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Jadwani-Bungar T, Doidge NP, Wallace DK, Brannelly LA. Baseline haematological parameters in three common Australian frog species. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17406. [PMID: 38860213 PMCID: PMC11164059 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are experiencing declines globally, with emerging infectious diseases as one of the main causes. Haematological parameters present a useful method for determining the health status of animals and the effects of particular diseases, but the interpretation of differential cell counts relies on knowing the normal ranges for the species and factors that can affect these counts. However, there is very little data on either normal haematological parameters or guides for blood cell types for free-ranging frog species across the world. This study aims to 1) create a visual guide for three different Australian frog species: Litoria paraewingi, Limnodynastes dumerilii, and Crinia signifera, 2) determine the proportions of erythrocytes to leukocytes and 3) differential leukocytes within blood smears from these three species and 4) assess the association between parasites and differential counts. We collected blood samples from free-ranging frogs and analysed blood smears. We also looked for ectoparasites and tested for the fungal disease chytridiomycosis. Overall, we found that the differentials of erythrocytes to leukocytes were not affected by species, but the proportions of different leukocytes did vary across species. For example, while lymphocytes were the most common type of leukocyte across the three species, eosinophils were relatively common in Limnodynastes dumerilii but rarely present in the other two species. We noted chytridiomycosis infection as well as ectoparasites present in some individuals but found no effect of parasites on blood parameters. Our results add baseline haematological parameters for three Australian frog species and provide an example of how different frog species can vary in their differential blood cell counts. More information is needed on frog haematological data before these parameters can be used to determine the health status of wild or captive frogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Jadwani-Bungar
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas P. Doidge
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - Danielle K. Wallace
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura A. Brannelly
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
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Sheley WC, Cray C, Wilber MQ, Carter ED, Kumar R, Hardman RH, Towe AE, Gray MJ, Miller DL. A Pilot Study Investigating Plasma Protein Electrophoresis in One Anuran and Six Urodelan Species. J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:796-803. [PMID: 37846919 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00004] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
As threats to amphibian health increase, there is a growing need for diagnostic tools to assess and monitor their health status. Plasma protein electrophoresis has proven to be useful in other nonmammalian species. It enables quantification of protein fractions in plasma that may be altered in various disease processes, and is therefore useful in narrowing down differential diagnoses and detecting inflammation, in combination with other modalities such as biochemical and hematologic testing. The amphibian electrophoretogram must be defined before baseline reference intervals are obtained across species. Agarose gel electrophoresis was performed on plasma samples collected from presumed clinically normal individuals of one anuran and six urodelans: Osteopilus septentrionalis (n=2), Gyrinophilus porphyriticus (n=1), Notophthalmus viridescens (n=1), Eurycea guttolineata (n=2), Amphiuma tridactylum (n=2), Cryptobranchus alleganiensis (n=5), and Siren lacertina (n=6). The electrophoretograms varied in number of fractions between each species; however, the number of fractions was consistent within a species. An albumin migrating fraction was consistently observed in all species. A prealbumin migrating fraction was identified in species that primarily use organs other than skin for respiration. This study provides preliminary examples of a normal plasma protein electrophoretogram for seven amphibian species. Further studies quantifying reference intervals and identification of protein fractions will help establish protein electrophoresis as a useful tool in amphibian health investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley C Sheley
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Carolyn Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
| | - Mark Q Wilber
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Edward D Carter
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Rebecca H Hardman
- One Health Initiative, University of Tennessee, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Anastasia E Towe
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Matthew J Gray
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Debra L Miller
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
- One Health Initiative, University of Tennessee, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
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de Amaral M, Von Dentz MC, Ressel Simões LA, Vogt É, Heiermann D, Fischer P, Colombo P, Kucharski LC. Metabolic changes in the subtropical frog Boana pulchella during experimental cooling and recovery conditions. J Therm Biol 2023; 117:103705. [PMID: 37714110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103705] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Frogs have developed biochemical and physiological adaptations to occupy diverse ecological niches on Earth successfully. Survival in frozen states is a fascinating strategy made possible by evolving adaptations to produce cryoprotectant solutes. The hylid frog Boana pulchella thrives in South American regions with cold climates, remaining active while enduring sporadic subzero temperatures during winter. The species' metabolic changes during subzero exposure remain unclear. Therefore, we exposed B. pulchella to cooling and recovery, assessing plasma and tissue metabolite changes. Cooling significantly reduced urea concentrations in plasma (P = 0.033), muscle (P = 0.001), heart (P = 0.009), and brain (P = 0.041) compared to acclimation. Liver glucose oxidation and glycogen synthesis were lower in cooling and recovery than in acclimation (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0117, respectively). Muscle glycogen synthesis was lower in recovery than acclimation (P = 0.0249). These results demonstrate B. pulchella's physiological strategies during subzero exposure, likely reflecting species-specific evolutionary adaptations for brief subzero exposures that enable winter survival in its natural habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjoriane de Amaral
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Comparative Endocrinology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2600, 90035003, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Maiza Cristina Von Dentz
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Comparative Endocrinology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2600, 90035003, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Airton Ressel Simões
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Comparative Endocrinology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2600, 90035003, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Éverton Vogt
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Comparative Endocrinology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2600, 90035003, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Dener Heiermann
- Museum of Natural Sciences of the Secretariat of Environment and Infrastructure of Rio Grande do Sul (SEMA), FZB, Department of Herpetology/Amphibians, Doutor Salvador França, 90690000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Pedro Fischer
- Museum of Natural Sciences of the Secretariat of Environment and Infrastructure of Rio Grande do Sul (SEMA), FZB, Department of Herpetology/Amphibians, Doutor Salvador França, 90690000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Patrick Colombo
- Museum of Natural Sciences of the Secretariat of Environment and Infrastructure of Rio Grande do Sul (SEMA), FZB, Department of Herpetology/Amphibians, Doutor Salvador França, 90690000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Kucharski
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Comparative Endocrinology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2600, 90035003, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Isaak Delgado AB, Zavala-Norzagaray AA, Espinoza-Romo BA, Ortega-Anaya JG, Ley-Quiñonez CP, Aguirre A, Rendón-Franco E. Hematologic parameters and the effect of hemoparasites of wild anurans in Northern Sinaloa, Mexico. Vet Clin Pathol 2023; 52:386-395. [PMID: 37127551 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few hematologic profiles for free-ranging amphibians are available. Hematologic evaluation is a useful tool for determining the health of amphibian populations and providing further knowledge for conservation actions. OBJECTIVES Hematologic variables and the presence and effect of hemoparasites in anuran species were evaluated in Northern Sinaloa, Mexico. METHODS Blood samples were collected from wild anurans of eight species to perform blood cell counts, leukocyte differential counts, and serum protein concentrations using manual methods and refractometry. In addition, morphologic identification and quantification of the hemoparasites were performed on blood smears. RESULTS Differences were observed by sex, age, and season for the hematologic values of Incilius alvarius (n = 23), Incilius mazatlanensis (n = 46), Rhinella horribilis (n = 64), Leptodactylus melanonotus (n = 46), Lithobates forreri (n = 135), Lithobates catesbeianus (n = 20), Smilisca fodiens (n = 42), and Scaphiopus couchii (n = 7). Intra- and extra-erythrocytic hemoparasites were found in 56.2% of amphibian hosts; the hemoparasite infection of R. horribilis and L. melanonotus was higher in the dry season, showing increases in erythroplastids and monocytes. For L. forreri, males were more infected than females, and increases in leukocytes were associated with infections of different types of hemoparasites species. CONCLUSIONS Hematologic values, hemoparasite prevalence, and the response to hemoparasite infection vary among amphibian species, sex, and age, as well as on season and hemoparasite type. This highlights the importance of hematologic evaluations in wild amphibian populations to determine the subclinical effects of hemoparasite infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B Isaak Delgado
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Sinaloa, Laboratorio de Vida Silvestre y Enfermedades Emergentes, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Alan A Zavala-Norzagaray
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Sinaloa, Laboratorio de Vida Silvestre y Enfermedades Emergentes, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Brenda A Espinoza-Romo
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Sinaloa, Laboratorio de Vida Silvestre y Enfermedades Emergentes, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Jesús G Ortega-Anaya
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Sinaloa, Laboratorio de Vida Silvestre y Enfermedades Emergentes, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - César Paúl Ley-Quiñonez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Sinaloa, Laboratorio de Vida Silvestre y Enfermedades Emergentes, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Alonso Aguirre
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Warner College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Emilio Rendón-Franco
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Park JK, Kim JB, Do Y. Reference Intervals in Combined Veterinary Clinical Examinations of Male Black-Spotted Pond Frogs ( Pelophylax nigromaculatus). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051407. [PMID: 34069152 PMCID: PMC8155939 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The reference intervals (RIs) of immunity, serum components, bone mineral density (BMD), and body composition in 151 males of Pelophylax nigromaculatus were established. These analyses are easily replicable and can safely and accurately diagnose the physiological condition of animals. The use of combined examination allows for the establishment of a successful conservation strategy through the identification of conservation problems in many vertebrate groups. Abstract In conservation physiology, analyzing the physiological response of an organism to understand its ability to adapt to environmental changes is a key technique in establishing a successful conservation strategy. Veterinary clinical examinations determine the physiological condition of animals accurately and safely, and this examination is synergistic when combined. The accuracy and safety of a clinical examination makes it advantageous for use in amphibians with high species diversity and numerous endangered species. However, it is necessary to establish a reference interval (RI) for precise interpretations and identification of animals with abnormalities through individual unit testing. We have established RIs for the immunity, serum components, bone mineral density (BMD), and body composition of black-spotted pond frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus). Black-spotted pond frogs are a common species and are widely distributed in East Asia, with suitable characteristics for environmental monitoring. Serum was extracted from 151 male frogs to establish the RI for bacterial killing ability in order to represent immunity. We also used the serum to establish an RI of ten additional serum components to determine the nutritional status, organ function status, body osmotic pressure, and homeostasis conditions. The BMD and three body composition measures for diagnosing food intake status and nutritional condition were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The RI was recorded as the mean ± standard deviation, median, first (25%) to third (75%) quantile range, 95% confidence interval of the mean and median, and the 95% percentile (2.5%–97.5% range) of all components. The use of combined clinical veterinary examinations aids our understanding of the physiological conditions of an individual according to biotic and abiotic factors on a complex spatiotemporal scale in an ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Kyu Park
- Department of Biological Science, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Korea;
| | - Jeong-Bae Kim
- Marine Environment Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan 46083, Korea;
| | - Yuno Do
- Department of Biological Science, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-41-850-8501
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Shima AL, Berger L, Skerratt LF. Haematological and serum biochemical reference intervals of free-ranging Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagus lumholtzi). Aust Vet J 2021; 99:249-254. [PMID: 33751570 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13063] [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: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reference intervals for haematology and serum biochemistry parameters were developed for free-ranging Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) using 35 samples from 12 female and 15 male free-ranging animals. Captive tree-kangaroos (n = 12) were also sampled for comparison. Differences were found between free-ranging and captive animals in white blood cell and neutrophil counts, and levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatine kinase, phosphate, triglycerides and lipase. These differences may be attributed to diet, activity, capture methods or age group. Reference intervals generated may be used for both free-ranging and captive Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos. This study provides a valuable tool for the assessment of health in rescued and captive tree-kangaroos and will aid in investigations into population health and disease in free-ranging Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos. OBJECTIVE To develop reference intervals (RIs) for haematology and serum biochemistry parameters in Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos. METHODS Haematological and serum biochemical RIs were determined using 35 samples from 27 clinically healthy Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos from the Atherton Tablelands region of Queensland examined between 2014 and 2019. Haematology and serum biochemistry parameters were measured from 16 samples from 12 captive animals for comparison. RESULTS Reference intervals based on 35 samples from free-ranging animals showed higher mean and standard deviation values for white blood cell and neutrophil counts, and levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatine kinase, phosphate, triglycerides and lipase than results for 16 samples from captive animals. Captive individuals showed higher mean values than free-ranging individuals for albumin, protein, creatinine as well as Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC. CONCLUSION The haematological and serum biochemistry RIs developed for Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos in this study will provide a valuable tool during clinical examination and investigations into disease and population health by veterinarians and researchers. The differences in parameters between free-ranging and captive animals are consistent with differences in diet, age cohort, activity or capture methods. Reference intervals generated from free-ranging animals should also be valid for captive Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Shima
- One Health Research Group, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - L Berger
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - L F Skerratt
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
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Isaak-Delgado AB, López-Díaz O, Romero-Callejas E, Martínez-Hernández F, Muñoz-García CI, Villalobos G, Rendón-Franco E. Morphological and molecular characteristics of hemoparasites in vaillant's frogs (Lithobates vaillanti). Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1891-1901. [PMID: 32382990 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06689-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian populations are declining around the world, and the main reasons are the environmental changes and pathogens. However, there are few studies addressing the interaction and impact of the different pathogens that affect amphibians, such as hemoparasites. These parasites had been described as common in some amphibian species, but unfortunately, their description and characterization are unclear and scarcely spread. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the morphological and molecular characterization of hemoparasites present in vaillant's frogs. Seven frogs of Lithobates vaillanti were captured at the biological station La Florida in Tabasco, Mexico. Blood smears were performed, and results show that 100% of the animals have hemoparasites. Three types of hemoparasites were found. Eighty-five percent of the frogs were positive to Hepatozoon sp., 57% to Lankesterella sp., and 28% to Trypanosoma sp. According to the molecular analysis of the obtained sequences of Trypanosoma sp. and Hepatozoon sp., both protozoans were positioned in between the clusters of parasites of different geographical regions. Nevertheless, no species names were assigned to any of these parasites because more sequences and analysis are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belem Isaak-Delgado
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Osvaldo López-Díaz
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Evangelina Romero-Callejas
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | | | - Claudia I Muñoz-García
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Guiehdani Villalobos
- Departamento de Agentes Patógenos, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
| | - Emilio Rendón-Franco
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
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Brodeur JC, Bahl MF, Natale GS, Poliserpi MB. Biomarker and hematological fieldwork with amphibians: is it necessary to sample all night? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:17152-17161. [PMID: 32146672 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08313-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the context of the global amphibian crisis, biomonitoring constitutes a valuable assessment tool to provide critical up to date information on the status and health of amphibians worldwide. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the possible confounding effects of sex, size, and time since capture on enzymatic biomarkers and hematologic parameters of the South American frog Leptodactylus latrans. Frogs were collected by hand between 9 pm and 12 am on two consecutive nights. On the first night, captured frogs were transported for 2 h by car to laboratory installations, maintained overnight in plastic containers, and blood and tissue sampled on the next morning. In contrast, frogs collected on the second night were blood and tissue sampled in the field, immediately after the capture period. Hematological parameters were analyzed, and enzymatic activities of catalase, cholinesterase (ChE), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were determined in the plasma, liver, kidney, and muscle. A sex difference was observed only for total white blood cell counts (WBC), females exhibiting significantly greater values than males. The packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), WBC, and muscle ChE activity were significantly correlated with snout-vent length (SVL). The correlation was inversed in the case of MCHC, WBC, and muscle ChE, while the correlation was positive between PCV and SVL. Most examined parameters presented similar values when frogs were sampled at night following capture or the next morning. Total red blood cells (RBCs) count, and plasma enzymatic activities of ChE and GST were the only parameters that presented significantly increased values in morning samplings compared with night samplings. Overall, the current study indicates that it is best to sample the frogs as soon as possible after capture if hematologic or plasmatic biomarkers are examined. Nevertheless, it is possible to sample on the next morning if tissular biomarkers are employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Céline Brodeur
- Instituto de Recursos Biológicos, Centro de Investigaciones de Recursos Naturales (CIRN), Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (CNIA), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), 1686, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Florencia Bahl
- Centro Investigaciones del Medio Ambiente, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Sebastián Natale
- Centro Investigaciones del Medio Ambiente, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Poliserpi
- Instituto de Recursos Biológicos, Centro de Investigaciones de Recursos Naturales (CIRN), Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (CNIA), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), 1686, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Gastón MS, Pereyra LC, Vaira M. Artificial light at night and captivity induces differential effects on leukocyte profile, body condition, and erythrocyte size of a diurnal toad. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 331:93-102. [PMID: 30320969 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Light pollution or artificial lighting at night (ALAN) is an emerging threat to biodiversity that can disrupt physiological processes and behaviors. Because ALAN stressful effects are little studied in diurnal amphibian species, we investigated if chronic ALAN exposure affects the leukocyte profile, body condition, and blood cell sizes of a diurnal toad. We hand-captured male toads of Melanophryniscus rubriventris in Angosto de Jaire (Jujuy, Argentina). We prepared blood smears from three groups of toads: "field" (toads processed in the field immediately after capture), "natural light" (toads kept in the laboratory under captivity with natural photoperiod), and "constant light" (toads kept in the laboratory under captivity with constant photoperiod/ALAN). We significantly observed higher neutrophil proportions and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio in toads under constant light treatment. In addition, we observed significantly better body condition and higher erythrocyte size in field toads compared with captive toads. In summary, ALAN can trigger a leukocyte response to stress in males of the diurnal toad M. rubriventris. In addition, captivity can affect the body condition and erythrocyte size of these toads.
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Affiliation(s)
- María S Gastón
- Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA), Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, CONICET, San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Laura C Pereyra
- Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA), Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, CONICET, San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Marcos Vaira
- Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA), Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, CONICET, San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina
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Greenspan SE, Bower DS, Webb RJ, Berger L, Rudd D, Schwarzkopf L, Alford RA. White blood cell profiles in amphibians help to explain disease susceptibility following temperature shifts. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 77:280-286. [PMID: 28870450 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Temperature variability, and in particular temperature decreases, can increase susceptibility of amphibians to infections by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). However, the effects of temperature shifts on the immune systems of Bd-infected amphibians are unresolved. We acclimated frogs to 16 °C and 26 °C (baseline), simultaneously transferred them to an intermediate temperature (21 °C) and inoculated them with Bd (treatment), and tracked their infection levels and white blood cell profiles over six weeks. Average weekly infection loads were consistently higher in 26°C-history frogs, a group that experienced a 5 °C temperature decrease, than in 16°C-history frogs, a group that experienced a 5 °C temperature increase, but this pattern only approached statistical significance. The 16°C-acclimated frogs had high neutrophil:lymphocyte (N:L) ratios (suggestive of a hematopoietic stress response) at baseline, which were conserved post-treatment. In contrast, the 26°C-acclimated frogs had low N:L ratios at baseline which reversed to high N:L ratios post-treatment (suggestive of immune system activation). Our results suggest that infections were less physiologically taxing for the 16°C-history frogs than the 26°C-history frogs because they had already adjusted immune parameters in response to challenging conditions (cold). Our findings provide a possible mechanistic explanation for observations that amphibians are more susceptible to Bd infection following temperature decreases compared to increases and underscore the consensus that increased temperature variability associated with climate change may increase the impact of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha E Greenspan
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Deborah S Bower
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Webb
- One Health Research Group, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Lee Berger
- One Health Research Group, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Donna Rudd
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Lin Schwarzkopf
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Ross A Alford
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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11
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Takami Y, Une Y. Blood Clinical Biochemistries and Packed Cell Volumes for the Mexican Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.5818/16-10-091.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Takami
- 1. The Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Yumi Une
- 1. The Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
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12
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Forzán MJ, Heatley J, Russell KE, Horney B. Clinical pathology of amphibians: a review. Vet Clin Pathol 2017; 46:11-33. [PMID: 28195641 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Amphibian declines and extinctions have worsened in the last 2 decades. Partly because one of the main causes of the declines is infectious disease, veterinary professionals have increasingly become involved in amphibian research, captive husbandry, and management. Health evaluation of amphibians, free-living or captive, can benefit from employing the tools of clinical pathology, something that is commonly used in veterinary medicine of other vertebrates. The present review compiles what is known of amphibian clinical pathology emphasizing knowledge that may assist with the interpretation of laboratory results, provides diagnostic recommendations for common amphibian diseases, and includes RIs for a few amphibian species estimated based on peer-reviewed studies. We hope to encourage the incorporation of clinical pathology in amphibian practice and research, and to highlight the importance of applying veterinary medicine principles in furthering our knowledge of amphibian pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- María J Forzán
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Jill Heatley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Karen E Russell
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Barbara Horney
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
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13
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Forzán MJ, Smith TG, Vanderstichel RV, Hogan NS, Gilroy CV. Hematologic reference intervals for Rana sylvatica (Lithobates sylvaticus) and effect of infection with Frog Virus 3 (Ranavirus sp., Iridoviridae). Vet Clin Pathol 2016; 45:430-43. [PMID: 27564850 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica, is used in research on infectious diseases of amphibians, hematologic RIs or response to infection have not been established. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to determine hematologic RIs for adult Wood Frogs and alterations associated with infection with Frog Virus 3 (FV3, Ranavirus sp.). METHODS Blood was collected from 40 wild-caught adult Wood Frogs that had been in captivity for 6 months. Complete (Natt-Herrick solution hemocytometry) and differential (Wright-Giemsa-stained smears) WBC, RBC, and thrombocyte cell counts, PCV, and automated total cell counts (WBC+RBC+thrombocytes, Sysmex particle counting) were determined. Concordance correlation coefficients determined agreement between hemocytometric and automated total cell counts. Thirteen frogs were orally infected with a lethal dose of 10(4.43) plaque-forming units of FV3 and terminally sampled 4, 9, or 14 days postinfection (dpi). Pre- and postinfection variables for each frog were compared. RESULTS Leukocyte morphology was similar to that of other amphibians and mammals. Lymphocytes were the most numerous WBC. PCV and RBC counts were similar to other frogs in the same family. Agreement was good between hemocytometry and automated total cell counts. Infection with FV3 caused neutrophilia, increase in undifferentiated blast-like cells, and reduction in the percentage of basophils. Lymphocytes decreased at 4 and 9 dpi but increased at 14 dpi. From 9 dpi onwards, nuclear deterioration and mild toxic change were present in neutrophils; viral cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were observed in lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils. CONCLUSION We provide hematology RIs for Rana sylvatica, and report hematologic changes associated with a lethal FV3 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- María J Forzán
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada. .,Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
| | - Todd G Smith
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Raphaël V Vanderstichel
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Natacha S Hogan
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Cornelia V Gilroy
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
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14
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Maxham LA, Forzán MJ, Hogan NS, Vanderstichel RV, Gilroy CV. Hematologic reference intervals forXenopus tropicaliswith partial use of automatic counting methods and reliability of long-term stored samples. Vet Clin Pathol 2016; 45:291-9. [DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lily A. Maxham
- Department of Biology; University of Prince Edward Island; Charlottetown PE Canada
| | - María J. Forzán
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative; Atlantic Veterinary College; University of Prince Edward Island; Charlottetown PE Canada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology; Atlantic Veterinary College; University of Prince Edward Island; Charlottetown PE Canada
| | - Natacha S. Hogan
- Department of Biology; University of Prince Edward Island; Charlottetown PE Canada
| | - Raphaël V. Vanderstichel
- Department of Health Management; Atlantic Veterinary College; University of Prince Edward Island; Charlottetown PE Canada
| | - Cornelia V. Gilroy
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology; Atlantic Veterinary College; University of Prince Edward Island; Charlottetown PE Canada
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15
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Young S, Whitehorn P, Berger L, Skerratt LF, Speare R, Garland S, Webb R. Defects in host immune function in tree frogs with chronic chytridiomycosis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107284. [PMID: 25211333 PMCID: PMC4161418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused mass mortality leading to population declines and extinctions in many frog species worldwide. The lack of host resistance may be due to fungal immunosuppressive effects that have been observed when Bd is incubated with cultured lymphocytes, but whether in vivo host immunosuppression occurs is unknown. We used a broad range of hematologic and protein electrophoresis biomarkers, along with various functional tests, to assess immune competence in common green (Litoria caerulea) and white-lipped (L. infrafrenata) tree frogs experimentally infected with Bd. Compared with uninfected frogs, Bd infection in L. caerulea caused a reduction in immunoglobulin and splenic lymphocyte responses to antigenic stimulation with sheep red blood cells, along with decreased white blood cell and serum protein concentrations, indicating possible impaired immune response capability of Bd-infected frogs. This is the first in vivo study suggesting that infection with Bd causes multiple defects in systemic host immune function, and this may contribute to disease development in susceptible host species. Although L. infrafrenata failed to maintain Bd infection after exposure, white blood cell and serum globulin concentrations were lower in recovered frogs compared with unexposed frogs, but antigen-specific serum and splenic antibody, and splenic cellular, responses were similar in both recovered and unexposed frogs. This may indicate potential systemic costs associated with infection clearance and/or redirection of host resources towards more effective mechanisms to overcome infection. No clear mechanism for resistance was identified in L. infrafrenata, suggesting that localized and/or innate immune defense mechanisms may be important factors involved in disease resistance in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Young
- James Cook University, One Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Mogo Zoo, Mogo, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Lee Berger
- James Cook University, One Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lee F. Skerratt
- James Cook University, One Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rick Speare
- James Cook University, One Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen Garland
- James Cook University, One Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca Webb
- James Cook University, One Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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