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Turko AJ, Firth BL, Craig PM, Eliason EJ, Raby GD, Borowiec BG. Physiological differences between wild and captive animals: a century-old dilemma. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246037. [PMID: 38031957 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory-based research dominates the fields of comparative physiology and biomechanics. The power of lab work has long been recognized by experimental biologists. For example, in 1932, Georgy Gause published an influential paper in Journal of Experimental Biology describing a series of clever lab experiments that provided the first empirical test of competitive exclusion theory, laying the foundation for a field that remains active today. At the time, Gause wrestled with the dilemma of conducting experiments in the lab or the field, ultimately deciding that progress could be best achieved by taking advantage of the high level of control offered by lab experiments. However, physiological experiments often yield different, and even contradictory, results when conducted in lab versus field settings. This is especially concerning in the Anthropocene, as standard laboratory techniques are increasingly relied upon to predict how wild animals will respond to environmental disturbances to inform decisions in conservation and management. In this Commentary, we discuss several hypothesized mechanisms that could explain disparities between experimental biology in the lab and in the field. We propose strategies for understanding why these differences occur and how we can use these results to improve our understanding of the physiology of wild animals. Nearly a century beyond Gause's work, we still know remarkably little about what makes captive animals different from wild ones. Discovering these mechanisms should be an important goal for experimental biologists in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy J Turko
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3C5
| | - Britney L Firth
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Paul M Craig
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Erika J Eliason
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
| | - Graham D Raby
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada, K9L 0G2
| | - Brittney G Borowiec
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
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Zhao L, Fang LM, Wan QH, Fang SG. Male density, a signal for population self-regulation in Alligator sinensis. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 286:20190191. [PMID: 30966994 PMCID: PMC6501674 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of population density is suggested to be indirect and occurs with a time-lag effect, as well as being female centred. Herein, we present a quantitative analysis on the precise, timely and male-dominated self-regulation of Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) populations. Analysis of 31 years of data revealed gender differences in regulation patterns. Population dynamics were restricted by male density rather than population density, and population growth was halted (birth rate = 0) when male density exceeded 83.14 individuals per hectare, until some males were removed, especially adult males. This rapid and accurate response supports the notions of intrinsic mechanisms and population-wide regulation response. Furthermore, density stress affected mating success rather than parental care to juveniles, i.e. females avoided unnecessary reproduction costs, which may represent an evolutionary advantage. Our findings highlighted the importance of further studies on related physiological mechanisms that focus on four characteristics: quantity breeds quality, gender differences, male density thresholds and nonlinearity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhao
- 1 MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ming Fang
- 2 Changxing Chinese Alligator Nature Reserve , Changxing 313100 , People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Hong Wan
- 1 MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Guo Fang
- 1 MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310058 , People's Republic of China
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Greyson-Gaito CJ, Bartley TJ, Cottenie K, Jarvis WMC, Newman AEM, Stothart MR. Into the wild: microbiome transplant studies need broader ecological reality. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192834. [PMID: 32097591 PMCID: PMC7062022 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbial communities (microbiomes) profoundly shape the ecology and evolution of multicellular life. Interactions between host and microbiome appear to be reciprocal, and ecological theory is now being applied to better understand how hosts and their microbiome influence each other. However, some ecological processes that underlie reciprocal host-microbiome interactions may be obscured by the current convention of highly controlled transplantation experiments. Although these approaches have yielded invaluable insights, there is a need for a broader array of approaches to fully understand host-microbiome reciprocity. Using a directed review, we surveyed the breadth of ecological reality in the current literature on gut microbiome transplants with non-human recipients. For 55 studies, we categorized nine key experimental conditions that impact the ecological reality (EcoReality) of the transplant, including host taxon match and donor environment. Using these categories, we rated the EcoReality of each transplant. Encouragingly, the breadth of EcoReality has increased over time, but some components of EcoReality are still relatively unexplored, including recipient host environment and microbiome state. The conceptual framework we develop here maps the landscape of possible EcoReality to highlight where fundamental ecological processes can be considered in future transplant experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy J. Bartley
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karl Cottenie
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Will M. C. Jarvis
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy E. M. Newman
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mason R. Stothart
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Dai X, Zhou LY, Cao JX, Zhang YQ, Yang FP, Wang AQ, Wei WH, Yang SM. Effect of Group Density on the Physiology and Aggressive Behavior of Male Brandt's Voles ( Lasiopodomys brandtii). Zool Stud 2018; 57:e35. [PMID: 31966275 PMCID: PMC6517712 DOI: 10.6620/zs.2018.57-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Xin Dai, Ling-Yu Zhou, Jie-Xia Cao, Yan-Qi Zhang, Feng-Ping Yang, Ai-Qin Wang, Wan-Hong Wei, and Sheng-Mei Yang (2018) Population density is well known to influence animal physiology and behavior. How population density affects the aggressive behavior of the Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) is, however, little known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of group density on physiologic responses and aggressive behavior of male Brandt's voles and their potential underlying neuro-mechanism. The results show that increasing group density led to elevated serum corticosterone levels and increased spleen weight; it also induced more male-male aggressive behavior. By contrast, it had a negative effect on body growth and the weight of testis and epididymis. Aging also increased male-male aggressive behavior. Higher density reduced mRNA levels of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (5HT1A), and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (5HT1B) in the amygdala and the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Our results demonstrate that higher population density can intensify stress reactions and male-male aggressive behavior in Brandt's voles at the price of inhibiting body growth and reproduction. Serotonergic systems in the amygdala and the DRN may take part in the control of aggressive behavior among male voles. Our results provide novel insights into the neuro-mechanism underlying the influence of population density on aggressive behavior in Brandt's vole, and imply that aggressive behavior may play an important role in the population fluctuation of the animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Dai
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou
University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Yu Zhou
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou
University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, P.R. China
| | - Jie-Xia Cao
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou
University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Qi Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou
University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, P.R. China
| | - Feng-Ping Yang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou
University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Qin Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou
University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, P.R. China
| | - Wan-Hong Wei
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou
University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Mei Yang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou
University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, P.R. China
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Reed JL, D’Ambrosio E, Marenco S, Ursini G, Zheutlin AB, Blasi G, Spencer BE, Romano R, Hochheiser J, Reifman A, Sturm J, Berman KF, Bertolino A, Weinberger DR, Callicott JH. Interaction of childhood urbanicity and variation in dopamine genes alters adult prefrontal function as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195189. [PMID: 29634738 PMCID: PMC5892884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain phenotypes showing environmental influence may help clarify unexplained associations between urban exposure and psychiatric risk. Heritable prefrontal fMRI activation during working memory (WM) is such a phenotype. We hypothesized that urban upbringing (childhood urbanicity) would alter this phenotype and interact with dopamine genes that regulate prefrontal function during WM. Further, dopamine has been hypothesized to mediate urban-associated factors like social stress. WM-related prefrontal function was tested for main effects of urbanicity, main effects of three dopamine genes-catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1), and dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2)-and, importantly, dopamine gene-by-urbanicity interactions. For COMT, three independent human samples were recruited (total n = 487). We also studied 253 subjects genotyped for DRD1 and DRD2. 3T fMRI activation during the N-back WM task was the dependent variable, while childhood urbanicity, dopamine genotype, and urbanicity-dopamine interactions were independent variables. Main effects of dopamine genes and of urbanicity were found. Individuals raised in an urban environment showed altered prefrontal activation relative to those raised in rural or town settings. For each gene, dopamine genotype-by-urbanicity interactions were shown in prefrontal cortex-COMT replicated twice in two independent samples. An urban childhood upbringing altered prefrontal function and interacted with each gene to alter genotype-phenotype relationships. Gene-environment interactions between multiple dopamine genes and urban upbringing suggest that neural effects of developmental environmental exposure could mediate, at least partially, increased risk for psychiatric illness in urban environments via dopamine genes expressed into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Reed
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Division of Intramural Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
- Experimental Therapeutics & Pathophysiology Branch, Division of Intramural Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Enrico D’Ambrosio
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Group, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Marenco
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Division of Intramural Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gianluca Ursini
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Group, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Amanda B. Zheutlin
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Division of Intramural Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Giuseppe Blasi
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Group, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara E. Spencer
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Division of Intramural Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Raffaella Romano
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Group, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Jesse Hochheiser
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Division of Intramural Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ann Reifman
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Division of Intramural Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Justin Sturm
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Division of Intramural Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Karen F. Berman
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Division of Intramural Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Group, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniel R. Weinberger
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Division of Intramural Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Neuroscience and the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Joseph H. Callicott
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch, Division of Intramural Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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Ehret T, Torelli F, Klotz C, Pedersen AB, Seeber F. Translational Rodent Models for Research on Parasitic Protozoa-A Review of Confounders and Possibilities. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017. [PMID: 28638807 PMCID: PMC5461347 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents, in particular Mus musculus, have a long and invaluable history as models for human diseases in biomedical research, although their translational value has been challenged in a number of cases. We provide some examples in which rodents have been suboptimal as models for human biology and discuss confounders which influence experiments and may explain some of the misleading results. Infections of rodents with protozoan parasites are no exception in requiring close consideration upon model choice. We focus on the significant differences between inbred, outbred and wild animals, and the importance of factors such as microbiota, which are gaining attention as crucial variables in infection experiments. Frequently, mouse or rat models are chosen for convenience, e.g., availability in the institution rather than on an unbiased evaluation of whether they provide the answer to a given question. Apart from a general discussion on translational success or failure, we provide examples where infections with single-celled parasites in a chosen lab rodent gave contradictory or misleading results, and when possible discuss the reason for this. We present emerging alternatives to traditional rodent models, such as humanized mice and organoid primary cell cultures. So-called recombinant inbred strains such as the Collaborative Cross collection are also a potential solution for certain challenges. In addition, we emphasize the advantages of using wild rodents for certain immunological, ecological, and/or behavioral questions. The experimental challenges (e.g., availability of species-specific reagents) that come with the use of such non-model systems are also discussed. Our intention is to foster critical judgment of both traditional and newly available translational rodent models for research on parasitic protozoa that can complement the existing mouse and rat models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Totta Ehret
- FG16 - Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch InstituteBerlin, Germany.,Department of Molecular Parasitology, Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinBerlin, Germany
| | - Francesca Torelli
- FG16 - Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch InstituteBerlin, Germany
| | - Christian Klotz
- FG16 - Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch InstituteBerlin, Germany
| | - Amy B Pedersen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Seeber
- FG16 - Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch InstituteBerlin, Germany
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Torres L, Hu E, Tiersch TR. Cryopreservation in fish: current status and pathways to quality assurance and quality control in repository development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:RD15388. [PMID: 26739583 PMCID: PMC5600707 DOI: 10.1071/rd15388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation in aquatic species in general has been constrained to research activities for more than 60 years. Although the need for application and commercialisation pathways has become clear, the lack of comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programs has impeded the progress of the field, delaying the establishment of germplasm repositories and commercial-scale applications. In this review we focus on the opportunities for standardisation in the practices involved in the four main stages of the cryopreservation process: (1) source, housing and conditioning of fish; (2) sample collection and preparation; (3) freezing and cryogenic storage of samples; and (4) egg collection and use of thawed sperm samples. In addition, we introduce some key factors that would assist the transition to commercial-scale, high-throughput application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Torres
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, 2288 Gourrier Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
| | - E. Hu
- Center for Aquaculture Technologies, Inc., 8395 Camino Santa Fe. Suite E, San Diego, CA 92126, USA
| | - Terrence R. Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, 2288 Gourrier Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
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