1
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Wang Y, Riedstra B, de Vries B, van Faassen M, Pranger A, Kema I, Groothuis T. Plasticity in metabolism of maternal androgens in avian embryos. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8083. [PMID: 37202471 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35340-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mothers can influence offspring phenotypes by transferring non-genetic information to the young, which provides them with a flexible tool to adjust the developmental trajectory of the young in fluctuating environments. Mothers can differentially deposit their resources in the same reproductive attempt in relation to the offspring position in the sibling hierarchy. However, whether embryos from different positions can be plastic in their response to the maternal signals, potentially leading to a mother-offspring conflict, is yet unclear. We used Rock pigeons (Columba livia), that lay two egg clutches where maternal androgen levels in second laid eggs at oviposition are higher than in first laid eggs, and investigated the plasticity of embryonic metabolism of maternal androgens. We experimentally elevated androstenedione and testosterone levels in first eggs to that present in second eggs and measured the change in androgen levels and its main metabolites (etiocholanolone and conjugated testosterone) after 3.5 days of incubation. We found that eggs with increased androgens show a different degree of androgen metabolism depending either on the egg laying sequence or initial androgen levels or both. Our findings indicate that embryos have certain plasticity in response to maternal androgen levels depending on maternal signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Wang
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Bernd Riedstra
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bonnie de Vries
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn van Faassen
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alle Pranger
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ido Kema
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ton Groothuis
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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2
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Javůrková VG, Mikšík I. New insights into the relationships between egg maternal components: the interplays between albumen steroid hormones, proteins and eggshell protoporphyrin. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2023; 279:111401. [PMID: 36781044 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111401] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that the egg yolk maternal components, which are a mixture of substances that can affect the developing embryo, do not act separately but are interconnected and co-adapted. Surprisingly, no study to date has focused on the associations between maternally derived albumen steroids and albumen and eggshell compounds with pleiotropic effects. Eggshell pigment protoporphyrin (PROTO IX) should provide primary antimicrobial protection for eggs, but as a proven pro-oxidant, it may compromise female fitness. Abundant albumen proteins ovotransferrin (OVOTR) and lysozyme (LSM) have been shown to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunoregulatory and growth-regulatory roles. To investigate associations between albumen steroids and OVOTR, LSM and eggshell cuticle PROTO IX, we used chicken eggs with differently pigmented eggshells. We found that albumen steroid hormones were strongly intercorrelated. In addition, we revealed that albumen LSM and testosterone (T) were positively associated, while a negative association was found between albumen LSM and pregnenolone (P5). Eggshell cuticle PROTO IX was negatively associated with the concentration of albumen 17α-hydroxypregnenolone (17-OHP5). Finally, of all the hormones tested, only the concentration of albumen 17-OHP5 correlated negatively with egg volume and varied with eggshell colour and chicken breed. Although experimental evidence for the effect of maternal albumen steroids on avian developing embryo is still scarce, our study is the first to highlight co-variation and potential co-adjustment of maternally derived albumen steroids, proteins and eggshell cuticle pigment suggesting similar allocation mechanisms known for yolk maternal compounds with the potential to influence the avian embryo and offspring phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Gvoždíková Javůrková
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands; Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ivan Mikšík
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573, 532 10 Pardubice, Czech Republic
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3
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Jouanneau W, Léandri-Breton DJ, Herzke D, Moe B, Nikiforov VA, Pallud M, Parenteau C, Gabrielsen GW, Chastel O. Does contaminant exposure disrupt maternal hormones deposition? A study on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in an Arctic seabird. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161413. [PMID: 36621503 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Maternal effects are thought to be essential tools for females to modulate offspring development. The selective deposition of avian maternal hormones could therefore allow females to strategically adjust the phenotype of their offspring to the environmental situation encountered. However, at the time of egg formation, several contaminants are also transferred to the egg, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are ubiquitous organic contaminants with endocrine disrupting properties. It is, however, unknown if they can disrupt maternal hormone deposition. In this study we explored relationships between female PFAS burden and maternal deposition in the eggs of steroids (dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione and testosterone), glucocorticoids (corticosterone) and thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) in a population of the Arctic-breeding black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla). Egg yolk hormone levels were unrelated to female hormone plasma levels. Second-laid eggs had significantly lower concentrations of androstenedione than first-laid eggs. Triiodothyronine yolk levels were decreasing with increasing egg mass but increasing with increasing females' body condition. Testosterone was the only transferred yolk hormone correlated to maternal PFAS burden: specifically, we found a positive correlation between testosterone in yolks and circulating maternal perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDcA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) in first-laid eggs. This correlative study provides a first insight into the potential of some long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids to disrupt maternal hormones deposition in eggs and raises the question about the consequences of increased testosterone deposition on the developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Jouanneau
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 17031 La Rochelle, France; Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Don-Jean Léandri-Breton
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 17031 La Rochelle, France; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Børge Moe
- NINA - Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NO-7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Vladimir A Nikiforov
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Marie Pallud
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 17031 La Rochelle, France
| | - Charline Parenteau
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 17031 La Rochelle, France
| | | | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 17031 La Rochelle, France
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4
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Romano A, Possenti CD, Caprioli M, De Felice B, Rubolini D, Parolini M. Prenatal yolk corticosterone exposure promotes skeletal growth and induces oxidative imbalance in yellow-legged gull embryos. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:272422. [PMID: 34622274 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Maternally derived hormones induce variation in offspring phenotype, with consequences that can carry over into post-natal life and even into adulthood. In birds, maternal egg corticosterone (CORT) is known to exert contrasting effects on offspring morphology, physiology and behaviour after hatching. However, information on the effects of CORT exposure on pre-hatching embryonic development is limited. We experimentally increased yolk CORT levels in yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) eggs, and assessed the effects on embryo pre-hatching development and oxidative status of brain and liver. CORT-supplemented embryos reached a larger skeletal size and liver mass compared with controls. Embryos from CORT-injected last-laid eggs showed decreased activity of the hepatic antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, while intermediate-laid eggs showed increased levels of lipid peroxidation. However, elevated yolk CORT did not affect oxidative stress endpoints in the brain. Our results indicate that elevated yolk CORT levels affect prenatal embryo development by promoting skeletal growth, and induce laying sequence- and organ-specific oxidative imbalance, with potential adverse consequences during postnatal life, especially for late-hatched offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Romano
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Daniela Possenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Caprioli
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
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5
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Explaining discrepancies in the study of maternal effects: the role of context and embryo. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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6
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Partecke J, Hegyi G, Fitze PS, Gasparini J, Schwabl H. Maternal effects and urbanization: Variation of yolk androgens and immunoglobulin in city and forest blackbirds. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:2213-2224. [PMID: 32128150 PMCID: PMC7042752 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife inhabiting urban environments exhibit drastic changes in morphology, physiology, and behavior. It has often been argued that these phenotypic responses could be the result of micro-evolutionary changes following the urbanization process. However, other mechanisms such as phenotypic plasticity, maternal effects, and developmental plasticity could be involved as well. To address maternal effects as potential mechanisms, we compared maternal hormone and antibody concentrations in eggs between city and forest populations of European blackbirds (Turdus merula), a widely distributed species for which previous research demonstrated differences in behavioral and physiological traits. We measured egg and yolk mass, yolk concentrations of androgens (androstenedione [A4], testosterone [T], 5α-dihydrotestosterone [5α-DHT], and immunoglobulins [IgY]) and related them to population, clutch size, laying order, embryo sex, and progress of breeding season. We show (a) earlier onset of laying in the city than forest population, but similar egg and clutch size; (b) higher overall yolk androgen concentrations in the forest than the city population (sex-dependent for T); (c) greater among-female variation of yolk T and 5α-DHT concentrations in the forest than city population, but similar within-clutch variation; (d) similar IgY concentrations with a seasonal decline in both populations; and (e) population-specific positive (city) or negative (forest) association of yolk A4 and T with IgY concentrations. Our results are consistent with the hypotheses that hormone-mediated maternal effects contribute to differences in behavioral and physiological traits between city and forest individuals and that yolk androgen and immunoglobulin levels can exhibit population-specific relationships rather than trade-off against each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesko Partecke
- Department of MigrationMax Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorRadolfzellGermany
- Department of BiologyUniversity of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive BiologyWashington State University PullmanPullmanWAUSA
| | - Gergely Hegyi
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive BiologyWashington State University PullmanPullmanWAUSA
- Department of Systematic Zoology and EcologyEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | | | - Julien Gasparini
- Sorbonne UniversitéUPECCNRSINRAIRDInstitut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de ParisParisFrance
| | - Hubert Schwabl
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive BiologyWashington State University PullmanPullmanWAUSA
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7
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Armansin NC, Stow AJ, Cantor M, Leu ST, Klarevas-Irby JA, Chariton AA, Farine DR. Social Barriers in Ecological Landscapes: The Social Resistance Hypothesis. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:137-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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8
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Parolini M, Possenti CD, Secomandi S, Carboni S, Caprioli M, Rubolini D, Romano A, Saino N. Prenatal independent and combined effects of yolk vitamin E and corticosterone on embryo growth and oxidative status in the yellow-legged gull. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.199265. [PMID: 31043457 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.199265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Variation in the concentration of antioxidants and hormones of maternal origin in the eggs of birds can have a profound influence on offspring phenotype both prenatally and postnatally. Egg maternal substances can have interacting effects, but experimental studies of the consequences of the combined variation in the egg concentration of such molecules are extremely rare, particularly as far as prenatal stages are concerned. We manipulated the yolk concentration of vitamin E and corticosterone, which are, respectively, the main antioxidant and the main glucocorticoid hormone in bird eggs, both independently and simultaneously, and we tested their separate and combined effects on growth and oxidative status in the liver and in the brain of yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) embryos. Egg supplementation of relatively large physiological doses of corticosterone depressed embryo growth (total body mass, tarsus length and liver mass), whereas administration of vitamin E in association with corticosterone restored normal growth. Vitamin E did not affect embryo growth when administered alone. We further analysed the independent and combined effects of vitamin E and corticosterone on liver and brain total antioxidant capacity, the concentration of reactive oxygen molecules and lipid peroxidation. Vitamin E significantly reduced liver total antioxidant capacity, while corticosterone depressed brain lipid peroxidation. Prenatal exposure to vitamin E and corticosterone appears to have antagonistic effects on body growth, although vitamin E is not limiting in yellow-legged gull eggs. In combination with the results of previous experiments on the same species applying smaller experimental doses or focusing on the postnatal rather than prenatal life stages, our findings indicate that the effects of a physiological increase in the egg concentration of these substances can be life stage and dose specific, implying that generalizing prenatal effects of egg compounds may not be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Daniela Possenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Secomandi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Carboni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Caprioli
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.,Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Building Biophore, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Saino
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
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9
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Valcu CM, Scheltema RA, Schweiggert RM, Valcu M, Teltscher K, Walther DM, Carle R, Kempenaers B. Life history shapes variation in egg composition in the blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus. Commun Biol 2019; 2:6. [PMID: 30740542 PMCID: PMC6320336 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-018-0247-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal investment directly shapes early developmental conditions and therefore has long-term fitness consequences for the offspring. In oviparous species prenatal maternal investment is fixed at the time of laying. To ensure the best survival chances for most of their offspring, females must equip their eggs with the resources required to perform well under various circumstances, yet the actual mechanisms remain unknown. Here we describe the blue tit egg albumen and yolk proteomes and evaluate their potential to mediate maternal effects. We show that variation in egg composition (proteins, lipids, carotenoids) primarily depends on laying order and female age. Egg proteomic profiles are mainly driven by laying order, and investment in the egg proteome is functionally biased among eggs. Our results suggest that maternal effects on egg composition result from both passive and active (partly compensatory) mechanisms, and that variation in egg composition creates diverse biochemical environments for embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina-Maria Valcu
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Richard A. Scheltema
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ralf M. Schweiggert
- Plant Foodstuff Technology and Analysis, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Mihai Valcu
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Kim Teltscher
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Dirk M. Walther
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Reinhold Carle
- Plant Foodstuff Technology and Analysis, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Biological Science Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bart Kempenaers
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
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10
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Torres R, Chin E, Rampton R, Williams TD. Are there synergistic or antagonistic effects of multiple maternally-derived egg components (antibodies and testosterone) on offspring phenotype? J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb.196956. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.196956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Eggs are ‘multivariate’ in that they contain multiple maternally-derived egg components (e.g. hormones, antibodies, mRNA, antioxidants) which are thought to influence offspring phenotype. However, most studies have focused on single egg components and on short-term effects. Here, we simultaneously manipulated two egg components, maternally-derived antibodies (MAb) and yolk testosterone (T) to assess potential synergistic or antagonistic effects on offspring phenotype from hatching to sexual maturity. We found no evidence for short-or long-term effects of either MAb or yolk T alone, or their interaction, on hatching mass, size at fledging (tarsus), body mass at sexual maturity (day 82), chick survival, humoral immune function, or any measured female reproductive trait at sexual maturity. There was a positive effect of yolk T, but not MAb, on offspring PHA response at 26 days of age but at 82 days of age MAb, but not yolk T, had a positive effect on PHA response. There was also a MAb*sex interaction on 30 day chick mass, and a positive effect of yolk T on male courtship behaviour at sexual maturity. However, we found no evidence for synergy, i.e. where offspring treated both with MAb and yolk T had higher trait values than offspring treated with either MAb or yolk T alone for any measured trait. Similarly, evidence for antagonistic (compensatory) effects, where offspring treated both with MAb and yolk T had intermediate trait values compared with offspring treated with either MAb or yolk T alone, was equivocal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Torres
- Instituto de Ecologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, A.P. 70-275, Mexico D.F., 04510, Mexico
| | - Eunice Chin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 4H8, Canada
| | - Rowan Rampton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 4H8, Canada
| | - Tony D Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 4H8, Canada
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11
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Possenti CD, Parolini M, Romano A, Caprioli M, Rubolini D, Saino N. Effect of yolk corticosterone on begging in the yellow-legged gull. Horm Behav 2018; 97:121-127. [PMID: 29127025 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.10.014] [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: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral lateralization is widespread across vertebrates. The development of lateralization is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. In birds, maternal substances in the egg can affect offspring lateralization via activational and/or organizational effects. Corticosterone affects the development of brain asymmetry, suggesting that variation in yolk corticosterone concentration may also influence post-natal behavioral lateralization, a hypothesis that has never been tested so far. In the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis), we increased yolk corticosterone concentration within physiological limits and analyzed the direction of lateralization of hatchlings in reverting from supine to prone position ('RTP' response) and in pecking at dummy parental bills to solicit food provisioning ('begging' response). We found that corticosterone treatment negatively affected the frequency of begging and it may cause a slight leftward lateralization. However, the direction of lateralization of the RTP response was not affected by corticosterone administration. Thus, our study shows a maternal effect mediated by corticosterone on a behavioral trait involved in parent-offspring communication during food provisioning events. The findings on lateralization are not conclusive due to the weak effect size but provide information for further ecological and evolutionary studies, investigating mechanisms underlying the development of lateralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Daniela Possenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Caprioli
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
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12
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Parolini M, Possenti CD, Karadas F, Colombo G, Romano M, Caprioli M, Dalle-Donne I, Rubolini D, Milzani A, Saino N. Yolk vitamin E positively affects prenatal growth but not oxidative status in yellow-legged gull embryos. Curr Zool 2017; 64:285-292. [PMID: 30402069 PMCID: PMC6007762 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zox037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Parental effects occur whenever the phenotype of parents or the environment that they experience influences the phenotype and fitness of their offspring. In birds, parental effects are often mediated by the size and biochemical quality of the eggs in terms of maternally transferred components. Exogenous antioxidants are key egg components that accomplish crucial physiological functions during early life. Among these, vitamin E plays a vital role during prenatal development when the intense metabolism accompanying rapid embryo growth results in overproduction of pro-oxidant molecules. Studies of captive birds have demonstrated the positive effect of vitamin E supplementation on diverse phenotypic traits of hatchling and adult individuals, but its effects on embryo phenotype has never been investigated neither in captivity nor under a natural selection regime. In the present study, we experimentally tested the effect of the in ovo supplementation of vitamin E on morphological traits and oxidative status of yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) embryos. The supplementation of vitamin E promoted somatic growth in embryos soon before hatching, but did not affect their oxidative status. Our results suggest that maternally transferred vitamin E concentrations are optimized to prevent imbalances of oxidative status and the consequent raise of oxidative damage in yellow-legged gull embryos during prenatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Daniela Possenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Filiz Karadas
- Department of Animal Science, University of Yüzüncü Yil, 65090 Van, Turkey
| | - Graziano Colombo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Romano
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Manuela Caprioli
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Isabella Dalle-Donne
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Aldo Milzani
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
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13
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Parolini M, Romano A, Possenti CD, Caprioli M, Rubolini D, Saino N. Contrasting effects of increased yolk testosterone content on development and oxidative status in gull embryos. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:625-633. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.145235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Hormone-mediated maternal effects generate variation in offspring phenotype. In birds, maternal egg testosterone (T) exerts differential effects on offspring traits after hatching, suggesting that mothers experience a trade-off between contrasting T effects. However, there is very little information on T pre-natal effects. In the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis), we increased yolk T concentration within physiological limits and measured the effects on development and oxidative status of late-stage embryos. T-treated embryos had a larger body size but a smaller brain than controls. Males had a larger brain than females, controlling for overall size. T treatment differentially affected brain mass and total amount of pro-oxidants in the brain depending on laying order. T-treatment effects were not sex dependent. For the first time in the wild, we show contrasting T pre-natal effects on body mass and brain size. Hence, T may enforce trade-offs between different embryonic traits, but also within the same trait during different developmental periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Caprioli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milan I-20133, Italy
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14
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Poisbleau M, Beaulieu M, Dehnhard N, Demongin L, Lepoint G, Sturaro N, Eens M. Extreme intra-clutch egg size dimorphism is not coupled with corresponding differences in antioxidant capacity and stable isotopes between eggs. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2017; 205:77-85. [PMID: 28062221 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Oviparous females need to allocate resources optimally to their eggs in order to maximize their fitness. Among these resources, dietary antioxidants, acquired by females and transferred to the eggs during egg formation, can greatly affect the development and survival of the embryo and chick. In crested penguins, incubation starts after the second and last egg is laid and, as opposed to many other bird species, this egg hatches first, thereby enhancing the survival of the chick. Here, we assessed whether antioxidant and isotopic composition could underlie these differences between eggs within clutches of southern rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome). The second-laid egg had higher total antioxidant capacity than the first-laid egg, although this was not due to higher antioxidant concentration but to its higher mass. This suggests that resources are allocated by females at a constant rate in both eggs within clutches. Accordingly, we found a strong correlation for isotopic compositions between eggs suggesting that resources were allocated similarly to each egg within the clutch. Overall, we found little evidence for a significant role of antioxidant and isotopic compositions to explain differences in terms of embryo/chick development between eggs in crested penguins. However, since our results suggest a constant rate of antioxidant transfer from females to eggs, limiting the mass of the first-laid egg might represent a strategy for females to spare antioxidant defences and preserve self-maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Poisbleau
- Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium.
| | - Michaël Beaulieu
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Johann-Sebastian Bach Str. 11/12, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Nina Dehnhard
- Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Laurent Demongin
- Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Gilles Lepoint
- Laboratory of Oceanology, FOCUS UR, University of Liège, B6C, 4000 Liège, Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Sturaro
- Laboratory of Oceanology, FOCUS UR, University of Liège, B6C, 4000 Liège, Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
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15
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Hahn DC, Wingfield JC, Fox DM, Walker BG, Thomley JE. Maternal androgens in avian brood parasites and their hosts: Responses to parasitism and competition? Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 240:143-152. [PMID: 27746250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the coevolutionary dynamic of avian brood parasites and their hosts, maternal (or transgenerational) effects have rarely been investigated. We examined the potential role of elevated yolk testosterone in eggs of the principal brood parasite in North America, the brown-headed cowbird, and three of its frequent host species. Elevated maternal androgens in eggs are a common maternal effect observed in many avian species when breeding conditions are unfavorable. These steroids accelerate embryo development, shorten incubation period, increase nestling growth rate, and enhance begging vigor, all traits that can increase the survival of offspring. We hypothesized that elevated maternal androgens in host eggs are a defense against brood parasitism. Our second hypothesis was that elevated maternal androgens in cowbird eggs are a defense against intra-specific competition. For host species, we found that elevated yolk testosterone was correlated with parasitized nests of small species, those whose nest success is most reduced by cowbird parasitism. For cowbirds, we found that elevated yolk testosterone was correlated with eggs in multiply-parasitized nests, which indicate intra-specific competition for nests due to high cowbird density. We propose experimental work to further examine the use of maternal effects by cowbirds and their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Caldwell Hahn
- US Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD 20708, USA.
| | - John C Wingfield
- Dept. of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA.
| | - David M Fox
- US National Parks Service, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Marrero, LA 70072, USA.
| | - Brian G Walker
- Dept. of Biology, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT 06824, USA.
| | - Jill E Thomley
- Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA.
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16
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How Do Growth and Sibling Competition Affect Telomere Dynamics in the First Month of Life of Long-Lived Seabird? PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167261. [PMID: 27902754 PMCID: PMC5130235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are nucleotide sequences located at the ends of chromosomes that promote genome stability. Changes in telomere length (dynamics) are related to fitness or life expectancy, and telomere dynamics during the development phase are likely to be affected by growth and stress factors. Here, we examined telomere dynamics of black-tailed gull chicks (Larus crassirostris) in nests with and without siblings. We found that the initial telomere lengths of singletons at hatching were longer than those of siblings, indicating that singletons are higher-quality chicks than siblings in terms of telomere length. Other factors likely affecting individual quality (i.e., sex, laying date, laying order of eggs, and clutch size) were not related to telomere lengths. Within broods, initial telomere lengths were longer in older chicks than in younger chicks, suggesting that maternal effects, which vary with laying sequence, influence the initial lengths. Additionally, telomeres of chicks with a sibling showed more attrition between hatching and fledging than those of singleton chicks, suggesting that being raised with siblings can cause a sustained competitive environment that leads to telomere loss. High growth rates were associated with a low degree of telomere shortening observed in older siblings, perhaps because slower growth reflects higher food stress and/or higher aerobic metabolism from increased begging effort. Our results show that developmental telomere attrition was an inevitable consequence in two-chick nests in the pre- and post-hatching microenvironments due to the combination of social stress within the nest and maternal effects. The results of our study shed light on telomere dynamics in early life, which may represent an important physiological undercurrent of life-history traits.
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17
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Ruuskanen S, Gienapp P, Groothuis TGG, Schaper SV, Darras VM, Pereira C, de Vries B, Visser ME. Heritable variation in maternally derived yolk androgens, thyroid hormones and immune factors. Heredity (Edinb) 2016; 117:184-90. [PMID: 27381323 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2016.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal reproductive investment can critically influence offspring phenotype, and thus these maternal effects are expected to be under strong natural selection. Knowledge on the extent of heritable variation in the physiological mechanisms underlying maternal effects is however limited. In birds, resource allocation to eggs is a key mechanism for mothers to affect their offspring and different components of the egg may or may not be independently adjusted. We studied the heritability of egg components and their genetic and phenotypic covariation in great tits (Parus major), using captive-bred full siblings of wild origin. Egg mass, testosterone (T) and androstenedione (A4) hormone concentrations showed moderate heritability, in agreement with earlier findings. Interestingly, yolk triiodothyronine hormone (T3), but not its precursor, thyroxine hormone (T4), concentration was heritable. An immune factor, albumen lysozyme, showed moderate heritability, but yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) did not. The genetic correlation estimates were moderate but statistically nonsignificant; a trend for a positive genetic correlation was found between A4 and egg mass, T and lysozyme and IgY and lysozyme, respectively. Interestingly, phenotypic correlations were found only between A4 and T, and T4 and T3, respectively. Given that these egg components are associated with fitness-related traits in the offspring (and mother), and that we show that some components are heritable, it opens the possibility that natural selection may shape the rate and direction of phenotypic change via egg composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ruuskanen
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - P Gienapp
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - T G G Groothuis
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - S V Schaper
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - V M Darras
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Pereira
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - B de Vries
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M E Visser
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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18
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Possenti CD, Romano A, Caprioli M, Rubolini D, Spiezio C, Saino N, Parolini M. Yolk testosterone affects growth and promotes individual-level consistency in behavioral lateralization of yellow-legged gull chicks. Horm Behav 2016; 80:58-67. [PMID: 26836770 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral lateralization is common in animals and may be expressed at the individual- and at the population-level. The ontogenetic processes that control lateralization, however, are largely unknown. Well-established sex-dependence in androgen physiology and sex-dependent variation in lateralization have led to the hypothesis that testosterone (T) has organizational effects on lateralization. The effects of T exposure in early life on lateralization can be efficiently investigated by manipulating T levels in the cleidoic eggs of birds, because the embryo is isolated from maternal and sibling physiological interference, but this approach has been adopted very rarely. In the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) we increased yolk T concentration within the physiological limits and tested the effects on the direction of lateralization in two functionally fundamental behaviors (begging for parental care and escape to cover) of molecularly sexed hatchlings. We also speculated that T may intervene in regulating consistency, rather than direction of lateralization, and therefore tested if T affected the 'repeatability' of lateral preference in consecutive behavioral trials. T treatment had no effect on the direction of lateralization, but enhanced the consistency of lateral preference in escape responses. Sex did not predict lateralization. Neither behavior was lateralized at the population-level. We therefore showed for the first time in any species an effect of egg T on consistency in lateralization. The implications of the effect of T for the evolution of trade-offs in maternal allocation of egg hormones, and the evolutionary interpretations of findings from our studies on lateralization among unmanipulated birds are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milan, Italy.
| | - Manuela Caprioli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Spiezio
- Research and Conservation Department, Parco Natura Viva, Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, Milan, Italy.
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19
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Hsu BY, Dijkstra C, Darras VM, de Vries B, Groothuis TGG. Maternal adjustment or constraint: differential effects of food availability on maternal deposition of macro-nutrients, steroids and thyroid hormones in rock pigeon eggs. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:397-411. [PMID: 26843926 PMCID: PMC4729257 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In oviparous species like birds, eggs provide the direct environment in which embryos are developing. Mothers may adjust different egg components in different ways in reaction to environmental cues either to adjust offspring development or because of constraints. In this study, we investigated the effects of food quality and quantity before and during egg laying on three different aspects of egg quality: macro‐nutrients (egg and yolk mass), androgens (testosterone and androstenedione), and thyroid hormones (3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine, T3 and l‐thyroxine, T4), using the rock pigeon (Columba livia). As expected, egg and yolk mass were significantly reduced for the eggs laid under the poor‐food condition, indicating a maternal trade‐off between offspring and self in allocating important resources. We did not find any significant change in yolk testosterone or their within‐clutch pattern over the laying sequence. This is consistent with the fact that, in contrast with nutrients, these hormones are not costly to produce, but does not support the hypothesis that they play a role in adjusting brood size to food conditions. In contrast, we found that T3 levels were higher in the egg yolks under the poor‐food condition whereas the total T4 content was lower. This change could be related to the fact that iodine, the critical constituent of thyroid hormones, might be a limiting factor in the production of this hormone. Given the knowledge that food restriction usually lead to reduction of circulating T3 levels, our results suggested that avian mothers can independently regulate its concentrations in their eggs from their own circulation. The study demonstrates that environmentally induced maternal effects via the egg can be a result of a combination of constrained resources and unconstrained signals and that thyroid hormones might be an interesting case of both. Therefore, this hormone and the interplay of different maternal effects on the offspring phenotype deserve much more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Yan Hsu
- Behavioural Biology Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Cor Dijkstra
- Behavioural Biology Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Veerle M Darras
- Comparative Endocrinology Section of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Bonnie de Vries
- Behavioural Biology Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Ton G G Groothuis
- Behavioural Biology Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
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20
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Counihan KL, Maniscalco JM, Bozza M, Hendon JM, Hollmén TE. The influence of year, laying date, egg fertility and incubation, individual hen, hen age and mass and clutch size on maternal immunoglobulin Y concentration in captive Steller's and spectacled eider egg yolk. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 52:10-16. [PMID: 25892022 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Steller's eiders and spectacled eiders are sea duck species whose populations have declined significantly and infectious diseases could influence offspring survival. Therefore, the maternal transfer of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) into yolk was investigated in captive Steller's and spectacled eiders during the 2007-2013 breeding seasons. This project had two objectives: establish baseline IgY levels in Steller's and spectacled eider yolk under controlled captive conditions and evaluate the effect of year, laying date, egg fertility, egg incubation duration, individual hen, hen age and mass, and laying order to determine which variables influenced IgY levels. Average IgY concentrations were 0.03-0.48 mg ml(-1) in Steller's eider yolk and 0.10-0.51 mg ml(-1) in spectacled eider yolk. The year and individual hen influenced IgY concentration in Steller's and spectacled eider yolk. The laying date was negatively correlated with egg IgY levels for most Steller's eider hens, but laying order was positively correlated with egg IgY concentration for spectacled eiders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maryann Bozza
- Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Jill M Hendon
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, Box #5018, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
| | - Tuula E Hollmén
- School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, PO Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664, USA
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21
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Groothuis TGG, Taborsky B. Introducing biological realism into the study of developmental plasticity in behaviour. Front Zool 2015; 12 Suppl 1:S6. [PMID: 26816523 PMCID: PMC4722348 DOI: 10.1186/1742-9994-12-s1-s6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing attention for integrating mechanistic and functional approaches to the study of (behavioural) development. As environments are mostly unstable, it is now often assumed that genetic parental information is in many cases not sufficient for offspring to become optimally adapted to the environment and that early environmental cues, either indirectly via the parents or from direct experience, are necessary to prepare them for a specific environment later in life. To study whether these early developmental processes are adaptive and through which mechanism, not only the early environmental cues but also how they impinge on the later-life environmental context has therefore to be taken into account when measuring the animal's performance. We first discuss at the conceptual level six ways in which interactions between influences of different time windows during development may act (consolidation, cumulative information gathering and priming, compensation, buffering, matching and mismatching, context dependent trait expression). In addition we discuss how different environmental factors during the same time window may interact in shaping the phenotype during development. Next we discuss the pros and cons of several experimental designs for testing these interaction effects, highlighting the necessity for full, reciprocal designs and the importance of adjusting the nature and time of manipulation to the animal's adaptive capacity. We then review support for the interaction effects from both theoretical models and animal experiments in different taxa. This demonstrates indeed the existence of interactions at multiple levels, including different environmental factors, different time windows and between generations. As a consequence, development is a life-long, environment-dependent process and therefore manipulating only the early environment without taking interaction effects with other and later environmental influences into account may lead to wrong conclusions and may also explain inconsistent results in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ton G G Groothuis
- Behavioural Biology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Barbara Taborsky
- Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
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22
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Parolini M, Romano M, Caprioli M, Rubolini D, Saino N. Vitamin E deficiency in last‐laid eggs limits growth of yellow‐legged gull chicks. Funct Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Biosciences University of Milan via Celoria 26 I‐20133 Milan Italy
| | - Maria Romano
- Department of Biosciences University of Milan via Celoria 26 I‐20133 Milan Italy
| | - Manuela Caprioli
- Department of Biosciences University of Milan via Celoria 26 I‐20133 Milan Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Biosciences University of Milan via Celoria 26 I‐20133 Milan Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Department of Biosciences University of Milan via Celoria 26 I‐20133 Milan Italy
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23
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Hammouda A, Pearce-Duvet J, Boulinier T, Selmi S. Egg sampling as a possible alternative to blood sampling when monitoring the exposure of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) to avian influenza viruses. Avian Pathol 2014; 43:547-51. [PMID: 25275922 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2014.972340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We explored whether antibody detection in egg yolks could serve as an alternative to antibody detection in plasma samples when monitoring yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) for exposure to avian influenza viruses (AIVs). We tested female plasma and eggs for anti-AIV antibodies and used the data we obtained to check whether the two sample types yielded the same antibody status (positive or negative) and to compare the antibody prevalence estimated from the blood data with that estimated from the yolk data. Our results showed that sampling one egg per clutch, regardless of that egg's position in the laying sequence, is sufficient to provide an unbiased estimate of antibody prevalence across clutches. The results also showed that almost 25% of the clutches laid by positive females contained only antibody-negative eggs, which suggests that yolk samples might underestimate female antibody prevalence. However, this result may stem from differences in the methods used to assess plasma versus yolk antibody status. Further research is needed to clarify this issue; while the number of false negatives could be reduced by adapting antibody detection techniques, it may be that they are an unavoidable consequence of natural avian maternal transfer dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdessalem Hammouda
- a UR "Biodiversité, & Valorisation des Bioressources en Zones Arides", Faculté des Sciences de Gabès , Zrig, Gabès , Tunisia
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24
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Okuliarova M, Kankova Z, Bertin A, Leterrier C, Mostl E, Zeman M. Maternally derived egg hormones, antibodies and antimicrobial proteins: common and different pathways of maternal effects in Japanese quail. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112817. [PMID: 25390303 PMCID: PMC4229250 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian eggs contain a variety of maternally-derived substances that can influence the development and performance of offspring. The levels of these egg compounds vary in relation to environmental and genetic factors, but little is known about whether there are correlative links between maternal substances in the egg underlying common and different pathways of maternal effects. In the present study, we investigated genetically determined variability and mutually adjusted deposition of sex hormones (testosterone-T, androstenedione-A4 and progesterone-P4), antibodies (IgY) and antimicrobial proteins (lysozyme) in eggs of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). We used different genetic lines that were independently selected for yolk T concentrations, duration of tonic immobility and social reinstatement behaviour, since both selections for behavioural traits (fearfulness and social motivation, respectively) produced considerable correlative responses in yolk androgen levels. A higher selection potential was found for increased rather than decreased yolk T concentrations, suggesting that there is a physiological minimum in egg T levels. Line differences in yolk IgY concentrations were manifested within each selection experiment, but no consistent inter-line pattern between yolk IgY and T was revealed. On the other hand, a consistent inverse inter-line pattern was recorded between yolk IgY and P4 in both selections for behavioural traits. In addition, selections for contrasting fearfulness and social motivation were associated with changes in albumen lysozyme concentrations and an inverse inter-line pattern between the deposition of yolk IgY and albumen lysozyme was found in lines selected for the level of social motivation. Thus, our results demonstrate genetically-driven changes in deposition of yolk T, P4, antibodies and albumen lysozyme in the egg. This genetic variability can partially explain mutually adjusted maternal deposition of sex hormones and immune-competent molecules but the inconsistent pattern of inter-line differences across all selections indicates that there are other underlying mechanisms, which require further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Okuliarova
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Zuzana Kankova
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Aline Bertin
- INRA Val de Loire, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements CNRS-UMR 7247 - Université de Tours – IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Christine Leterrier
- INRA Val de Loire, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements CNRS-UMR 7247 - Université de Tours – IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Erich Mostl
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michal Zeman
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovak Republic
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25
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van Dijk JGB, Mateman AC, Klaassen M. Transfer of maternal antibodies against avian influenza virus in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). PLoS One 2014; 9:e112595. [PMID: 25386907 PMCID: PMC4227685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal antibodies protect chicks from infection with pathogens early in life and may impact pathogen dynamics due to the alteration of the proportion of susceptible individuals in a population. We investigated the transfer of maternal antibodies against avian influenza virus (AIV) in a key AIV host species, the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Combining observations in both the field and in mallards kept in captivity, we connected maternal AIV antibody concentrations in eggs to (i) female body condition, (ii) female AIV antibody concentration, (iii) egg laying order, (iv) egg size and (v) embryo sex. We applied maternity analysis to the eggs collected in the field to account for intraspecific nest parasitism, which is reportedly high in Anseriformes, detecting parasitic eggs in one out of eight clutches. AIV antibody prevalence in free-living and captive females was respectively 48% and 56%, with 43% and 24% of the eggs receiving these antibodies maternally. In both field and captive study, maternal AIV antibody concentrations in egg yolk correlated positively with circulating AIV antibody concentrations in females. In the captive study, yolk AIV antibody concentrations correlated positively with egg laying order. Female body mass and egg size from the field and captive study, and embryos sex from the field study were not associated with maternal AIV antibody concentrations in eggs. Our study indicates that maternal AIV antibody transfer may potentially play an important role in shaping AIV infection dynamics in mallards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacintha G. B. van Dijk
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - A. Christa Mateman
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Kuijper B, Johnstone RA, Townley S. The evolution of multivariate maternal effects. PLoS Comput Biol 2014; 10:e1003550. [PMID: 24722346 PMCID: PMC3983079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in predicting the social and ecological contexts that favor the evolution of maternal effects. Most predictions focus, however, on maternal effects that affect only a single character, whereas the evolution of maternal effects is poorly understood in the presence of suites of interacting traits. To overcome this, we simulate the evolution of multivariate maternal effects (captured by the matrix M) in a fluctuating environment. We find that the rate of environmental fluctuations has a substantial effect on the properties of M: in slowly changing environments, offspring are selected to have a multivariate phenotype roughly similar to the maternal phenotype, so that M is characterized by positive dominant eigenvalues; by contrast, rapidly changing environments favor Ms with dominant eigenvalues that are negative, as offspring favor a phenotype which substantially differs from the maternal phenotype. Moreover, when fluctuating selection on one maternal character is temporally delayed relative to selection on other traits, we find a striking pattern of cross-trait maternal effects in which maternal characters influence not only the same character in offspring, but also other offspring characters. Additionally, when selection on one character contains more stochastic noise relative to selection on other traits, large cross-trait maternal effects evolve from those maternal traits that experience the smallest amounts of noise. The presence of these cross-trait maternal effects shows that individual maternal effects cannot be studied in isolation, and that their study in a multivariate context may provide important insights about the nature of past selection. Our results call for more studies that measure multivariate maternal effects in wild populations. In numerous organisms, mothers influence the phenotype of their offspring by transmitting hormones, antibodies and nutrients to the embryo. Evolutionary studies that make predictions about the evolution of these maternal effects typically focus, however, on single maternal characters only, in isolation of other traits. This contrasts with insights from quantitative genetics where reliable predictions about evolutionary change can only be made when measuring multiple traits simultaneously. The current study is therefore the first to make formal predictions about the evolutionary properties of multiple maternal effects. We show that maternal phenotypic characters generally give rise to developmental interactions in which one maternal character affects multiple offspring characters. In turn, such interactions can give rise to correlations between different traits in parent and offspring, which constrain evolutionary responses to sudden change. In addition, we find that the rate of environmental change directly affects some of the measurable properties of maternal effects: in rapidly changing environments, multivariate maternal effects are negative, so that offspring attain phenotypes that are different from their mothers, whereas positive maternal effects where offspring are more similar to their mothers occur in slowly changing environments. Hence, multivariate maternal effects provide a clear signature of the past selective environment experienced by organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Kuijper
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
- Behaviour and Evolution Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- CoMPLEX, Centre for Mathematics and Physics in the Life Sciences and Experimental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Rufus A. Johnstone
- Behaviour and Evolution Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Townley
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
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Rubolini D, Fusani L, Bonisoli-Alquati A, Canoine V, Caprioli M, Romano M, Ambrosini R, Dessì-Fulgheri F, Saino N. Effects of Egg and Circulating Testosterone on Ring-Necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Male Traits and Combat Outcome. Ethology 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan Italy
| | - Leonida Fusani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie; Università degli Studi di Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
| | | | - Virginie Canoine
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of South Carolina; Columbia SC USA
| | - Manuela Caprioli
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan Italy
| | - Maria Romano
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan Italy
| | - Roberto Ambrosini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze; Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca; Milan Italy
| | | | - Nicola Saino
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan Italy
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The multivariate egg: quantifying within- and among-clutch correlations between maternally derived yolk immunoglobulins and yolk androgens using multivariate mixed models. Oecologia 2013; 174:631-8. [PMID: 24127002 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-013-2803-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Egg components are important mediators of prenatal maternal effects in birds and other oviparous species. Because different egg components can have opposite effects on offspring phenotype, selection is expected to favour their mutual adjustment, resulting in a significant covariation between egg components within and/or among clutches. Here we tested for such correlations between maternally derived yolk immunoglobulins and yolk androgens in great tit (Parus major) eggs using a multivariate mixed-model approach. We found no association between yolk immunoglobulins and yolk androgens within clutches, indicating that within clutches the two egg components are deposited independently. Across clutches, however, there was a significant negative relationship between yolk immunoglobulins and yolk androgens, suggesting that selection has co-adjusted their deposition. Furthermore, an experimental manipulation of ectoparasite load affected patterns of covariance among egg components. Yolk immunoglobulins are known to play an important role in nestling immune defence shortly after hatching, whereas yolk androgens, although having growth-enhancing effects under many environmental conditions, can be immunosuppressive. We therefore speculate that variation in the risk of parasitism may play an important role in shaping optimal egg composition and may lead to the observed pattern of yolk immunoglobulin and yolk androgen deposition across clutches. More generally, our case study exemplifies how multivariate mixed-model methodology presents a flexible tool to not only quantify, but also test patterns of (co)variation across different organisational levels and environments, allowing for powerful hypothesis testing in ecophysiology.
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Burton T, Hoogenboom MO, Beevers ND, Armstrong JD, Metcalfe NB. Among-sibling differences in the phenotypes of juvenile fish depend on their location within the egg mass and maternal dominance rank. Proc Biol Sci 2013. [PMID: 23193132 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.2441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether among-sibling differences in the phenotypes of juvenile fish were systematically related to the position in the egg mass where each individual developed during oogenesis. We sampled eggs from the front, middle and rear thirds of the egg mass in female brown trout of known dominance rank. In the resulting juveniles, we then measured traits that are related to individual fitness: body size, social status and standard metabolic rate (SMR). When controlling for differences among females in mean egg size, siblings from dominant mothers were initially larger (and had a lower mass-corrected SMR) if they developed from eggs at the rear of the egg mass. However, heterogeneity in the size of siblings from different positions in the egg mass diminished in lower-ranking females. Location of the egg within the egg mass also affected the social dominance of the resulting juvenile fish, although the direction of this effect varied with developmental age. This study provides the first evidence of a systematic basis for among-sibling differences in the phenotypes of offspring in a highly fecund organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Burton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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Holveck MJ, Grégoire A, Staszewski V, Guerreiro R, Perret P, Boulinier T, Doutrelant C. Eggshell spottiness reflects maternally transferred antibodies in blue tits. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50389. [PMID: 23226272 PMCID: PMC3511563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Blue-green and brown-spotted eggshells in birds have been proposed as sexual signals of female physiological condition and egg quality, reflecting maternal investment in the egg. Testing this hypothesis requires linking eggshell coloration to egg content, which is lacking for brown protoporphyrin-based pigmentation. As protoporphyrins can induce oxidative stress, and a large amount in eggshells should indicate either high female and egg quality if it reflects the female's high oxidative tolerance, or conversely poor quality if it reflects female physiological stress. Different studies supported either predictions but are difficult to compare given the methodological differences in eggshell-spottiness measurements. Using the blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus as a model species, we aimed at disentangling both predictions in testing if brown-spotted eggshell could reflect the quality of maternal investment in antibodies and carotenoids in the egg, and at improving between-study comparisons in correlating several common measurements of eggshell coloration (spectral and digital measures, spotted surface, pigmentation indices). We found that these color variables were weakly correlated highlighting the need for comparable quantitative measurements between studies and for multivariate regressions incorporating several eggshell-color characteristics. When evaluating the potential signaling function of brown-spotted eggshells, we thus searched for the brown eggshell-color variables that best predicted the maternal transfer of antibodies and carotenoids to egg yolks. We also tested the effects of several parental traits and breeding parameters potentially affecting this transfer. While eggshell coloration did not relate to yolk carotenoids, the eggs with larger and less evenly-distributed spots had higher antibody concentrations, suggesting that both the quantity and distribution of brown pigments reflected the transfer of maternal immune compounds in egg yolks. As yolk antibody concentrations were also positively related to key proxies of maternal quality (egg volume, number, yellow feather brightness, tarsus length), eggshells with larger spots concentrated at their broad pole may indicate higher-quality eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Jeanne Holveck
- Ecologie Evolutive, Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE-CNRS), Montpellier, France.
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Müller W, Vergauwen J, Eens M, Blount JD. Environmental effects shape the maternal transfer of carotenoids and vitamin E to the yolk. Front Zool 2012; 9:17. [PMID: 22876878 PMCID: PMC3502133 DOI: 10.1186/1742-9994-9-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED INTRODUCTION Maternal effects occur when the phenotype of the offspring is influenced by the phenotype of the mother, which in turn depends on her heritable state as well as on influences from the current and past environmental conditions. All of these pathways may, therefore, form significant sources of variation in maternal effects. Here, we focused on the maternal transfer of carotenoids and vitamin E to the egg yolk, using canaries as a model species. Maternal yolk carotenoids and vitamin E are known to generate significant phenotypic variation in offspring, representing examples of maternal effects. We studied the intra-individual consistency in deposition patterns across two years and the mother-daughter resemblance across two generations in order to estimate the level of heritable variation. The effects of the current environmental conditions were studied via a food supplementation experiment, while the consequences of past environmental conditions were estimated on the basis of the early growth trajectories. RESULTS There was a significant effect of the current environmental conditions on the yolk carotenoid and vitamin E deposition, but this effect varied between antioxidant components. The deposition of yolk carotenoids and vitamin E were linked to the process of yolk formation. Past environmental conditions did not contribute to the variation in yolk carotenoid and vitamin E levels nor did we find significant heritable variation. CONCLUSIONS The transfer of carotenoids or vitamin E may be an example where current environmental variation is largely passed from the mother to the offspring, despite the numerous intermediate physiological steps that are involved. Differences in the effect of the environmental conditions as experienced by the mother during laying may be due to differences in availability as well as physiological processes such as competitive exclusion or selective absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendt Müller
- Department of Biology-Ethology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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HANGARTNER S, LAURILA A, RÄSÄNEN K. The quantitative genetic basis of adaptive divergence in the moor frog (Rana arvalis) and its implications for gene flow. J Evol Biol 2012; 25:1587-99. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2012.02546.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Saino N, Romano M, Ambrosini R, Rubolini D, Boncoraglio G, Caprioli M, Romano A. Longevity and lifetime reproductive success of barn swallow offspring are predicted by their hatching date and phenotypic quality. J Anim Ecol 2012; 81:1004-12. [PMID: 22531043 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2012.01989.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
1. Longevity is a major determinant of individual differences in Darwinian fitness. Several studies have analyzed the stochastic, time-dependent causes of variation in longevity, but little information exists from free-ranging animal populations on the effects that environmental conditions and phenotype early in ontogeny have on duration of life. 2. In this long-term (1993-2011) study of a migratory, colonial, passerine bird, the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), we analyzed longevity and, in a subsample of individuals, lifetime reproductive success (LRS) of the offspring that reached sexual maturity in relation to hatching date, which can affect the rearing environment through a seasonal deterioration in ecological conditions. Moreover, we analyzed the consequences of variation in body size and, for the first time in any species, of a major component of immunity on longevity, both by looking at absolute phenotypic values and at deviations from the brood mean. 3. Accelerated failure time models showed that individuals of both sexes that hatched early in any breeding season enjoyed larger longevity and larger LRS, indicating directional selection for early breeding. Both male and female offspring with large T cell-mediated immune response relative to their siblings and female nestlings that dominated the brood size/age hierarchy had larger longevity than their siblings of inferior phenotypic quality/age. Conversely, absolute phenotypic values did not predict longevity. 4. Frailty modelling disclosed marked spatial heterogeneity in longevity among colonies of origin, again stressing the impact of rearing conditions on longevity. 5. This study therefore reinforces the notion that perinatal environment and maternal decisions over timing and site of breeding, and position in the brood hierarchy can have marked effects on progeny life history that extend well into adulthood. In addition, it provides the first evidence from any bird population in the wild that immune response when nestlings predicts individuals' longevity after sexual maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Saino
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Milano, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy.
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Carotenoid supplementation and GnRH challenges influence female endocrine physiology, immune function, and egg-yolk characteristics in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). J Comp Physiol B 2012; 182:687-702. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-011-0638-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Pariser EC, Gilbert L, Hazon N, Arnold KE, Graves JA. Mind the gap: the ratio of yolk androgens and antioxidants varies between sons and daughters dependent on paternal attractiveness. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-011-1300-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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36
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Geographical variation in egg mass and egg content in a passerine bird. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25360. [PMID: 22110579 PMCID: PMC3215694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive, phenotypic and life-history traits in many animal and plant taxa show geographic variation, indicating spatial variation in selection regimes. Maternal deposition to avian eggs, such as hormones, antibodies and antioxidants, critically affect development of the offspring, with long-lasting effects on the phenotype and fitness. Little is however known about large-scale geographical patterns of variation in maternal deposition to eggs. We studied geographical variation in egg components of a passerine bird, the pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), by collecting samples from 16 populations and measuring egg and yolk mass, albumen lysozyme activity, yolk immunoglobulins, yolk androgens and yolk total carotenoids. We found significant variation among populations in most egg components, but ca. 90% of the variation was among individuals within populations. Population however explained 40% of the variation in carotenoid levels. In contrast to our hypothesis, we found geographical trends only in carotenoids, but not in any of the other egg components. Our results thus suggest high within-population variation and leave little scope for local adaptation and genetic differentiation in deposition of different egg components. The role of these maternally-derived resources in evolutionary change should be further investigated.
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Rubolini D, Romano M, Navara KJ, Karadas F, Ambrosini R, Caprioli M, Saino N. Maternal effects mediated by egg quality in the Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis in relation to laying order and embryo sex. Front Zool 2011; 8:24. [PMID: 22011400 PMCID: PMC3214788 DOI: 10.1186/1742-9994-8-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal effects mediated by egg size and quality may profoundly affect offspring development and performance, and mothers may adjust egg traits according to environmental or social influences. In avian species, context-dependency of maternal effects may result in variation in egg composition, as well as in differential patterns of covariation among selected egg components, according to, for example, position in the laying sequence or offspring sex. We investigated variation in major classes of egg yolk components (carotenoids, vitamins and steroid hormones) in relation to egg size, position in the laying sequence and embryo sex in clutches of the Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis). We also investigated their covariation, to highlight mutual adjustments, maternal constraints or trade-offs in egg allocation. RESULTS Laying sequence-specific patterns of allocation emerged: concentration of carotenoids and vitamin E decreased, while concentrations of androgens increased. Vitamin A, estradiol and corticosterone did not show any change. There was no evidence of sex-specific allocation or covariation of yolk components. Concentrations of carotenoids and vitamins were positively correlated. Egg mass decreased along the laying sequence, and this decrease was negatively correlated with the mean concentrations of carotenoids in clutches, suggesting that nutritionally constrained females lay low quality clutches in terms of carotenoid content. Finally, clutches with smaller decline in antioxidants between first- and last-laid eggs had a larger increase in yolk corticosterone, suggesting that a smaller antioxidant depletion along the laying sequence may entail a cost for laying females in terms of increased stress levels. CONCLUSIONS Since some of the analyzed yolk components (e.g. testosterone and lutein) are known to exert sex-specific phenotypic effects on the progeny in this species, the lack of sex-specific egg allocation by mothers may either result from trade-offs between contrasting effects of different egg components on male and female offspring, or indicate that sex-specific traits are controlled primarily by mechanisms of sexual differentiation, including endogenous hormone production or metabolism of exogenous antioxidants, during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Romano
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Kristen J Navara
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, 203 Poultry Science Building, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Filiz Karadas
- University of Yüzüncü Yýl, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, 65080 Van, Turkey
| | - Roberto Ambrosini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Manuela Caprioli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
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Hammouda A, Pearce-Duvet J, Chokri MA, Arnal A, Gauthier-Clerc M, Boulinier T, Selmi S. Prevalence of influenza A antibodies in yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) eggs and adults in southern Tunisia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:1583-90. [PMID: 21919723 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating the prevalence of anti-influenza A viruses (AIV) antibodies in wild birds can provide important information for the understanding of bird exposure to AIV, as well as for prevention purposes. We investigated AIV exposure in nature by measuring the prevalence of anti-AIV antibodies in the nests and adults of an abundant and anthropophilic waterbird species common around the Mediterranean sea, the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis). Sampling took place in two colonies located in the gulf of Gabès in southern Tunisia: Sfax and Djerba. Antibodies were detected in the two sites, with higher prevalence in adults, eggs, and nests at Sfax than Djerba. Across both colonies, clutches that were laid later in the season, and, thus, more likely by younger parents, showed lower prevalence. Using patch occupancy modeling applied to egg clutches, we found that it is unnecessary to sample all the eggs in a given nest; nest status (antibody positive or negative) can be reliably estimated from a single egg. Differences in the density of birds, notably Larids, between the two sites may explain the observed differences in prevalence. The higher concentration of Larids in the Sfax colony could favor the transmission of AIV to yellow-legged gulls. This study highlights the importance of further developing ecological-based approaches to the factors determining the circulation of infectious agents in species such as the yellow-legged gull, which exist at the interface between diverse biological communities and human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdessalem Hammouda
- Département des Sciences de la Vie, Faculté des Sciences de Gabès, Gabès, Tunisia.
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Saino N, Romano M, Caprioli M, Rubolini D, Ambrosini R. Yolk carotenoids have sex-dependent effects on redox status and influence the resolution of growth trade-offs in yellow-legged gull chicks. Behav Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arq220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Verboven N, Monaghan P, Nager RG, Evans NP. The Effect of Maternal State on the Steroid and Macronutrient Content of Lesser Black-Backed Gull Eggs. Physiol Biochem Zool 2010; 83:1009-22. [DOI: 10.1086/656568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Velarde R, Calvin SE, Ojkic D, Barker IK, Nagy E. Avian influenza virus H13 circulating in ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) in southern Ontario, Canada. Avian Dis 2010; 54:411-9. [PMID: 20521671 DOI: 10.1637/8808-040109-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Avian influenza virus (AIV) was studied in ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) in one breeding colony on Lake Erie in 2000, and two on Lake Ontario in both 2000 and 2004. Antibodies to H13 AIV were detected in 92% of adults in 2000 and 82% in 2004. Antibody prevalence in 3-wk-old chicks was 5%-30% (overall 15%) in 2000 and 21% and 76% (overall 48%) in 2004. In 5-wk-old chicks, antibody prevalence was 23%-75% (overall 53%) in 2000 and 53% and 79% (overall 66%) in 2004. Geometric mean antibody titers at 3 and 5 wk did not differ in 2000, but increased significantly at one colony in 2004. In 2000, overall prevalence of AIV isolation from cloaca in embryonated chicken eggs was 32% (3 wk old), 13% (5 wk old), and 0 (adults), but AIV was also isolated from kidney and lung in a high proportion of tissues cultured from 3-wk-old birds in one colony. Isolates from cloaca were characterized as subtype H13 by serology; all 15 tested for neuraminidase were H13N6. However, three AIV detections considered on the basis of nucleotide sequence to be subtype H16 were among the 28 detected retrospectively by PCR in archived cloacal swabs; the remainder were subtype H13. Outcome of virus isolation was not related to presence of antibody titers in chicks. The presence of antibody to AIV in chicks was associated significantly with inflammation in heart, kidney, pancreas, and liver. AIV was not isolated in 2004. AIV infected chicks annually within the first 3 wk of life, ultimately infecting the majority of birds in most colonies, but did not appear to cause clinical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Velarde
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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Koivula MJ, Eeva T. Metal-related oxidative stress in birds. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2010; 158:2359-70. [PMID: 20382455 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2010.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Revised: 02/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/12/2010] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Metals can cause oxidative stress by increasing the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which render antioxidants incapable of defence against growing amounts of free radicals. Metal toxicity is related to their oxidative state and reactivity with other compounds. Our aim is to review the mechanisms on how metals cause oxidative stress and what is known about metal-induced oxidative stress in wildlife. Taking birds as model organisms, we summarize the mechanisms responsible for antioxidant depletion and give a view of how to detect metal-induced oxidative stress in birds by using different biomarkers. The mechanisms producing the harmful effects of oxidative stress are complex with different biomolecular mechanisms associated with ecotoxicological and ecological aspects. The majority of the studies concerning metals and ROS related to oxidative stress have focused on the biomolecular level, but little is known about the effects at the cellular level or at the level of individuals or populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miia J Koivula
- Department of Biology, Section of Ecology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland.
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Brewer JH, O'Reilly KM, Buck CL. Effect of nestling status and brood size on concentration of corticosterone of free-living kittiwake chicks. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 166:19-24. [PMID: 19699742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2008] [Revised: 08/07/2009] [Accepted: 08/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrates respond to perceived stressors through increased plasma concentrations of glucocorticoids. However, there is considerable variation within and across species in the circumstances and degree to which glucocorticoid levels are elevated. We measured baseline and acute stress-induced levels of corticosterone of free-living, black-legged kittiwake chicks (Rissa tridactyla) across four consecutive breeding seasons in the northern Gulf of Alaska to determine the effect of hatching order and brood size on corticosterone levels of chicks. We sampled 12- to 15-day-old chicks from intact broods (i.e., no brood reduction) at three colonies from 2002-2005 (n=164). Baseline and stress-induced levels of corticosterone did not vary by hatching order or brood size. These results suggest that the adrenocortical function of kittiwake chicks from broods that survive intact through 12-15 days is not affected by either hatching order or brood size.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Brewer
- School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 245 O'Neill Building, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA.
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Biard C, Gil D, Karadaş F, Saino N, Spottiswoode CN, Surai PF, Møller AP. Maternal effects mediated by antioxidants and the evolution of carotenoid-based signals in birds. Am Nat 2009; 174:696-708. [PMID: 19780651 DOI: 10.1086/606021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Bright yellow to red signals used in mate choice or intrasexual competition are based on carotenoid pigments that are hypothesized to be traded between physiological functions and coloration. These signals have recently been shown to be influenced by maternal effects. Indeed, yolk-derived carotenoids are essential for embryos to develop efficient carotenoid metabolism in posthatching life. Maternal effects facilitate adaptation to environmental variability and influence the evolution of phenotypic traits such as secondary sexual signals. Here we propose that maternal investment in yolk carotenoids promotes the evolution of carotenoid-based ornaments. We conducted a comparative analysis of lipid-soluble antioxidants (carotenoids and vitamins A and E) in the eggs of 112 species of bird. Species with large clutch sizes deposited higher yolk concentrations of the three antioxidants. There was a significant positive relationship between yolk carotenoids and the expression of male carotenoid-based signals, but not between yolk carotenoids and sexual dichromatism in these signals. These relationships were specific to carotenoids, as they were not found for vitamins A and E. This provides evidence consistent with the hypothesis that maternal effects mediated by yolk carotenoids play a role in the evolution of carotenoid-based signals as a response to sexual selection, likely based on organizational effects of carotenoids during embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clotilde Biard
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7103, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Evolutive, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, 7 quai Saint Bernard, F-75252 Paris, France.
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45
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Korte SM, Prins J, Vinkers CH, Olivier B. On the origin of allostasis and stress-induced pathology in farm animals: celebrating Darwin's legacy. Vet J 2009; 182:378-83. [PMID: 19747860 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Revised: 08/17/2009] [Accepted: 08/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Darwin's largest contribution to science is without doubt the mechanism of natural selection, an evolutionary game with players, strategies, and pay-offs. Game theory, which attempts to mathematically capture behaviour in situations where an organism's success in making choices depends on the choices of others, is not only important for economists, but also for biologists, veterinarians and other scientists, as it increases understanding of why individual differences exist. John Maynard Smith showed that the success of an individual's behaviour often depends on others and his Hawk-Dove model is one of the best known examples of game theory: the 'hawk' initiates aggressive behaviour (not stopping until injured or until the opponent backs down); the 'dove' retreats immediately if the opponent initiates aggressive behaviour and will not fight under any circumstances. Simultaneous hawkish behaviour has the worst pay-off for both players, whereas hawkish behaviour with a dove opponent has the best pay-off. Maynard Smith showed that natural selection will work towards an evolutionarily stable strategy that, when used by an entire population, is resistant to invasion by new mutant strategies. Thus, natural selection actually favours a particular ratio of aggressive hawkish and non-aggressive dovish behaviours in order to maintain a balance of different characteristics in the population. Natural selection has sculpted physiology and behaviour differently in hawks and doves, each in their own way so as to maintain stability of the internal environment through change--a process which is defined as allostasis. In the short term, allostasis has benefits, but in the long run it produces costs. Farm animals have been genetically selected by man for increased product quantity and quality, such as increased muscle volume, lean meat and egg shell quality, accompanied by altered steroid balance (such as more testosterone and less corticosteroids) and lower brain monoamine concentrations (serotonin and dopamine). It is hypothesised that such genetic selection results in the production of farm animals that prefer the hawk behavioural strategy. There is a growing body of evidence that hawk-like animals (such as laying hens and pigs) are more vulnerable to the development of increased impulsivity and compulsivity (stereotypies) as well as violent behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mechiel Korte
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, 3584 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Ruuskanen S, Doligez B, Tschirren B, Pitala N, Gustafsson L, Groothuis TGG, Laaksonen T. Yolk androgens do not appear to mediate sexual conflict over parental investment in the collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis. Horm Behav 2009; 55:514-9. [PMID: 19470362 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2008] [Revised: 01/26/2009] [Accepted: 01/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Males and females are in conflict over parental care, as it would be favourable for one parent to shift labour to the other. Yolk hormones may offer a mechanism through which female birds could influence offspring traits in ways that increase the relative investment by the male. We studied the role of yolk androgens in mediating sexual conflict over parental care in the collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis). In a cross-fostering experiment, the male's proportion of total feeding visits increased with increasing androgen levels in the foster eggs. This could suggest that sexual conflict over parental care may be influenced by the female's differential allocation of yolk androgens or a maternal effect associated with yolk androgens. However, when we experimentally elevated yolk androgen levels, male feeding rates did not differ between control and androgen-manipulated nests. This suggests that other egg components correlated with yolk androgen levels, rather than yolk androgen levels per se, may influence male parental effort. In conclusion, yolk androgens per se do not appear to mediate sexual conflict over parental investment in the collared flycatcher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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Sandell MI, Tobler M, Hasselquist D. Yolk androgens and the development of avian immunity: an experiment in jackdaws (Corvus monedula). J Exp Biol 2009; 212:815-22. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.022111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Maternally derived androgens have been shown to influence offspring phenotype in various ways. In birds, the benefits of prenatal androgen exposure, such as increased competitiveness and accelerated growth in nestlings, have been suggested to be balanced by costs, such as reduced immune function. In this study, we used an integrative approach to examine the influence of yolk androgens on the development of immune function in jackdaw(Corvus monedula) nestlings. Specifically, we tested whether the effects of yolk androgens on offspring immunity may extend over the first few days of life and be detectable even after several weeks. We manipulated yolk androgen concentrations in jackdaw eggs and estimated immune responsiveness by challenging the young with different pathogens at different stages of the nestling period. Six-day-old chicks hatched from eggs with elevated yolk androgen levels had lower pre-challenge antibody titres against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) than control chicks. However, antibody titres against LPS did not differ between treatment groups eight days after a challenge with LPS. During the late nestling phase, both humoral (towards diphtheria/tetanus antigens) and cell-mediated (towards phytohaemagglutinin) immune responsiveness were lower in chicks from yolk androgen-treated eggs compared with control chicks. Our experimental study on jackdaw chicks shows that elevated yolk androgen levels result in a general immunosuppression in offspring; this conclusion was based on results for several immunological tests of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity conducted at 1–2 and 3–4 weeks of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I. Sandell
- Department of Animal Ecology, Lund University, SE-223 62, Sweden
| | - Michael Tobler
- Department of Animal Ecology, Lund University, SE-223 62, Sweden
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Egg composition in relation to social environment and maternal physiological condition in the collared flycatcher. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-009-0727-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Tobler M, Sandell MI. Sex-specific effects of prenatal testosterone on nestling plasma antioxidant capacity in the zebra finch. J Exp Biol 2009; 212:89-94. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.020826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Trans-generational transfer of non-genetic, maternal resources such as hormones can have a substantial influence on offspring phenotype in many vertebrate species. In birds, maternal androgens enhance both growth and competitive behaviour, but also suppress the immune system. It has been hypothesised that high levels of egg androgens could also influence the prooxidant–antioxidant balance through their positive effect on growth and metabolism. We tested this hypothesis in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Eggs were injected with testosterone dissolved in sesame oil or sesame oil only (control). We subsequently assessed the effect of the egg hormone manipulation on nestling growth and nestling plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Growth rates of zebra finch nestlings were not significantly affected by egg hormone treatment. However, male offspring hatched from eggs with experimentally elevated testosterone had reduced plasma TAC at 10 days of age compared with male offspring hatching from control eggs. At the age of 34 days, males had similar plasma TAC irrespective of egg treatment. No effects of egg testosterone manipulation on nestling plasma TAC were found in females. Our results demonstrate that embryonic exposure to elevated levels of testosterone modulates chick antioxidant status, but this seems to be independent of chick growth. Sex-specific effects of prenatal testosterone on plasma TAC of zebra finch nestlings may have important consequences for sex allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tobler
- Department of Animal Ecology, Lund University, Ecology Building, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria I. Sandell
- Department of Animal Ecology, Lund University, Ecology Building, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden
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ROMANO M, CAPRIOLI M, AMBROSINI R, RUBOLINI D, FASOLA M, SAINO N. Maternal allocation strategies and differential effects of yolk carotenoids on the phenotype and viability of yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) chicks in relation to sex and laying order. J Evol Biol 2008; 21:1626-40. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2008.01599.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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