencies ranged between 87% (Ovis aries TNFα) and 111% (Bos taurus IL-10) and had strong linearity (R2). IL-4 and IFNγ gene expression for N. cinerea fell below the dynamic range (and therefore quantifiable limits) of RT-qPCR assays but were able to be quantified using the novel droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). This study delivers new immunological tools for eco-immunologists studying cytokine gene expression in wildlife species and is to our knowledge, the first cytokine ddPCR approach to be reported in a pinniped species.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Ignacia Meza Cerda
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachael Gray
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Damien P Higgins
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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24
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Zimmerman LM. The reptilian perspective on vertebrate immunity: 10 years of progress. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:223/21/jeb214171. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.214171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Ten years ago, ‘Understanding the vertebrate immune system: insights from the reptilian perspective’ was published. At the time, our understanding of the reptilian immune system lagged behind that of birds, mammals, fish and amphibians. Since then, great progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms of reptilian immunity. Here, I review recent discoveries associated with the recognition of pathogens, effector mechanisms and memory responses in reptiles. Moreover, I put forward key questions to drive the next 10 years of research, including how reptiles are able to balance robust innate mechanisms with avoiding self-damage, how B cells and antibodies are used in immune defense and whether innate mechanisms can display the hallmarks of memory. Finally, I briefly discuss the links between our mechanistic understanding of the reptilian immune system and the field of eco-immunology. Overall, the field of reptile immunology is poised to contribute greatly to our understanding of vertebrate immunity in the next 10 years.
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Tylan C, Horvat-Gordon M, Bartell PA, Langkilde T. Ecoimmune reallocation in a native lizard in response to the presence of invasive, venomous fire ants in their shared environment. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:792-804. [PMID: 33038069 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to stressors over prolonged periods can have fitness-relevant consequences, including suppression of immune function. We tested for effects of presence of an invasive species threat on a broad panel of immune functions of a coexisting lizard. Eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) have been exposed to invasive fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) for over 80 years. Fire ants sting and envenomate lizards, causing physiological stress, but we do not have a comprehensive understanding of the broad immune consequences of lizard exposure to fire ant presence. We conducted a suite of immune measures on fence lizards caught from areas with long histories of fire ant invasion and lizards from areas not yet invaded by fire ants. The effect of fire ant presence on immunity varied depending on the immune component measured: within fire ant invaded areas, some portions of immunity were suppressed (lymphocytic cell-mediated immunity, complement), some were unaffected (phagocytic respiratory burst, natural antibodies), and some were enhanced (anti-fire ant immunoglobulin M, basophils) compared to within uninvaded areas. Rather than fire ants being broadly immunosuppressing, as generally assumed, the immune response appears to be tailored to this specific stressor: the immune measures that were enhanced are important to the lizards' ability to handle envenomation, whereas those that were unaffected or suppressed are less critical to surviving fire ant encounters. Several immune measures were suppressed in reproductive females when actively producing follicles, which may make them more susceptible to immunosuppressive costs of stressors such as interactions with fire ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Tylan
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, Mueller Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maria Horvat-Gordon
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, Forest Resource Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul A Bartell
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, Forest Resource Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tracy Langkilde
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, Mueller Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Zheng R, Wu M, Wang H, Peng J. Response Patterns of Biomarkers as Tools to Identify Toxic Effects of Cadmium and Lead on Bufo gargarizans Embryo. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 105:41-50. [PMID: 32474622 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-02884-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Molecular biomarkers play an increasing crucial role in evaluating and predicting toxicity of metals. Expressions patterns of genes related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, immune and inflammation response in the Bufo gargarizans embryo exhibited a development dependent manner. The genes related to oxidative stress (HSP, GPx and SOD) are the first response in the development of embryo, followed by the apoptosis (Bax, BCLAF1 and TRAIL) and inflammation and immune response (SOCS3, IL-27 and IL-17D), respectively. Then, we have verified the HSP, Bax and SOCS3 IL-27 (expressed highest in their respective processes) exhibited the most significant changes in Cd-Pb mixed group compared with control. In addition, we found exposure of Cd-Pb mixed metals causes greater adverse effects than Cd, Pb alone on development and morphology of embryo. Overall, our results provide a useful tool to use the sensitive molecular biomarkers as indicators of developmental toxicity in amphibian embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zheng
- 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
| | - Jufang Peng
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
- Basic Experimental Teaching Center, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, People's Republic of China.
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Hoekstra LA, Schwartz TS, Sparkman AM, Miller DAW, Bronikowski AM. The untapped potential of reptile biodiversity for understanding how and why animals age. Funct Ecol 2020; 34:38-54. [PMID: 32921868 PMCID: PMC7480806 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
1. The field of comparative aging biology has greatly expanded in the past 20 years. Longitudinal studies of populations of reptiles with a range of maximum lifespans have accumulated and been analyzed for evidence of mortality senescence and reproductive decline. While not as well represented in studies of amniote senescence, reptiles have been the subjects of many recent demographic and mechanistic studies of the biology of aging. 2. We review recent literature on reptile demographic senescence, mechanisms of senescence, and identify unanswered questions. Given the ecophysiological and demographic diversity of reptiles, what is the expected range of reptile senescence rates? Are known mechanisms of aging in reptiles consistent with canonical hallmarks of aging in model systems? What are the knowledge gaps in our understanding of reptile aging? 3. We find ample evidence of increasing mortality with advancing age in many reptiles. Testudines stand out as slower aging than other orders, but data on crocodilians and tuatara are sparse. Sex-specific analyses are generally not available. Studies of female reproduction suggest that reptiles are less likely to have reproductive decline with advancing age than mammals. 4. Reptiles share many physiological and molecular pathways of aging with mammals, birds, and laboratory model organisms. Adaptations related to stress physiology coupled with reptilian ectothermy suggest novel comparisons and contrasts that can be made with canonical aging phenotypes in mammals. These include stem cell and regeneration biology, homeostatic mechanisms, IIS/TOR signaling, and DNA repair. 5. To overcome challenges to the study of reptile aging, we recommend extending and expanding long-term monitoring of reptile populations, developing reptile cell lines to aid cellular biology, conducting more comparative studies of reptile morphology and physiology sampled along relevant life-history axes, and sequencing more reptile genomes for comparative genomics. Given the diversity of reptile life histories and adaptations, achieving these directives will likely greatly benefit all aging biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A Hoekstra
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50010, USA
| | - Tonia S Schwartz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA
| | - Amanda M Sparkman
- Department of Biology, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California, 93108, USA
| | - David A W Miller
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Anne M Bronikowski
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50010, USA
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Season and sex have different effects on hematology and cytokines in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis). J Comp Physiol B 2019; 190:87-100. [PMID: 31732779 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-019-01246-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Animals in the temperate zones face seasonal variations in environments and hence their immune responses change seasonally. In the current study, seasonal changes in hematological parameters and cytokines in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) were examined to test the winter immunoenhancement hypothesis, which states that immune function tends to increase in fall and winter compared with other seasons. Male and female hamsters were captured from the wild in the fall and winter of 2014 and in the spring and summer of 2015. Maximum body mass in both sexes and relative fatness in female hamsters occurred in the summer, indicating that body condition was the best during this season. All hematological parameters were not different between male and female hamsters, and were also not affected by the interaction of season and sex except neutrophil granulocytes (GRAN). Red blood cells (RBC) and haematocrit (PCV) were higher in the fall and winter, and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) was the highest in winter in hamsters compared with the spring and summer, implying that their oxygen-carrying capacity and oxygen affinity of the blood increased during these seasons. Compared with other seasons, the number of white blood cells (WBC) was higher in winter than in summer, intermediate granulocytes (MID), the percent of MID (MID%), GRAN and the percent of GRAN (GRAN%) were the highest in winter, which all supported the winter immunoenhancement hypothesis. However, the count of lymphocytes (LYMF) was the highest in spring, being inconsistent with this hypothesis. IL-2 levels, but not TNF-α, were influenced by seasons, sex and their interaction in hamsters. Regardless of sex, IL-4 titres were higher in spring and summer than in fall and winter in hamsters. INF-γ titres in male hamsters did not differ between the spring and summer, while its titres in female hamsters was lower in spring in contrast with winter and summer. Higher IL-2 and IL-4 levels during the breeding seasons might be crucial in controlling the increased possibilities of infections in these seasons. In summary, season and sex had disparate effects on different hematological profiles and the levels of cytokines in hamsters.
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Rayl JM, Wellehan JFX, Bunick D, Allender MC. Development of reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR assays for detection of the cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 in chelonians. Cytokine 2019; 119:16-23. [PMID: 30856601 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In response to viral pathogens, a host releases pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10). While several approaches exist to measure cytokine responses, evaluating gene transcription through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) provides a fast, reproducible, and sensitive method for quantifying this response. The objective of this study was to develop an effective and sensitive RT-qPCR assay for the quantification of red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) and eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) cytokines: IL-1β, TNFα, IL-10 and the reference gene β-actin. RNA was isolated from the buffy coat layer of whole blood, comprised mainly of circulating leukocytes, and complimentary DNA (cDNA) was produced. Conventional PCR was performed to obtain cytokine mRNA sequences, products were sequenced, and a hydrolysis probe-based RT-qPCR assay was designed for each cytokine. Standard curves were generated using the target gene sequences cloned within a plasmid. Efficiencies for each assay were between of 85-110%, R2 > 0.98, and limits of detection of 10-100 copies per reaction. The initial samples used to identify the novel target sequences were then used to evaluate the performance of the qPCR assays. Consistent transcription of beta actin across individuals in both species and measurable transcription of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 transcript targets in individuals of both species were observed. The assays are a novel technique in chelonians to evaluate host innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Rayl
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
| | - James F X Wellehan
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - David Bunick
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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Gardner S, Assis VR, Zhao H, Gomes FR, Peatman E, Mendonça MT. Differential gene expression to an LPS challenge in relation to exogenous corticosterone in the invasive cane toad (Rhinella marina). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 88:114-123. [PMID: 30030104 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The cane toad (Rhinella marina) is an invasive amphibian in several parts of the world. Much of the research performed on assessing the dispersal potential of invasive species has focused immunity. Invaders are predicted to rely less on pro-inflammatory immunity, allowing them to allocate energy to dispersal. Elevated stress may play a role in regulation of immune responses used by invasive species. RNA sequencing of spleen tissue from cane toads subjected to an acute LPS challenge revealed genes coding for cytokines involved in typical innate responses such as phagocytic cell recruitment, extravasation, inflammation, and lymphocyte differentiation were significantly upregulated, while toads receiving transdermal application of corticosterone in addition to an LPS injection showed downregulation of genes involved with cell mediated immunity. These results indicate hormonal changes associated with acute stress may alter investment into mounting cell-mediated or humoral responses while allowing for prolonged phagocytic innate responses in this invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Gardner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 331 Funchess Hall, 350 South College St, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Vania Regina Assis
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Honggang Zhao
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, 377 CASIC Bldg, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eric Peatman
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, 377 CASIC Bldg, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Mary T Mendonça
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 331 Funchess Hall, 350 South College St, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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Virgin EE, Rosvall KA. Endocrine-immune signaling as a predictor of survival: A prospective study in developing songbird chicks. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 267:193-201. [PMID: 30099034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immune function varies with an animal's endocrine physiology and energy reserves, as well as its abiotic and biotic environment. This context-dependency is thought to relate to adaptive trade-off resolution that varies from one context to the next; however, it is less clear how state- and environmentally-dependent differences in endocrine-immune signaling relate to survival in natural populations. We begin to address this question in a prospective study on a free-living passerine bird, the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), by capitalizing upon naturally-occurring variation in ectoparasitism in 12-day old chicks. We measured body mass, hematological gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as corticosterone (CORT) secretion at baseline and in response to 30 min of handling. We found that chicks with ectoparasites had smaller body mass and higher levels of IL-6 gene expression at this critical stage of post-natal growth and development. Mass and IL-6 were positively correlated, but only among parasitized chicks, suggesting that larger chicks mount stronger immune responses when necessary, i.e. in the presence of ectoparasites that are known to induce inflammation. IL-6 mRNA expression was negatively correlated with stress-induced CORT levels, suggesting that this proxy of inflammation may be co-regulated with or coordinated by glucocorticoids. More importantly, these endocrine-immune parameters predicted survival to fledging, which was positively associated with IL-6 mRNA abundance and, to a lesser degree, CORT reactivity. These results suggest a link between endocrine-immune interactions and performance in nature, and as a consequence, they shed light on the potentially adaptive, context-dependent interplay between body mass, immunity, and endocrine physiology during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Virgin
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior (CISAB), Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Kimberly A Rosvall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior (CISAB), Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
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Wang D, Yang D, Wang Q, Zhao Y, Li C, Wei Q, Han Y, Zhao J. Two macrophage migration inhibitory factors (MIFs) from the clam Ruditapes philippinarum: Molecular characterization, localization and enzymatic activities. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 78:158-168. [PMID: 29679760 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an evolutionarily ancient cytokine-like factor and plays a critical role in both innate and adaptive immunity. In the present study, two MIFs (designed as RpMIF-1 and RpMIF-2, respectively) were identified and characterized from the clam Ruditapes philippinarum by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approaches. The full-length cDNA of RpMIF-1 and RpMFI-2 consisted of 531 and 722 nucleotides, encoding a polypeptide of 113 and 114 amino acid residues, respectively. Multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis revealed that both RpMIF-1 and RpMIF-2 belonged to the MIF family. The conserved catalytic-site Pro2 for tautomerase activity was identified in the deduced amino acid sequences of RpMIFs. Both RpMIF-1 and RpMIF-2 transcripts were constitutively expressed in examined tissues of R. philippinarum with dominant expression in hepatopancreas, gills and hemocytes. Immunolocalization analysis showed that RpMIF-1 and RpMIF-2 proteins were expressed in examined tissues with the exception of adductor muscle and foot. After Vibrio anguillarum and Micrococcus luteus challenge, the mRNA expression of RpMIFs was significantly modulated in hemocytes, gills and hepatopancreas. Recombinant RpMIF-1 and RpMIF-2 proteins possessed significant tautomerase activity and oxidoreductase activity, indicating that these two proteins was perhaps involved in inflammatory responses. In summary, our results suggested that RpMIF-1 and RpMIF-2 played an important role in the innate immunity of R. philippinarum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, PR China
| | - Dinglong Yang
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, 264003, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China
| | - Qing Wang
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, 264003, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China.
| | - Ye Zhao
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Chenghua Li
- Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, PR China
| | - Qianyu Wei
- Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, PR China
| | - Yijing Han
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, 264003, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, 264003, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China.
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Torelli F, Zander S, Ellerbrok H, Kochs G, Ulrich RG, Klotz C, Seeber F. Recombinant IFN-γ from the bank vole Myodes glareolus: a novel tool for research on rodent reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2797. [PMID: 29434310 PMCID: PMC5809609 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21143-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent species like Myodes glareolus and Microtus spp. are natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens causing human diseases and are gaining increasing interest in the field of eco-immunology as candidate animal models. Despite their importance the lack of immunological reagents has hampered research in these animal species. Here we report the recombinant production and functional characterization of IFN-γ, a central mediator of host’s innate and adaptive immune responses, from the bank vole M. glareolus. Soluble dimeric recMgIFN-γ was purified in high yield from Escherichia coli. Its activity on M. glareolus and Microtus arvalis kidney cell lines was assessed by immunofluorescent detection of nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of the transcription factor STAT1. RecMgIFN-γ also induced expression of an IFN-γ-regulated innate immunity gene. Inhibition of vesicular stomatitis virus replication in vole cells upon recMgIFN-γ treatment provided further evidence of its biological activity. Finally, we established a recMgIFN-γ-responsive bank vole reporter cell line that allows the sensitive titration of the cytokine activity via a bioluminescence reporter assay. Taken together, we report valuable tools for future investigations on the immune response against zoonotic pathogens in their natural animal hosts, which might foster the development of novel animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Torelli
- Department of Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany
| | - Steffen Zander
- Department of Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heinz Ellerbrok
- Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Viruses, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Kochs
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christian Klotz
- Department of Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Seeber
- Department of Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany.
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Lilley TM, Prokkola JM, Johnson JS, Rogers EJ, Gronsky S, Kurta A, Reeder DM, Field KA. Immune responses in hibernating little brown myotis ( Myotis lucifugus) with white-nose syndrome. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2016.2232. [PMID: 28179513 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease responsible for decimating many bat populations in North America. Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the psychrophilic fungus responsible for WNS, prospers in the winter habitat of many hibernating bat species. The immune response that Pd elicits in bats is not yet fully understood; antibodies are produced in response to infection by Pd, but they may not be protective and indeed may be harmful. To understand how bats respond to infection during hibernation, we studied the effect of Pd inoculation on the survival and gene expression of captive hibernating Myotis lucifugus with varying pre-hibernation antifungal antibody titres. We investigated gene expression through the transcription of selected cytokine genes (Il6, Il17a, Il1b, Il4 and Ifng) associated with inflammatory, Th1, Th2 and Th17 immune responses in wing tissue and lymph nodes. We found no difference in survival between bats with low and high anti-Pd titres, although anti-Pd antibody production during hibernation differed significantly between infected and uninfected bats. Transcription of Il6 and Il17a was higher in the lymph nodes of infected bats compared with uninfected bats. Increased transcription of these cytokines in the lymph node suggests that a pro-inflammatory immune response to WNS is not restricted to infected tissues and occurs during hibernation. The resulting Th17 response may be protective in euthermic bats, but because it may disrupt torpor, it could be detrimental during hibernation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Lilley
- Biology Department, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA.,Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - J M Prokkola
- Biology Department, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
| | - J S Johnson
- Biology Department, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA.,Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies, Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - E J Rogers
- Biology Department, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
| | - S Gronsky
- Biology Department, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
| | - A Kurta
- Biology Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
| | - D M Reeder
- Biology Department, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
| | - K A Field
- Biology Department, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
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35
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Love AC, Lovern MB, DuRant SE. Captivity influences immune responses, stress endocrinology, and organ size in house sparrows (Passer domesticus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 252:18-26. [PMID: 28733227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Studies using wild animals in laboratory-based research require bringing wild-captured organisms into a novel setting, which can have long-lasting impacts on physiology and behavior. In several species, captivity stimulates stress hormone production and can alter immune function. Despite this, there is little consensus on how captivity influences stress hormone regulation, or if captivity-induced changes in stress hormone production and regulation mediate changes in immune function. In this study, we investigate the influence of captivity on the physiology of a wild bird commonly-used in laboratory-based research, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). We tested how captivity influences stress endocrinology, immune responses, and organ mass, and also investigated if the production or regulation of corticosterone, the main stress hormone in birds, correlated with changes in immunity. We found that baseline corticosterone concentrations and maximum capacity of the adrenals to secrete corticosterone increase following captivity and remain elevated after 9weeks of captivity. A measure of innate immune function, the bactericidal ability of plasma, also increased with time spent in captivity. Wound healing was also influenced by time spent in captivity, with birds taking almost 2days longer to heal if they were wounded after 3weeks in captivity when compared with birds that were wounded immediately upon capture. Additionally, captivity caused notable reductions in spleen and liver mass. Together, these results imply that captivity can have long-lasting effects on house sparrow corticosterone release and immune function, and suggest that even after 9weeks house sparrows do not acclimate physiologically to life in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley C Love
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
| | - Matthew B Lovern
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Sarah E DuRant
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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Ehret T, Torelli F, Klotz C, Pedersen AB, Seeber F. Translational Rodent Models for Research on Parasitic Protozoa-A Review of Confounders and Possibilities. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017. [PMID: 28638807 PMCID: PMC5461347 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents, in particular Mus musculus, have a long and invaluable history as models for human diseases in biomedical research, although their translational value has been challenged in a number of cases. We provide some examples in which rodents have been suboptimal as models for human biology and discuss confounders which influence experiments and may explain some of the misleading results. Infections of rodents with protozoan parasites are no exception in requiring close consideration upon model choice. We focus on the significant differences between inbred, outbred and wild animals, and the importance of factors such as microbiota, which are gaining attention as crucial variables in infection experiments. Frequently, mouse or rat models are chosen for convenience, e.g., availability in the institution rather than on an unbiased evaluation of whether they provide the answer to a given question. Apart from a general discussion on translational success or failure, we provide examples where infections with single-celled parasites in a chosen lab rodent gave contradictory or misleading results, and when possible discuss the reason for this. We present emerging alternatives to traditional rodent models, such as humanized mice and organoid primary cell cultures. So-called recombinant inbred strains such as the Collaborative Cross collection are also a potential solution for certain challenges. In addition, we emphasize the advantages of using wild rodents for certain immunological, ecological, and/or behavioral questions. The experimental challenges (e.g., availability of species-specific reagents) that come with the use of such non-model systems are also discussed. Our intention is to foster critical judgment of both traditional and newly available translational rodent models for research on parasitic protozoa that can complement the existing mouse and rat models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Totta Ehret
- FG16 - Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch InstituteBerlin, Germany.,Department of Molecular Parasitology, Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinBerlin, Germany
| | - Francesca Torelli
- FG16 - Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch InstituteBerlin, Germany
| | - Christian Klotz
- FG16 - Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch InstituteBerlin, Germany
| | - Amy B Pedersen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Seeber
- FG16 - Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch InstituteBerlin, Germany
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37
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Palackdharry S, Sadd BM, Vogel LA, Bowden RM. The effect of environmental temperature on reptilian peripheral blood B cell functions. Horm Behav 2017; 88:87-94. [PMID: 27816625 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have identified phagocytic B cells in a variety of species, yet little is understood about their function and how it is influenced by natural environmental variation, such as temperature. Phagocytic B-cells are present in red-eared slider turtles, Trachemys scripta, and the wide range of temperatures experienced by these ectotherms may have an effect on immunity, including B cell antibody secretion and phagocytosis. We examined the impact of environmental temperature on B cell function in vitro using phagocytic and ELISpot assays conducted at biologically relevant temperatures. We found a significant effect of temperature on antibody secretion, with maximal antibody secretion occurring at intermediate temperatures (estimated maximum of 28.8°C). There was no effect of temperature on phagocytosis. We also noted a difference in the efficiency of phagocytosis in this assay between B cells and non-B cells. Interestingly, in our in vitro assay, phagocytic B cells engulfed more foreign fluorescent beads per cell than phagocytes lacking surface immunoglobulin. This work sheds light on our understanding of phagocytic B cells and the importance of environmental temperature on the behavior of reptilian immune cells, which may have relevance for organismal fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Palackdharry
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - Ben M Sadd
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - Laura A Vogel
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - Rachel M Bowden
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA.
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38
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Beirne C, Waring L, McDonald RA, Delahay R, Young A. Age-related declines in immune response in a wild mammal are unrelated to immune cell telomere length. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:20152949. [PMID: 26888036 PMCID: PMC4810837 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.2949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Senescence has been hypothesized to arise in part from age-related declines in immune performance, but the patterns and drivers of within-individual age-related changes in immunity remain virtually unexplored in natural populations. Here, using a long-term epidemiological study of wild European badgers (Meles meles), we (i) present evidence of a within-individual age-related decline in the response of a key immune-signalling cytokine, interferon-gamma (IFNγ), to ex vivo lymphocyte stimulation, and (ii) investigate three putative drivers of individual variation in the rate of this decline (sex, disease and immune cell telomere length; ICTL). That the within-individual rate of age-related decline markedly exceeded that at the population level suggests that individuals with weaker IFNγ responses are selectively lost from this population. IFNγ responses appeared to decrease with the progression of bovine tuberculosis infection (independent of age) and were weaker among males than females. However, neither sex nor disease influenced the rate of age-related decline in IFNγ response. Similarly, while ICTL also declines with age, variation in ICTL predicted neither among- nor within-individual variation in IFNγ response. Our findings provide evidence of within-individual age-related declines in immune performance in a wild mammal and highlight the likely complexity of the mechanisms that generate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Beirne
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Laura Waring
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire GL10 3UJ, UK
| | - Robbie A McDonald
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Richard Delahay
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire GL10 3UJ, UK
| | - Andrew Young
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
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39
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Nettle D, Andrews C, Reichert S, Bedford T, Gott A, Parker C, Kolenda C, Martin-Ruiz C, Monaghan P, Bateson M. Brood size moderates associations between relative size, telomere length, and immune development in European starling nestlings. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:8138-8148. [PMID: 27891221 PMCID: PMC5108265 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
For young birds in a nest, body size may have implications for other aspects of development such as telomere length and immune function. However, it is possible to predict associations in either direction. On the one hand, there may be trade-offs between growth and telomere maintenance, and growth and investment in immune function, suggesting there will be negative correlations. On the other hand, relatively larger individuals might be advantaged in competition with their nest-mates, allowing them to garner more resources overall, leading to positive correlations. We studied development over the nestling period in 34 nests of wild European starlings, Sturnus vulgaris. Intrabrood competition is typically more intense in larger broods. Hence, we predicted that body size should become an increasingly positive predictor of telomere length and immune functioning as brood size increases. In partial support of our prediction, there were significant interactions between brood size and body size in predicting both erythrocyte telomere length change and plasma levels of the cytokine interleukin-6. The associations between body size and these outcomes went from negative in the smallest broods to positive in the largest. A further immune marker, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, showed no systematic patterning with body size or brood size. Our results confirm that the size to which a nestling grows is important for telomere dynamics and the development of the immune system, but the phenotypic associations are moderated by the competitive context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nettle
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Clare Andrews
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Sophie Reichert
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Tom Bedford
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Annie Gott
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Craig Parker
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Claire Kolenda
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Carmen Martin-Ruiz
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Melissa Bateson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Centre for Behaviour & Evolution Newcastle University Henry Wellcome Building Newcastle UK
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40
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Jayawardena UA, Ratnasooriya WD, Wickramasinghe DD, Udagama PV. Heavy metal mediated innate immune responses of the Indian green frog, Euphlyctis hexadactylus (Anura: Ranidae): Cellular profiles and associated Th1 skewed cytokine response. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 566-567:1194-1204. [PMID: 27335164 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune cell and cytokine profiles in relation to metal exposure though much studied in mammals has not been adequately investigated in amphibians, due mainly to lack of suitable reagents for cytokine profiling in non-model species. However, interspecies cross reactivity of cytokines permitted us to assay levels of IFNγ, TNFα, IL6 and IL10in a common anuran, the Indian green frog (Euphlyctis hexadactylus), exposed to heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb, at ~5ppm each) under field and laboratory settings in Sri Lanka. Enumeration of immune cells in blood and melanomacrophages in the liver, assay of serum and hepatic cytokines, and Th1/Th2 cytokine polarisation were investigated. Immune cell counts indicated overall immunosuppression with decreasing total WBC and splenocyte counts while neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio increased with metal exposure, indicating metal mediated stress. Serum IL6 levels of metal exposed frogs reported the highest (~9360pg/mL) of all cytokines tested. Significantly elevated IFNγ production (P<0.05) was evident in heavy metal exposed frogs. Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio in both serum and liver tissue homogenates was Th1 skewed due to significantly higher production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFNγ in serum and TNFα in the liver (P<0.01).Metal mediated aggregations of melanomacrophages in the liver were positively and significantly (P<0.05) correlated with the hepatic expression of TNFα, IL6 and IL10 activity. Overall, Th1 skewed response may well be due to oxidative stress mediated nuclear factor κ-light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) which enhances the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Xenobiotic stress has recently imposed an unprecedented level of threat to wildlife, particularly to sensitive species such as amphibians. Therefore, understanding the interactions between physiological stress and related immune responses is fundamental to conserve these environmental sentinels in the face of emerging eco-challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Preethi V Udagama
- Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.
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41
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O'Shea-Wheller TA, Sendova-Franks AB, Franks NR. Migration control: a distance compensation strategy in ants. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2016; 103:66. [PMID: 27430995 PMCID: PMC4949290 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-016-1386-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Migratory behaviour forms an intrinsic part of the life histories of many organisms but is often a high-risk process. Consequently, varied strategies have evolved to negate such risks, but empirical data relating to their functioning are limited. In this study, we use the model system of the house-hunting ant Temnothorax albipennis to demonstrate a key strategy that can shorten migration exposure times in a group of social insects. Colonies of these ants frequently migrate to new nest sites, and due to the nature of their habitat, the distances over which they do so are variable, leading to fluctuating potential costs dependent on migration parameters. We show that colonies of this species facultatively alter the dynamics of a migration and so compensate for the distance over which a given migration occurs. Specifically, they achieve this by modulating the rate of 'tandem running', in which workers teach each other the route to a new nest site. Using this method, colonies are able to engage a larger number of individuals in the migration process when the distance to be traversed is greater, and furthermore, the system appears to be based on perceived encounter rate at the individual level. This form of decentralised control highlights the adaptive nature of a behaviour of ecological importance, and indicates that the key to its robustness lies in the use of simple rules. Additionally, our results suggest that such coordinated group reactions are central to achieving the high levels of ecological success seen in many eusocial organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A O'Shea-Wheller
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, UK.
| | - Ana B Sendova-Franks
- Department of Engineering Design and Mathematics, UWE Bristol, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, UK
| | - Nigel R Franks
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, UK
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42
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Muriel J, Salmón P, Nunez-Buiza A, de Salas F, Pérez-Rodríguez L, Puerta M, Gil D. Context-dependent effects of yolk androgens on nestling growth and immune function in a multibrooded passerine. J Evol Biol 2015; 28:1476-88. [PMID: 26079258 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Female birds may adjust their offspring phenotype to the specific requirements of the environment by differential allocation of physiologically active substances into yolks, such as androgens. Yolk androgens have been shown to accelerate embryonic development, growth rate and competitive ability of nestlings, but they can also entail immunological costs. The balance between costs and benefits of androgen allocation is expected to depend on nestling environment. We tested this hypothesis in a multibrooded passerine, the spotless starling, Sturnus unicolor. We experimentally manipulated yolk androgen levels using a between-brood design and evaluated its effects on nestling development, survival and immune function. Both in first and replacement broods, the embryonic development period was shorter for androgen-treated chicks than controls, but there were no differences in second broods. In replacement broods, androgen-treated chicks were heavier and larger than those hatched from control eggs, but this effect was not observed in the other breeding attempts. Androgen exposure reduced survival with respect to controls only in second broods. Regarding immune function, we detected nonsignificant trends for androgen treatment to activate two important components of innate and adaptive immunity (IL-6 and Ig-A levels, respectively). Similarly, androgen-treated chicks showed greater lymphocyte proliferation than controls in the first brood and an opposite trend in the second brood. Our results indicate that yolk androgen effects on nestling development and immunity depend on the environmental conditions of each breeding attempt. Variation in maternal androgen allocation to eggs could be explained as the result of context-dependent optimal strategies to maximize offspring fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Muriel
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - P Salmón
- Department of Biology, Evolutionary Ecology Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - A Nunez-Buiza
- Departamento de Fisiología Animal II, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - F de Salas
- Departamento de Fisiología Animal II, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Pérez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - M Puerta
- Departamento de Fisiología Animal II, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - D Gil
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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43
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Bowers EK, Bowden RM, Sakaluk SK, Thompson CF. Immune activation generates corticosterone-mediated terminal reproductive investment in a wild bird. Am Nat 2015; 185:769-83. [PMID: 25996862 DOI: 10.1086/681017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite classical expectations of a trade-off between immune activity and reproduction, an emergent view suggests that individuals experiencing activation of their immune system actually increase reproductive effort and allocation to offspring as a form of terminal investment in response to reduced survival probability. However, the components and mechanisms of increased parental investment following immunostimulation are currently unknown. We hypothesize that increased glucocorticoid production following immunostimulation modulates the increase in reproductive effort that constitutes terminal investment. We activated the immune system of breeding female house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) with an immunogen and cross-fostered the eggs that they subsequently produced to separate prenatal and postnatal components of maternal investment. Cross-fostering revealed an increase in both pre- and postnatal allocation from immunostimulated females, which was confirmed by quantification of egg constituents and maternal provisioning behavior. The increase in maternal provisioning was mediated, at least in part, by increased corticosterone in these females. Offspring immune responsiveness was also enhanced through transgenerational immune priming via the egg. Thus, our results indicate that maternal immunostimulation induces transgenerational effects on offspring through both pre- and postnatal parental effects and support an important role for corticosterone in mediating parental investment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Keith Bowers
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61790
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44
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Schleich CE, Zenuto RR, Cutrera AP. Immune challenge but not dietary restriction affects spatial learning in the wild subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum. Physiol Behav 2014; 139:150-6. [PMID: 25446226 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that learning and triggering an immune response are both metabolically expensive and thus likely to be subject to nutritional trade-offs between them and other competing demands. Therefore, we evaluated if an immune challenge with a novel antigen affects spatial learning in the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum under two different dietary conditions. The results showed that immune-challenged animals were affected in their spatial learning capabilities, increasing the number of errors and marginally the time required to reach the goal of a complex labyrinth. No effect of the dietary restriction nor interaction between factors were observed. This work provides support for the existence of a trade-off between the costs of the immune defense and learning abilities, indicating that when investment is required to fight infection, fewer resources are available for learning. The absence of effect of nutritional condition on this trade-off suggests that other physiological processes, besides cognition, may be limited by the energetic resources necessary to the more immediately critical immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian E Schleich
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CC 1245, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - Roxana R Zenuto
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CC 1245, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Ana P Cutrera
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CC 1245, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
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45
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Carlton ED, Demas GE. Leptin mediates seasonal variation in some but not all symptoms of sickness in Siberian hamsters. Horm Behav 2014; 66:802-11. [PMID: 25461974 PMCID: PMC4262702 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Many seasonally breeding species, including Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), exhibit seasonal variation in sickness responses. One hypothesis regarding the mechanism of this variation is that sickness intensity tracks an animal's energetic state, such that sickness is attenuated in the season that an animal has the lowest fat stores. Energetic state may be signaled via leptin, an adipose hormone that provides a signal of fat stores. Siberian hamsters respond to extended housing in short, winter-like days by reducing fat stores and leptin levels, relative to those housed in long, summer-like days. Sickness responses are also attenuated in short-day hamsters as compared to long-day hamsters. We hypothesized that leptin provides a physiological signal by which seasonally breeding animals modulate sickness responses, such that animals with higher leptin levels show increased sickness intensity. To test this, we provided short-day hamsters with a long-day-like leptin signal and assessed their responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a sickness-inducing antigen. We compared these responses to short-day vehicle-, long-day vehicle-, and long-day leptin-treated hamsters. Unexpectedly, LPS induced a hypothermic response (rather than fever) in all groups. Short-day vehicle-treated hamsters exhibited the greatest LPS-induced hypothermia, and leptin treatment attenuated this response, making hypothermia more long-day-like. Contrary to our hypothesis, short-day leptin-treated hamsters showed the least pronounced LPS-induced anorexia among all groups. These results suggest that leptin may mediate some but not all aspects of seasonal sickness variation in this species. Future studies should be targeted at determining roles of other energetic hormones in regulating seasonal sickness response variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Carlton
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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