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Zheng X, He J, Guo X, Xiao Y, Liao X, Zhu Z, Chen D. Unraveling molecular mechanistic disparities in pathogenic visceral Leishmania resistance between reptiles and mammals through comparative transcriptomic analyses. Acta Trop 2024; 258:107349. [PMID: 39098753 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107349] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the most important neglected tropical parasitic diseases, manifesting various clinical forms depending on the parasite species and the genetic background of the host. In order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of reptilian defense against pathogenic Leishmania species and to delineate the global gene expression profile alterations during host-pathogen interaction, we established experimental animal and cell models using both heterothermic lizards (Phrynocephalus przewalskii) and homothermic mammals (BALB/c mice) infected with pathogenic Leishmania infantum (high virulence HCZ strain) and Leishmania donovani (low virulence 801 strain). Overall, the lizards didn't show any obvious clinical symptoms or immune responses in vivo. Using RNA-seq methodology, differentially expressed genes identified in the HCZ and 801-comparison groups of P. przewalskii were primarily associated with arginine biosynthesis, the MAPK signaling pathway and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In contrast, higher parasite loads, exacerbated hepatic inflammatory lesions and enhanced immune responses were observed in BALB/c mice, with DEGs predominantly associated with immunological diseases, innate and adaptive immune responses. By integrating transcriptional data from reptile and mammalian hosts, we elucidated the pivotal role of amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism in parasite control. In contrast to findings from animal experiments, Leishmania parasites effectively infected peritoneal macrophages of lizards in vitro, demonstrating a high infection rate. Furthermore, we used RT-qPCR to detect changes in cytokine expression in macrophages and found that Th1-type cytokines were significantly upregulated in lizards, facilitating the clearance of the HCZ strain 24 hours post-infection. Conversely, cytokine expression was generally suppressed in BALB/c mice, allowing immune evasion by the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinlei He
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xianguang Guo
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610213, China
| | - Yuying Xiao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xuechun Liao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zheying Zhu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dali Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Vaziri GJ, Reid NM, Rittenhouse TAG, Bolnick DI. Winter break? The effect of overwintering on immune gene expression in wood frogs. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 52:101296. [PMID: 39096759 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Among terrestrial ectotherms, hibernation is a common response to extreme cold temperatures and is associated with reduced physiological rates, including immunity. When winter wanes and temperatures increase, so too do vital rates of both ectothermic hosts and their parasites. Due to metabolic scaling, if parasite activity springs back faster than host immune functions then cold seasons and transitions between cold and warm seasons may represent periods of vulnerability for ectothermic hosts. Understanding host regulation of physiological rates at seasonal junctions is a first step toward identifying thermal mismatches between hosts and parasites. Here we show that immune gene expression is responsive to transitions into and out of the cold season in a winter-adapted amphibian, the wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus), and that frogs experienced parasitism by at least two nematode species throughout the entirety of the cold season. In both splenic and skin tissues, we observed a decrease in immune gene expression going from fall to winter, observed no changes between winter and emergence from hibernation, and observed increases in immune gene expression after hibernation ended. At all timepoints, differentially expressed genes from spleens were more highly enriched for immune system processes than those from ventral skin, especially with respect to terms related to adaptive immune processes. Infection with nematode lungworms was also associated with upregulation of immune processes in the spleen. We suggest that rather than being a period of stagnation, during which physiological processes and infection potential cease, the cold season is immunologically dynamic, requiring coordinated regulation of many biological processes, and that the reemergence period may be an important time during which hosts invest in preparatory immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace J Vaziri
- University of Connecticut, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Noah M Reid
- University of Connecticut, Institute for Systems Genomics, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Tracy A G Rittenhouse
- University of Connecticut, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Storrs, CT, 06269, CT, USA
| | - Daniel I Bolnick
- University of Connecticut, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
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López-Pérez JE, Goessling JM, Murray CM. Testing androgen-induced immunosuppression: Environmental androgens as a model system for steroid-immune interaction. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:431-439. [PMID: 38374761 PMCID: PMC10994726 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
It is well known that hormones influence and direct most facets of physiology; however, there is still contention regarding the directions of certain relationships, for example, between gonadal hormones and immunity. Among the many proposed relationships relating to gonadal-immune interactions, support for immunosuppressive effects of androgens remains prominent within physiological literature. Although ample study has been directed toward the immunosuppressive effects of androgens, considerable disagreement remains regarding their influence on immune function. In this study, we test the hypothesis that androgens inhibit immunocompetence in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Developing alligators were incubated at female-producing temperatures with a subset of individuals being exposed to 17-α-methyltestosterone (MT) before sexual determination. 17-α-methyltestosterone is a potent androgen, not aromatizable by crocodilians, that has been found to exert masculinizing effects in exposed crocodilian populations in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, a subset of animals was exposed to a novel antigen to quantify innate and acquired immune function. We recovered no significant differences in leukocyte ratios or proportions between groups and found no significant differences in innate immune function as measured by hemolysis-hemagglutination. However, we did find significant differences in acquired immune function, where masculinized individuals expressed greater antibody titers. Our findings reject the hypothesis that androgens suppress immune function; rather, androgens may be immunoenhancing to acquired humoral responses and neutral to innate humoral immunity in crocodilians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge E. López-Pérez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, 70402, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Goessling
- Natural Sciences Collegium, Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, Florida, 33711, USA
| | - Christopher M. Murray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, 70402, USA
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Lamar SK, Frank HK, La Flamme A, Gartrell B, Ormsby D, Nelson N. The effects of annual cycle, source population, and body condition on leukocyte profile and immune challenge in a basal reptile, the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:60-72. [PMID: 37921244 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Leukocyte profiles are broadly used to assess the health status of many species. Reference intervals, and an understanding of the factors that may influence these intervals, are necessary for adequate interpretation of leukograms. Using a data set that spans over three decades, we investigated variation in leukocyte profile in several populations of the evolutionarily unique reptile, the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). To do this, we first established reference intervals for each leukocyte type according to best practices. Next, we determined that source population and sampling date were the two most important predictors of leukocyte makeup. We found significant differences in the ratio of heterophils: lymphocytes (H:L) between populations, with tuatara on the more resource-stressed sampling island having a significantly higher ratio of H:L. Finally, we found that sampling location, sex, and life stage did not explain variation in the responses of tuatara to stimulation with Concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide in both 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-di-phenyltetrazolium bromide and Griess assay experiments. Our results offer important insight into the function of leukocytes in reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Lamar
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Hannah K Frank
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Anne La Flamme
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Brett Gartrell
- Wildbase, Tāwharau Ora, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Diane Ormsby
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Nicola Nelson
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Fletcher LE, Martin LB, Downs CJ. Leukocyte Concentrations Are Isometric in Reptiles Unlike in Endotherms. Physiol Biochem Zool 2023; 96:405-417. [PMID: 38237194 DOI: 10.1086/727050] [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] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
AbstractHow do large and small reptiles defend against infections, given the consequences of body mass for physiology and disease transmission? Functionally equivalent mammalian and avian granulocytes increased disproportionately with body mass (i.e., scaled hypermetrically), such that large organisms had higher concentrations than expected by a prediction of proportional protection across sizes. However, as these scaling relationships were derived from endothermic animals, they do not necessarily inform the scaling of leukocyte concentration for ectothermic reptiles that have a different physiology and evolutionary history. Here, we asked whether and how lymphocyte and heterophil concentrations relate to body mass among more than 120 reptile species. We compared these relationships to those found in birds and mammals and to existing scaling frameworks (i.e., protecton, complexity, rate of metabolism, or safety factor hypotheses). Both lymphocyte and heterophil concentrations scaled almost isometrically among reptiles. In contrast, functionally equivalent granulocytes scaled hypermetrically and lymphocytes scaled isometrically in birds and mammals. Life history traits were also poor predictors of variation in reptilian heterophil and lymphocyte concentrations. Our results provide insight into differences in immune protection in birds and mammals relative to that in reptiles through a comparative lens. The shape of scaling relationships differs, which should be considered when modeling disease dynamics among these groups.
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Jennifer T, Emily F, Neuman-Lee LA. Assessment of glucocorticoids, sex steroids, and innate immunity in wild red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 339:114288. [PMID: 37060930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
When access to resources is limited, organisms must shift energy investment among physiological processes to survive, reproduce, and respond to unpredictable events. The shifting of these limited resources among processes may result in physiological tradeoffs, often mediated by glucocorticoids. We assessed relationships among the physiological processes of immunity, reproduction, and the stress response in wild adult red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). Red-eared sliders exhibit a multi-clutching reproductive strategy that requires high energetic investment in reproduction at the beginning of the nesting season in females. Males mate in spring and undergo spermatogenesis and mating in late summer/early fall. We expected to observe tradeoffs when investment toward reproductive processes was particularly demanding. To test this, we subjected 123 individuals to a standardized acute stressor and collected blood to measure innate immunocompetence and circulating steroid hormone concentrations. Tradeoffs between female reproduction and immunocompetence occurred early in the nesting season. This high reproductive investment was evident by heightened circulating progesterone and reduced baseline innate immunity. Corticosterone (CORT) was also high during this period, indicating a role in facilitating allocation of energy. Tradeoffs were not as evident in males, though males upregulated innate immune function, baseline CORT, and testosterone prior to fall spermatogenesis and mating. Throughout the entire sampling period, both males and females increased CORT and immunocompetence following the acute standardized stressor. Taken together, we concluded that reproduction requires shifts in energy allocation in during the highest reproductive period for females but all individuals in this population remain able to respond to the standardized stressor even during increased reproductive investment. These findings reinforce the continuing evidence that physiological relationships are context-dependent and resource demands are dynamic across the reproductive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Jennifer
- Arkansas State University, PO Box 599, State University, Arkansas, 72467, USA.
| | - Field Emily
- Arkansas State University, PO Box 599, State University, Arkansas, 72467, USA; Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, 2148 Riverside Drive Jackson, MS 39202
| | - Lorin A Neuman-Lee
- Arkansas State University, PO Box 599, State University, Arkansas, 72467, USA
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Bronikowski AM, Hedrick AR, Kutz GA, Holden KG, Reinke B, Iverson JB. Sex-specific innate immunity and ageing in long-lived fresh water turtles (Kinosternon flavescens: Kinosternidae). Immun Ageing 2023; 20:11. [PMID: 36894996 PMCID: PMC9997018 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00335-x] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The progressive deregulation of the immune system with age, termed immunosenescence, has been well studied in mammalian systems, but studies of immune function in long-lived, wild, non-mammalian populations are scarce. In this study we leverage a 38-year mark-recapture study to quantify the relationships among age, sex, survival, reproductive output and the innate immune system in a long-lived reptile, yellow mud turtles (Kinosternon flavescens; Testudines; Kinosternidae). METHODS We estimated rates of survival and age-specific mortality by sex based on mark-recapture data for 1530 adult females and 860 adult males over 38 years of captures. We analyzed bactericidal competence (BC), and two immune responses to foreign red blood cells - natural antibody-mediated haemagglutination (NAbs), and complement-mediated haemolysis ability (Lys) - in 200 adults (102 females; 98 males) that ranged from 7 to 58 years of age captured in May 2018 during their emergence from brumation, and for which reproductive output and long-term mark-recapture data were available. RESULTS We found that females are smaller and live longer than males in this population, but the rate of accelerating mortality across adulthood is the same for both sexes. In contrast, males exhibited higher innate immunity than females for all three immune variables we measured. All immune responses also varied inversely with age, indicating immunosenescence. For females that reproduced in the preceding reproductive season, egg mass (and therefore total clutch mass) increased with age,. In addition to immunosenescence of bactericidal competence, females that produced smaller clutches also had lower bactericidal competence. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to the general vertebrate pattern of lower immune responses in males than females (possibly reflecting the suppressive effects of androgens), we found higher levels of all three immune variables in males. In addition, contrary to previous work that found no evidence of immunosenescence in painted turtles or red-eared slider turtles, we found a decrease in bactericidal competence, lysis ability, and natural antibodies with age in yellow mud turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Bronikowski
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA. .,Department of Integrative Biology, Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, 3700 E. Gull Lake Rd., Hickory Corners, MI, 49060, USA.
| | - Ashley R Hedrick
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Greta A Kutz
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Kaitlyn G Holden
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Beth Reinke
- Department of Biology, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL, 60625, USA
| | - John B Iverson
- Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN, 47374, USA.
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Immunity in Sea Turtles: Review of a Host-Pathogen Arms Race Millions of Years in the Running. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040556. [PMID: 36830343 PMCID: PMC9951749 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system of sea turtles is not completely understood. Sea turtles (as reptiles) bridge a unique evolutionary gap, being ectothermic vertebrates like fish and amphibians and amniotes like birds and mammals. Turtles are ectotherms; thus, their immune system is influenced by environmental conditions like temperature and season. We aim to review the turtle immune system and note what studies have investigated sea turtles and the effect of the environment on the immune response. Turtles rely heavily on the nonspecific innate response rather than the specific adaptive response. Turtles' innate immune effectors include antimicrobial peptides, complement, and nonspecific leukocytes. The antiviral defense is understudied in terms of the diversity of pathogen receptors and interferon function. Turtles also mount adaptive responses to pathogens. Lymphoid structures responsible for lymphocyte activation and maturation are either missing in reptiles or function is affected by season. Turtles are a marker of health for their marine environment, and their immune system is commonly dysregulated because of disease or contaminants. Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumorous disease that afflicts sea turtles and is thought to be caused by a virus and an environmental factor. We aim, by exploring the current understanding of the immune system in turtles, to aid the investigation of environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease and provide options for immunotherapy.
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Thanasak J, Tansatit T, Taowan J, Hirunwiroj N, Chitthichanonte S, Wongmack T. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells preparation and the hematology of Varanus salvator. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269108. [PMID: 35867719 PMCID: PMC9307208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the proper anticoagulants coated in blood-collecting tube for the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolation and to evaluate the proper culture temperature for the Varanus salvator’s PBMCs, in addition, the hematological characteristics also reported. The heparin treated blood (n = 10) and EDTA treated blood (n = 10) from Varanus salvator were obtained for PBMCs evaluation. The PBMCs obtained from the heparin treated blood was significantly higher than that of EDTA treated blood during the culture period (P < 0.05) indicated heparin would be more appropriated anticoagulant for blood collection. The PBMCs cultured under 37°C and 27°C were not significantly difference on first three days but 37°C showed significantly higher effect in the following days (P < 0.05) indicated both temperatures can be used which 37°C should be an optimal for PBMCs preparation. The peripheral blood cells of Varanus salvator (n = 49) were analyzed for hematological profiles and characteristics which the number of erythrocytes 1.19 ± 0.04 x 1012/L (1.17–1.35 x 1012/L) and WBC 2.41 ± 0.13 x 109/L (2.29–2.81 x 109/L) with absolute differential count of heterophils 0.92 ± 0.02 x 109/L (0.87–0.95 x 109/L), lymphocytes 1.17 ± 0.01 x 109/L (1.15–1.23 x 109/L), azurophils 0.40 ± 0.01 x 109/L (0.37–0.42 x 109/L), basophils 0.000 ± 0.001 x 109/L (0.004–0.011 x 109/L) and monocytes 0.027 ± 0.002 x 109/L (0.028–0.039 x 109/L). These results would play an important role on the cell immunological studies of the Varanus salvator in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitkamol Thanasak
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- * E-mail:
| | - Tawewan Tansatit
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Jarupha Taowan
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Napawan Hirunwiroj
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Sujit Chitthichanonte
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Teetat Wongmack
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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French SS, Webb AC, Wilcoxen TE, Iverson JB, DeNardo DF, Lewis EL, Knapp CR. Complex tourism and season interactions contribute to disparate physiologies in an endangered rock iguana. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 10:coac001. [PMID: 35492404 PMCID: PMC9040281 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
To promote survival and fitness, organisms use a suite of physiological systems to respond to both predictable and unpredictable changes in the environment. These physiological responses are also influenced by changes in life history state. The continued activation of physiological systems stemming from persistent environmental perturbations enable animals to cope with these challenges but may over time lead to significant effects on the health of wildlife. In the present study, we tested how varying environmental perturbations driven by tourism and associated supplemental feeding affects the energetics, corticosterone and immunity of six discrete populations of the northern Bahamian rock iguana (Cyclura cychlura inornata and Cyclura cychlura figginsi). We studied populations within and outside the reproductive season and quantified tourist numbers during sample collection. Specifically, we measured clutch size, body condition, plasma energy metabolites, reactive oxygen species, baseline corticosterone concentrations and immune function of male and female iguanas from each population to address whether (i) disparate physiologies are emerging across a gradient of tourism and feeding, (ii) both subspecies respond similarly and (iii) responses vary with season/reproductive condition. We found significant effects of tourism level, season and their interaction on the physiology of both C. c. inornata and C. c. figginsi, supporting the idea that tourism is leading to the divergence of phenotypes. Specifically, we found elevated plasma energy metabolites, oxidative stress and a measure of innate immunity (bactericidal ability), but reduced corticosterone concentrations with increasing tourism in both subspecies of rock iguanas. These physiological metrics differ according to the level of tourism in both subspecies and persist across seasons despite variation with natural seasonal and reproductive changes. These findings suggest that anthropogenic disturbance results in disparate physiologies in northern Bahamian rock iguanas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah S French
- Corresponding author: Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA. Tel: (435)797-9175.
| | | | | | - John B Iverson
- Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN 47374, USA
| | - Dale F DeNardo
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Erin L Lewis
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Charles R Knapp
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
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Cann AA, Weber RR, Harden LA, Thompson D, Nadolski J, Mattes J, Karwowska A, Shahjahan S, Milanovich JR. Physiological Health and Survival of Captive-Reared and Released Juvenile Blanding's Turtles. Physiol Biochem Zool 2021; 94:411-428. [PMID: 34569914 DOI: 10.1086/716832] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AbstractConservation translocations are important in maintaining viable wildlife populations of vulnerable species within their indigenous ranges. To be effective, population restoration efforts (e.g., head start programs) must consider the species' life history, regional ecology, and physiology and the health status of wild and translocated populations. The decline of Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) has prompted the initiation of head start programs, but the health and short-term survival of head-started juveniles released to the wild is largely unknown. From May to October 2016 and 2017, we radio tracked captive-reared, recently released juvenile Blanding's turtles and monitored their survivorship and monthly physiological health. We aimed to (1) compare physiological metrics of juveniles before and after release from captivity and between head-started cohorts, (2) identify seasonal trends in physiological metrics of recently released juveniles, (3) compare physiological metrics of recently released and formerly released juveniles, and (4) identify predictors of juvenile survivorship after release from captivity. Juvenile short-term survival was low compared with other studies. Most physiological metrics did not change after release from captivity, negating significant juvenile stress before or after release. Physiological metrics for recently released cohorts varied seasonally, suggesting that these juveniles were likely in good health. Some physiological metrics differed between recently released and formerly released juveniles, demonstrating a potential postrelease acclimatization period. Finally, no physiological metrics significantly predicted survival, but surviving juveniles had a higher percentage of fat. In all, juvenile deaths were not due to poor turtle health but rather to predation from human-subsidized mesocarnivores. Therefore, head-started juvenile Blanding's turtles released in suburban areas may benefit from antipredator training and mesocarnivore control at release sites.
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Madelaire CB, Zena LA, Dillon D, Silva DP, Hunt KE, Loren Buck C, Bícego KC, Gomes FR. Who rules over immunology? Sseasonal variation in body temperature,, steroid hormones, and immune variables in a tegu lizard. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:1867-1880. [PMID: 34022037 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple factors can influence the immune response of ectothermic vertebrates, including body temperature, gonadal steroids, and seasonality, in ways that are thought to reflect trade-offs between energetic investment in immunity vs. reproduction. Hibernating tegu lizards (Salvator merianae) are a unique model to investigate how immunocompetence might be influenced by different factors during their annual cycle. We assessed immunological measures (plasma bacterial killing ability, total and differential leukocyte count), plasma hormone levels (testosterone in males, estradiol and progesterone in females, and corticosterone in both sexes), body temperature, and body condition from adult tegus during each stage of their annual cycle: reproduction, post-reproduction/preparation for hibernation, and hibernation. Our hypothesis that immune traits present higher values during the reproductive phase, and a sharp decrease during hibernation, was partially supported. Immune variables did not change between life history stages, except for total number of leukocytes, which was higher at the beginning of the reproductive season (September) in both males and females. Average body temperature of the week prior to sampling was positively correlated with number of eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and azurophils, corroborating other studies showing that when animals maintain a high Tb, there is an increase in immune activity. Surprisingly, no clear relationship between immune traits and gonadal steroids or corticosterone levels was observed, even when including life history stage in the model. When gonadal hormones peaked in males and females, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (which often elevates during physiological stress) also increased. Additionally, we did not observe any trade-off between reproduction and immunity traits, sex differences in immune traits or a correlation between body condition and immune response. Our results suggest that variation in patterns of immune response and correlations with body condition and hormone secretion across the year can depend upon the specific hormone and immune trait, and that experienced Tb is an important variable determining immune response in ectotherms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla B Madelaire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1899 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA.,Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Trav. 14 da Rua do Matão, 321, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Lucas A Zena
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1899 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA.,Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Trav. 14 da Rua do Matão, 321, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil.,Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, College of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Danielle Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1899 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA
| | - Diego P Silva
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation & George Mason University, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Kathleen E Hunt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1899 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1899 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA
| | - Kênia C Bícego
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, College of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Fernando R Gomes
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Trav. 14 da Rua do Matão, 321, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
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13
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Spence AR, French SS, Hopkins GR, Durso AM, Hudson SB, Smith GD, Neuman‐Lee LA. Long‐term monitoring of two snake species reveals immune–endocrine interactions and the importance of ecological context. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 333:744-755. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Austin R. Spence
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
| | - Susannah S. French
- Department of Biology, Ecology Center Utah State University Logan Utah USA
| | | | - Andrew M. Durso
- Department of Biological Sciences Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers Florida USA
| | - Spencer B. Hudson
- Department of Biology, Ecology Center Utah State University Logan Utah USA
| | - Geoffrey D. Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences Dixie State University St. George Utah USA
| | - Lorin A. Neuman‐Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University Jonesboro Arkansas USA
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14
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López-Pérez JE, Meylan PA, Goessling JM. Sex-based trade-offs in the innate and acquired immune systems of Sternotherus minor. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:820-828. [PMID: 33075211 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Longevity patterns in most vertebrates suggest that females benefit most from maintenance investment. A reversed longevity pattern in loggerhead musk turtles (Sternotherus minor) allowed us to test trade-offs between maintenance and survivorship. We tested the hypothesis that the sex with greater longevity has greater maintenance than the sex with shorter longevity. We also compared the following parameters between sexes: Bactericidal ability (BA) and heterophil:lymphocyte ratios (HLR). Baseline blood samples were collected from turtles in the field; a subset of turtles was returned to a laboratory for experiments of acquired immune responses to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). We found no support for the original hypothesis of reversal in sex-dependent immune trade-offs (difference between sex SRBC titers: p = .102; interaction between treatment and sex: p = .177; difference between treatments: p < .001; effect of sex on BA: p = .830; effect of sex on HLR: p = .717). However, we did find support for sex-dependent differences in immunity in the relationship between HLR and body condition (BCI) (effect of BCI on HLR: p = .015). In field conditions, we found that males with higher body condition indices express stressed phenotypes more than males with lower body condition indices (p = .002). However, females expressed similar stress loads across all body conditions (p = .900). Testosterone concentrations were assayed in free-living turtles and were not related to any of the immune parameters. Our results suggest that the immune systems play an important role in balancing sex-specific responses to different selective pressures in S. minor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge E López-Pérez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA.,Current affiliation: Southeastern Louisiana University, Louisiana, USA
| | - Peter A Meylan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Goessling
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA
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15
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Rodriguez KM, Voyles J. The amphibian complement system and chytridiomycosis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:706-719. [PMID: 33052039 PMCID: PMC7821119 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Understanding host immune function and ecoimmunology is increasingly important at a time when emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) threaten wildlife. One EID that has emerged and spread widely in recent years is chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which is implicated unprecedented amphibian declines around the world. The impacts of Bd have been severe for many amphibian species, but some populations have exhibited signs of persistence, and even recovery, in some regions. Many mechanisms may underpin this pattern and amphibian immune responses are likely one key component. Although we have made great strides in understanding amphibian immunity, the complement system remains poorly understood. The complement system is a nonspecific, innate immune defense that is known to enhance other immune responses. Complement activation can occur by three different biochemical pathways and result in protective mechanisms, such as inflammation, opsonization, and pathogen lysis, thereby providing protection to the host. We currently lack an understanding of complement pathway activation for chytridiomycosis, but several studies have suggested that it may be a key part of an early and robust immune response that confers host resistance. Here, we review the available research on the complement system in general as well as amphibian complement responses to Bd infection. Additionally, we propose future research directions that will increase our understanding of the amphibian complement system and other immune responses to Bd. Finally, we suggest how a deeper understanding of amphibian immunity could enhance the conservation and management of amphibian species that are threatened by chytridiomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamie Voyles
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
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16
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Tylan C, Horvat-Gordon M, Bartell PA, Langkilde T. Ecoimmune reallocation in a native lizard in response to the presence of invasive, venomous fire ants in their shared environment. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:792-804. [PMID: 33038069 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to stressors over prolonged periods can have fitness-relevant consequences, including suppression of immune function. We tested for effects of presence of an invasive species threat on a broad panel of immune functions of a coexisting lizard. Eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) have been exposed to invasive fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) for over 80 years. Fire ants sting and envenomate lizards, causing physiological stress, but we do not have a comprehensive understanding of the broad immune consequences of lizard exposure to fire ant presence. We conducted a suite of immune measures on fence lizards caught from areas with long histories of fire ant invasion and lizards from areas not yet invaded by fire ants. The effect of fire ant presence on immunity varied depending on the immune component measured: within fire ant invaded areas, some portions of immunity were suppressed (lymphocytic cell-mediated immunity, complement), some were unaffected (phagocytic respiratory burst, natural antibodies), and some were enhanced (anti-fire ant immunoglobulin M, basophils) compared to within uninvaded areas. Rather than fire ants being broadly immunosuppressing, as generally assumed, the immune response appears to be tailored to this specific stressor: the immune measures that were enhanced are important to the lizards' ability to handle envenomation, whereas those that were unaffected or suppressed are less critical to surviving fire ant encounters. Several immune measures were suppressed in reproductive females when actively producing follicles, which may make them more susceptible to immunosuppressive costs of stressors such as interactions with fire ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Tylan
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, Mueller Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maria Horvat-Gordon
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, Forest Resource Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul A Bartell
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, Forest Resource Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tracy Langkilde
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, Mueller Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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17
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Gormally BMG, Romero LM. What are you actually measuring? A review of techniques that integrate the stress response on distinct time‐scales. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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18
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Whiting JR, Mahmud MA, Bradley JE, MacColl ADC. Prior exposure to long-day photoperiods alters immune responses and increases susceptibility to parasitic infection in stickleback. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201017. [PMID: 32605431 PMCID: PMC7423467 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal disease and parasitic infection are common across organisms, including humans, and there is increasing evidence for intrinsic seasonal variation in immune systems. Changes are orchestrated through organisms' physiological clocks using cues such as day length. Ample research in diverse taxa has demonstrated multiple immune responses are modulated by photoperiod, but to date, there have been few experimental demonstrations that photoperiod cues alter susceptibility to infection. We investigated the interactions among photoperiod history, immunity and susceptibility in laboratory-bred three-spined stickleback (a long-day breeding fish) and its external, directly reproducing monogenean parasite Gyrodactylus gasterostei. We demonstrate that previous exposure to long-day photoperiods (PLD) increases susceptibility to infection relative to previous exposure to short days (PSD), and modifies the response to infection for the mucin gene muc2 and Treg cytokine foxp3a in skin tissues in an intermediate 12 L : 12 D photoperiod experimental trial. Expression of skin muc2 is reduced in PLD fish, and negatively associated with parasite abundance. We also observe inflammatory gene expression variation associated with natural inter-population variation in resistance, but find that photoperiod modulation of susceptibility is consistent across host populations. Thus, photoperiod modulation of the response to infection is important for host susceptibility, highlighting new mechanisms affecting seasonality of host-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Whiting
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Muayad A. Mahmud
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Scientific Research Center, Erbil Polytechnic University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Janette E. Bradley
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Andrew D. C. MacColl
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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19
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Judson JM, Reding DM, Bronikowski AM. Immunosenescence and its influence on reproduction in a long-lived vertebrate. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb223057. [PMID: 32376708 PMCID: PMC7328165 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.223057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Immunosenescence is a well-known phenomenon in mammal systems, but its relevance in other long-lived vertebrates is less understood. Further, the influence of age and reproductive effort on immune function in long-lived species can be challenging to assess, as long-term data are scarce and it is often difficult to sample the oldest age classes. We used the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) to test hypotheses of immunosenescence and a trade-off between reproductive output and immune function in a population of a long-lived vertebrate that has been monitored for over 30 years. These long-term data were utilized to employ a unique approach of aging turtles with mark-recapture data and population-specific growth modeling to obtain more accurate estimates of age. We analyzed natural antibodies, lysis ability and bactericidal competence in 126 individuals from 1 to 33 years of age captured during May and June 2011. Older turtles exhibited greater natural antibody levels than young individuals. Young females with large clutches exhibited greater lysis ability, while older females with large clutches had decreased lysis ability, suggesting a trade-off between reproductive output and immune function conditional upon age. However, bactericidal competence increased later in the nesting season for older females. Our study rejects the hypothesis of immunosenescence in a long-lived turtle, despite evidence of actuarial and reproductive senescence in this population. Additionally, we detected mixed evidence for a trade-off between reproduction and immune health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Judson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Dawn M Reding
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Anne M Bronikowski
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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20
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Gradela A, Souza VN, Queiroz MM, Constantino AC, Faria MD, Pires IC, Correa FM. Serum biochemistry of Trachemys scripta elegans and Trachemys dorbignyi ( Testudines: Emydidae) bred in captivity in the Northeastern semiarid region of Brazil. Vet World 2020; 13:1083-1090. [PMID: 32801558 PMCID: PMC7396337 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1083-1090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to assess fundamental biochemical values of healthy animals and to provide useful data on comparative physiologies of Testudines, being assessed the serum biochemistry profiles, and body and tail biometry of Trachemys scripta elegans and Trachemys dorbignyi bred in interaction in the semiarid region of the São Francisco river valley. Materials and Methods: Serum biochemistry variables (urea, creatinine, glucose, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio), and biometry values of the body (mass [body mass (BM)], maximum curvilinear length [carapace length (CL)], and width [carapace width (CW)] of the carapace, maximum curvilinear length [plastron length (PL)], and width [plastron width PW] of the plastron), and the tail (total length of the tail [TLT], pre-cloacal tail length [PrCL], post-cloacal tail length [PoCL]) were measured after 24 h fasting. Results: T. s. elegans displayed higher BM, CL, CW, PL, PW, AST, TP, albumin, and globulin values. T. dorbignyi displayed higher values of glucose, TLT, and PrCL. Variables aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total protein (TP) in T. s. elegans and glucose in T. dorbignyi explained most of the variance between the species and could serve to distinguish them. Conclusion: We conclude that most of the differences between T. s. elegans and T. dorbignyi shall be explained by biometric variables, AST, TP, and glucose, which characterize interspecific differences. Our results point out terms of reference for these species bred in captivity in the semiarid region of Brazilian Northeastern region and serve as a model for the comparative intra- and inter-species physiology and as a base for the health assessment of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gradela
- Collegiate of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - V N Souza
- ALPHA Veterinary Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - M M Queiroz
- Collegiate of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - A C Constantino
- Collegiate of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - M D Faria
- Collegiate of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - I C Pires
- Collegiate of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - F M Correa
- Department of Statistics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
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21
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van Veelen HPJ, Falcão Salles J, Matson KD, van der Velde M, Tieleman BI. Microbial environment shapes immune function and cloacal microbiota dynamics in zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata. Anim Microbiome 2020; 2:21. [PMID: 33499970 PMCID: PMC7807698 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-020-00039-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The relevance of the host microbiota to host ecology and evolution is well acknowledged. However, the effect of the microbial environment on host immune function and host microbiota dynamics is understudied in terrestrial vertebrates. Using a novel experimental approach centered on the manipulation of the microbial environment of zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata, we carried out a study to investigate effects of the host’s microbial environment on: 1) constitutive immune function, 2) the resilience of the host cloacal microbiota; and 3) the degree to which immune function and host microbiota covary in microbial environments that differ in diversity. Results We explored immune indices (hemagglutination, hemolysis, IgY levels and haptoglobin concentration) and host-associated microbiota (diversity and composition) in birds exposed to two experimental microbial environments differing in microbial diversity. According to our expectations, exposure to experimental microbial environments led to differences related to specific antibodies: IgY levels were elevated in the high diversity treatment, whereas we found no effects for the other immune indices. Furthermore, according to predictions, we found significantly increased richness of dominant OTUs for cloacal microbiota of birds of the high diversity compared with the low diversity group. In addition, cloacal microbiota of individual females approached their baseline state sooner in the low diversity environment than females in the high diversity environment. This result supported a direct phenotypically plastic response of host microbiota, and suggests that its resilience depends on environmental microbial diversity. Finally, immune indices and cloacal microbiota composition tend to covary within treatment groups, while at the same time, individuals exhibited consistent differences of immune indices and microbiota characteristics. Conclusion We show that microbes in the surroundings of terrestrial vertebrates can influence immune function and host-associated microbiota dynamics over relatively short time scales. We suggest that covariation between immune indices and cloacal microbiota, in addition to large and consistent differences among individuals, provides potential for evolutionary adaptation. Ultimately, our study highlights that linking environmental and host microbiotas may help unravelling immunological variation within and potentially among species, and together these efforts will advance the integration of microbial ecology and ecological immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Pieter J van Veelen
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands. .,Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 9811 MA, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
| | - Joana Falcão Salles
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin D Matson
- Resource Ecology Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marco van der Velde
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - B Irene Tieleman
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
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22
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Brusch GA, Mills AM, Walman RM, Masuda G, Byeon A, DeNardo DF, Stahlschmidt ZR. Dehydration enhances cellular and humoral immunity in a mesic snake community. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:306-315. [PMID: 32277742 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The immunocompetence of a community of free-living animals can be affected by seasonality, sex, and parasite burden. However, each of these factors is often examined independently. Recent studies have also found that dehydration can enhance aspects of immunocompetence in drought-adapted species. To explore how all of these factors interact, and their effect on the immune system in mesic-adapted species, we collected blood samples from a community of free-ranging snakes in coastal South Carolina, United States, across 2 years. We specifically examined (a) how sex and seasonality influence humoral and cellular immunocompetence and parasite burden, (b) the dynamics among hydration state, parasite burden, and immunocompetence, and (c) whether mesic-adapted species also show enhanced innate immunity with dehydration. Consistent with previous work on drought-adapted species, we found that dehydration enhances multiple aspects of humoral immunity in mesic species, and we are the first to report that dehydration also enhances aspects of cellular immunocompetence. Contrary to previous results in other squamates, sex and season did not impact immunocompetence or parasite prevalence. Our results also reveal complex interactions among parasite prevalence, immunocompetence, and hydration state demonstrating that hydration state and parasitism are two ubiquitous factors that should continue to be considered in future studies examining ecoimmunological variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Brusch
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.,Centre d'Etudies Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS, Villiers en Bois, France
| | | | | | - Garrett Masuda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California
| | - Andy Byeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California
| | - Dale F DeNardo
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
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23
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Hudson SB, Kluever BM, Webb AC, French SS. Steroid hormones, energetic state, and immunocompetence vary across reproductive contexts in a parthenogenetic lizard. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 288:113372. [PMID: 31866306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Reproduction is energetically expensive and investing in this life history trait is likely accompanied by significant changes in physiological activity. Investment strategy necessary for achieving reproductive success in reptiles can vary with reproductive form and pattern, potentiating different consequences for competing fitness-related traits such as those key to survival. The goal of this study was to assess if and how energetic state (i.e., energy metabolites) and self-maintenance (i.e., immunocompetence) are hormonally modulated across reproductive contexts in an oviparous, parthenogenetic lizard, the Colorado Checkered Whiptail Aspidoscelis neotesselata. Here blood plasma samples were collected from lizards within the US Army Fort Carson Military Installation near Colorado Springs, CO, USA, during seasons of reproductive activity (i.e., June) and inactivity (i.e., August). Measures of reproductive (i.e., estradiol) and energy-mobilizing (i.e., corticosterone) hormones, energy metabolites (i.e., glucose, triglycerides, and free glycerol), and innate immunity (i.e., bactericidal ability) were compared by season and reproductive stage. Levels of energy metabolites and bactericidal ability were compared to levels of E2 and CORT. Bactericidal ability was also compared to levels of energy metabolites. Corticosterone and glucose levels were lower during the reproductive season while triglyceride levels and bactericidal ability were higher, but both estradiol and free glycerol levels did not differ between seasons. Throughout vitellogenesis, corticosterone and glucose levels as well as bactericidal ability did not differ, but estradiol levels were higher during early and mid-stage and both triglyceride and free glycerol levels were lower during gravidity. Corticosterone levels were negatively associated with circulating triglycerides and bactericidal ability, but were not related to glucose nor free glycerol levels. Estradiol levels were positively associated with free glycerol levels and bactericidal ability, but were not related to glucose nor triglyceride levels. Finally, bactericidal ability was negatively associated with glucose, but positively associated with triglycerides. Differences in energetic state and immunocompetence are thus reflected by shifts in hormone secretion across reproductive investment. These findings provide partial support for the hypothesis that energetic state is differentially regulated by steroid hormones to afford reproduction, potentially at the cost of future survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Hudson
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5205, USA; Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322‑5205, USA.
| | - B M Kluever
- United States Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division, Conservation Branch, Fort Carson, CO 80913, USA; United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Florida Field Station, Gainesville, FL 32641-6033, USA
| | - A C Webb
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5205, USA; Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322‑5205, USA
| | - S S French
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5205, USA; Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322‑5205, USA
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Adamovicz L, Baker SJ, Merchant M, Allender MC. Plasma antibacterial activities in ornate (Terrapene ornata) and eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:295-305. [PMID: 32037741 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chelonians are one of the most imperiled vertebrate taxa and many species are increasingly threatened by disease, however, the immune response in this group is understudied. We quantified the innate immune response of eastern (Terrapene carolina; EBT) and ornate (Terrapene ornate; OBT) box turtles using plasma antibacterial activity assays. Plasma from both species abolished or significantly reduced the growth of all eight bacterial species evaluated, including Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundi, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Bactericidal capacity was greater in OBT compared to EBT, and OBT plasma retained high antibacterial activities at a broader temperature range (20-40°C) compared to EBT (30-40°C). Plasma antibacterial activity was abolished following treatment with heat, protease, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, indicating that complement is likely responsible for the observed effects. Further characterization of the box turtle immune response may provide insight into the importance of infectious diseases for species conservation, enabling the development of more efficient and effective population management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Sarah J Baker
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois.,Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Mark Merchant
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois
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25
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Li C, Fang H, Xu D. Effect of seasonal high temperature on the immune response in Apostichopus japonicus by transcriptome analysis. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 92:765-771. [PMID: 31288099 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is a flourishing aquaculture species in China. However, there are challenges for sea cucumber aquaculture, one of which is the high temperature in summer. In this study, we explored the transcriptome expression profiles with seasons (APR, JUN and JUL) in the muscle tissue of A. japonicus. The temperature of the natural coast was 13 °C, 21 °C and 25 °C respectively when sampling. Compared with APR group, changes of expression profiles were more significant in JUL group than that in JUN group. A total of 46 differential expressed genes (DEGs) involved in both innate and adaptive immunity were highlighted, including 27 up-regulated and 19 down-regulated genes. They were further grouped into 10 sub-classes: heat shock, coagulation cascades, antigen processing and presentation, inflammatory response, transporter activity, immunoglobulin, lectin C, cell adhesion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, apoptosis and autophagy. The study will offer deep insights of the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological responses to seasonal high temperature in A. japonicus. Particularly, knowledge about the immunological effects of seasonal temperature on the species is critical for the optimal management practices for both wild and aquaculture populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- College of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Huahua Fang
- College of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Dongxue Xu
- College of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
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26
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Peters A, Delhey K, Nakagawa S, Aulsebrook A, Verhulst S. Immunosenescence in wild animals: meta‐analysis and outlook. Ecol Lett 2019; 22:1709-1722. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.13343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Peters
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. 3800 Australia
| | - Kaspar Delhey
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. 3800 Australia
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Anne Aulsebrook
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. 3800 Australia
- School of BioSciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. 3010 Australia
| | - Simon Verhulst
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen 9747 AGGroningen The Netherlands
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27
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Drake KK, Aiello CM, Bowen L, Lewison RL, Esque TC, Nussear KE, Waters SC, Hudson PJ. Complex immune responses and molecular reactions to pathogens and disease in a desert reptile ( Gopherus agassizii). Ecol Evol 2019; 9:2516-2534. [PMID: 30891197 PMCID: PMC6405529 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune function plays an important role in an animal's defense against infectious disease. In reptiles, immune responses may be complex and counterintuitive, and diagnostic tools used to identify infection, such as induced antibody responses are limited. Recent studies using gene transcription profiling in tortoises have proven useful in identifying immune responses to various intrinsic and extrinsic stressors. As part of a larger experiment with Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), we facilitated the transmission of the pathogenic bacteria, Mycoplasma agassizii (Myag), to naïve adults and measured innate and induced immune reactions over time. Specifically, we evaluated clinical condition, presence of Myag in the nasal/oral cavity, induced antibody responses specific to Myag, and measured molecular reactions (gene transcript profiles) in 15 captive tortoises classified as naïve, exposed, or infected and 14 wild tortoises for comparison. Myag was confirmed inside the nasal/oral cavity in exposed tortoises within 30-60 days of introduction to infected animals, yet we did not detect Myag specific induced antibody responses in these individuals until 420-595 days post exposure. Surprisingly, we found no overall differences in the gene transcript profiles between our experimental treatment groups throughout this study. This work highlights the complexities in assessing immune function and diagnosing pathogen related infections in tortoises and other reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Kristina Drake
- Western Ecological Research CenterU.S. Geological SurveyHendersonNevada
- Department of BiologySan Diego State UniversitySan DiegoCalifornia
- Graduate Group in EcologyUniversity of California‐DavisDavisCalifornia
| | - Christina M. Aiello
- Western Ecological Research CenterU.S. Geological SurveyHendersonNevada
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania
| | - Lizabeth Bowen
- Western Ecological Research CenterU.S. Geological SurveyDavisCalifornia
| | | | - Todd C. Esque
- Western Ecological Research CenterU.S. Geological SurveyHendersonNevada
| | | | - Shannon C. Waters
- Western Ecological Research CenterU.S. Geological SurveyDavisCalifornia
| | - Peter J. Hudson
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania
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Neuman-Lee LA, Van Wettere AJ, French SS. Interrelations among Multiple Metrics of Immune and Physiological Function in a Squamate, the Common Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Physiol Biochem Zool 2019; 92:12-23. [PMID: 30403915 DOI: 10.1086/700396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The field of ecoimmunology has made it clear that individual and ecological contexts are critical for interpreting an animal's immune response. In an effort to better understand the relevance of commonly used immunological assays, we tested how different metrics of immunity and physiological function were interrelated in naturally parasitized individuals of a well-studied reptile, the common gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Overall, we found that bactericidal ability, an integrative measure of innate immunity, was often correlated with more specific immunological and physiological tests (lysis and oxidative stress) but was not related to tissue-level inflammation that was determined by histopathology. The only hematological metric that correlated with tissue-level inflammation was the prevalence of monocytes in blood smears. Finally, using histological techniques, we describe natural parasitism throughout the organ systems in these individuals, finding that neither the presence nor the burden of parasite load affected the physiological and immune metrics that we measured. By performing comprehensive assessments of physiological and immune processes, we are better able to draw conclusions about how to interpret findings from specific assays in wild organisms.
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29
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Goessling JM, Ward C, Mendonça MT. Rapid thermal immune acclimation in common musk turtles (Sternotherus odoratus). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2019; 331:185-191. [PMID: 30635984 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
As infectious diseases in ectothermic vertebrates increasingly threaten wild populations, understanding how host immune systems are affected by the environment is key to understanding the process of infection. In this study, we investigated how temperature change and simulated bacterial infection (via lipopolysaccharide [LPS] injection) interacted to regulate innate immunity, as measured by bactericidal ability (BA), phagocytosis rate, and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (HLR) in common musk turtles (Sternotherus odoratus). We found that LPS stimulated an acute immune response, as measured by an increase in BA, phagocytosis rate, and HLR. When exposed to a 5 or 10°C temperature change for 48 hr, turtles rapidly acclimated to the new temperature by adjusting their immune output. This acclimation was compensatory as seen by elevated rates of immune output in colder animals and decreased rates of immune output in warmer animals. These results indicate that while temperature change may be a constraint on some animals, S. odoratus have the ability to rapidly adjust immunity to match environmental thermal demand. This rapid ability to adjust immunity may be related to the broad geographic distribution of musk turtles. Future research should focus on how immune acclimation in ectotherms varies both intraspecifically and interspecifically across regional scales and geographic distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chelsea Ward
- Biology Department, Auburn University at Montgomery, Montgomery, Alabama
| | - Mary T Mendonça
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
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30
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Sueiro MC, Awruch CA, Irigoyen AJ, Argemi F, Palacios MG. Seasonality of Immunological and Health-State Parameters of Wild Broadnose Sevengill Shark, Notorynchus cepedianus. Physiol Biochem Zool 2019; 92:24-36. [DOI: 10.1086/700573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Ferguson LV, Kortet R, Sinclair BJ. Eco-immunology in the cold: the role of immunity in shaping the overwintering survival of ectotherms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:221/13/jeb163873. [PMID: 29967267 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.163873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The effect of temperature on physiology mediates many of the challenges that ectotherms face under climate change. Ectotherm immunity is thermally sensitive and, as such, environmental change is likely to have complex effects on survival, disease resistance and transmission. The effects of temperature on immunity will be particularly profound in winter because cold and overwintering are important triggers and regulators of ectotherm immune activity. Low temperatures can both suppress and activate immune responses independent of parasites, which suggests that temperature not only affects the rate of immune responses but also provides information that allows overwintering ectotherms to balance investment in immunity and other physiological processes that underlie winter survival. Changing winter temperatures are now shifting ectotherm immunity, as well as the demand for energy conservation and protection against parasites. Whether an ectotherm can survive the winter will thus depend on whether new immune phenotypes will shift to match the conditions of the new environment, or leave ectotherms vulnerable to infection or energy depletion. Here, we synthesise patterns of overwintering immunity in ectotherms and examine how new winter conditions might affect ectotherm immunity. We then explore whether it is possible to predict the effects of changing winter conditions on ectotherm vulnerability to the direct and indirect effects of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V Ferguson
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R6
| | - Raine Kortet
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Brent J Sinclair
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6A 5B7
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32
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Identification of bacteria present in ulcerative stomatitis lesions of captive sea turtles Chelonia mydas. Vet Res Commun 2018; 42:251-254. [DOI: 10.1007/s11259-018-9728-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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33
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Široký P, Frye FL, Dvořáková N, Hostovský M, Prokop H, Kulich P. Herpesvirus associated dermal papillomatosis in Williams' mud turtle Pelusios williamsi with effects of autogenous vaccine therapy. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:1248-1254. [PMID: 29887582 PMCID: PMC6115266 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.18-0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An adult female of Williams’ mud turtle, Pelusios williamsi long-term
captive, that was allegedly caught wild in Kenya was found to have developed
papilloma-like skin lesions. Excised tumors were examined histologically after routine
processing with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) stained slides, examined for the
presence of viral particles by electron microscopy employing negative staining, and
examined for the presence of viral DNA by PCR. Microscopic features in pre-treatment
biopsies were fully diagnostic and consistent with multifocal squamous cell papilloma.
Viral-type inclusion bodies were not identified. Turtle was found to be infected by
reptilian herpesvirus. Association with herpesvirus and vast multiplicity of tumors
thwarted surgical solution. An autogenous vaccine was prepared using 5 g of excised fresh
tissue, aseptically ground, treated with diluted formalin, centrifuged to obtain a
supernatant, and subsequently exposed to UV light. Autogenous vaccine induced substantial
areas of necrosis of the papillomatous lesions noted by the loss of cytological
architecture, nuclear loss, and by edema. The outer edges of the healing biopsies appeared
to be regenerating. Therefore, our vaccine application could be considered as effective.
It is difficult to treat and eliminate herpesvirus infection because of its cryptic
presence and sudden onset of disease. Successful application of autogenous vaccine could
be a potentially promising strategy, which deserves further testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Široký
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Fredric L Frye
- La Primavera Organic Farm, 33422 Highway 128, Cloverdale, California 95425-9428 U.S.A
| | - Nela Dvořáková
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute for State Control of Veterinary Biologicals and Medicines, Hudcova 56a, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hostovský
- Department of Animal Protection, Welfare and Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Prokop
- U Zámečku, 459, 530 03 Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Kulich
- Veterinary Research Institute, v.v.i., Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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34
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West JM, Klukowski M. Seasonal changes in baseline corticosterone, association with innate immunity, and effects of confinement in free-ranging Eastern Box Turtles, Terrapene carolina carolina. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 262:71-80. [PMID: 29548757 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal changes in glucocorticoids and their influence on the immune system are widespread in vertebrates, but whether this occurs in lesser studied taxa like turtles is unclear. The purpose of this study was to test for seasonal changes in baseline corticosterone (CORT), innate immunity, body condition, and metabolic factors (triglycerides, uric acid) in free-ranging Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), a species which is in decline across its range. In addition, the effect of handling and confinement on CORT levels was measured. In both years of the seasonal study, baseline CORT concentrations were significantly higher in fall than in spring, but summer CORT levels differed between the years. The annual variation in CORT levels may be related to weather conditions or associated with opportunistic mating. CORT levels of turtles confined for one hour were higher than turtles bled as quickly as possible, and unlike the seasonal study, females had higher baseline and post-stressor CORT levels than males. Baseline CORT levels were positively correlated with hemolysis titer, indicating a possible immunoenhancing effect of CORT. Triglycerides were positively correlated with body condition and were higher in females than males. The higher triglyceride level in females was likely associated with the energetic demands of reproduction and nesting. Males had a lower body condition in the fall than in both spring and summer, while females exhibited no seasonal differences in body condition. Uric acid and innate immunity measures failed to exhibit significant seasonal or sex related differences. Overall our findings of substantial annual, seasonal, and sexual variation in turtle physiology are consistent with the findings reported for other vertebrates and indicate the importance of incorporating these sources of variation into the design of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M West
- Biology Department, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, USA.
| | - Matthew Klukowski
- Biology Department, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, USA.
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35
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Rodgers ML, Toline CA, Rice CD. Humoral Immune Responses to Select Marine Bacteria in Loggerhead Sea Turtles Caretta caretta and Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles Lepidochelys kempii from the Southeastern United States. JOURNAL OF AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2018; 30:20-30. [PMID: 29595888 DOI: 10.1002/aah.10012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Serum from Kemp's ridley sea turtles Lepidochelys kempii and loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta was collected during summer in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Serum immunoglobulin Y (IgY) recognition of lysate proteins from nine bacterial species and whole bacterium-specific IgY titers to these pathogens were quantified. Serum and purified IgY recognized proteins of all bacteria, with protein recognition for some species being more pronounced than others. Circulating IgY titers against Vibrio vulnificus, V. anguillarum, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, and Brevundimonas vesicularis changed over the years in Kemp's ridley sea turtles, while IgY titers against V. vulnificus, Escherichia coli, V. parahaemolyticus, B. vesicularis, and Mycobacterium marinum were different in loggerhead sea turtles. Serum lysozyme activity was constant for loggerhead sea turtles over the 3 years, while activity in Kemp's ridley sea turtles was lower in 2011 and 2012 than in 2013. Blood packed cell volume, glucose, and serum protein levels were comparable to those of healthy sea turtles in previous studies; therefore, this study provides baseline information on antibody responses in healthy wild sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Rodgers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Catherine A Toline
- U.S. National Park Service, Southeast Region Oceans Program, 177 Hobcaw Road, Georgetown, South Carolina, 29440, USA
| | - Charles D Rice
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
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36
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Stewart A, Hablützel PI, Brown M, Watson HV, Parker-Norman S, Tober AV, Thomason AG, Friberg IM, Cable J, Jackson JA. Half the story: Thermal effects on within-host infectious disease progression in a warming climate. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:371-386. [PMID: 28746785 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Immune defense is temperature dependent in cold-blooded vertebrates (CBVs) and thus directly impacted by global warming. We examined whether immunity and within-host infectious disease progression are altered in CBVs under realistic climate warming in a seasonal mid-latitude setting. Going further, we also examined how large thermal effects are in relation to the effects of other environmental variation in such a setting (critical to our ability to project infectious disease dynamics from thermal relationships alone). We employed the three-spined stickleback and three ecologically relevant parasite infections as a "wild" model. To generate a realistic climatic warming scenario we used naturalistic outdoors mesocosms with precise temperature control. We also conducted laboratory experiments to estimate thermal effects on immunity and within-host infectious disease progression under controlled conditions. As experimental readouts we measured disease progression for the parasites and expression in 14 immune-associated genes (providing insight into immunophenotypic responses). Our mesocosm experiment demonstrated significant perturbation due to modest warming (+2°C), altering the magnitude and phenology of disease. Our laboratory experiments demonstrated substantial thermal effects. Prevailing thermal effects were more important than lagged thermal effects and disease progression increased or decreased in severity with increasing temperature in an infection-specific way. Combining laboratory-determined thermal effects with our mesocosm data, we used inverse modeling to partition seasonal variation in Saprolegnia disease progression into a thermal effect and a latent immunocompetence effect (driven by nonthermal environmental variation and correlating with immune gene expression). The immunocompetence effect was large, accounting for at least as much variation in Saprolegnia disease as the thermal effect. This suggests that managers of CBV populations in variable environments may not be able to reliably project infectious disease risk from thermal data alone. Nevertheless, such projections would be improved by primarily considering prevailing thermal effects in the case of within-host disease and by incorporating validated measures of immunocompetence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pascal I Hablützel
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
- Flanders Marine Institute, Oostende, Belgium
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Genomics, Biology Department, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Hayley V Watson
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | | | - Anya V Tober
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anna G Thomason
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Ida M Friberg
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Joanne Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Joseph A Jackson
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, UK
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37
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Haskins DL, Hamilton MT, Stacy NI, Finger JW, Tuberville TD. Effects of selenium exposure on the hematology, innate immunity, and metabolic rate of yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta). ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2017; 26:1134-1146. [PMID: 28780652 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-017-1839-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is a naturally occurring essential element that can be toxic to vertebrates at high concentrations. Despite studies that have documented that wild reptile species can accumulate copious amounts of Se, little is known regarding specific toxicologic effects of Se. In this study, 70 juvenile yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta) were exposed to one of three seleno-L-methionine (SetMet) treatments (control, n = 24; 15 mg/kg, n = 23; and 30 mg/kg, n = 23) via weekly oral gavage for 5 weeks. At the conclusion of the experiment, kidney, liver, muscle, and blood samples were collected for quantitative Se analysis. Turtles in the SeMet treatment groups accumulated significantly higher amounts of Se in all tissue types relative to controls (all p < 0.001). Turtles in the 30 mg/kg SeMet group also accumulated significantly higher amounts of Se compared to the 15 mg/kg group (all p < 0.001). Although toxicity thresholds for reptiles have not been established, Se concentrations in liver tissue from both SeMet treatment groups exceeded reported avian toxicity thresholds for liver tissue. Neither oxygen consumption nor innate bactericidal capacity were impacted by SeMet exposure. However, turtles in the 30 mg/kg SeMet group exhibited anemia, which has been reported in other vertebrates exposed to Se. Furthermore, juvenile T. s. scripta in the 30 mg/kg SeMet group experienced 17% mortality compared to 0% in the 15 mg/kg treatment and control groups. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report dose-dependent Se-associated anemia and mortality in a chelonian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Haskins
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
- D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Matthew T Hamilton
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - John W Finger
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Tracey D Tuberville
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
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38
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Stromsland K, Zimmerman LM. Relationships between parasitic infection and natural antibodies, age, and sex in a long-lived vertebrate. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2017; 327:407-412. [PMID: 29356439 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Reptilian immune systems are believed to rely more heavily on the innate response than the adaptive response. Past research on reptilian immune systems has indicated that natural antibodies (NAbs) play an important role in fighting antigens as the first responder and initiating the innate immune response. However, there is a gap in research on NAbs in reptiles as there is little data on how they may influence parasite prevalence in reptiles. Furthermore, no studies have examined NAbs at mucosal sites, which represent an important point of entry for parasites. We investigated NAbs in male and female red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta) in order to begin to fill this gap in our understanding. Plasma and mucosal samples were collected from T. scripta to determine total immunoglobulin levels in relation to intestinal parasite load, which was determined from fecal samples. We also determined antibody levels to various antigens to examine if NAbs are present in mucosal samples and how levels compare to plasma NAbs. In female turtles, parasite intensity decreased with increasing host age and mucosal antibody levels. We also found that the levels of antibodies that bind to a novel antigen and an antigen they are likely to have encountered were significantly related in both plasma and mucosal samples, indicating a NAb response. This study contributes to our understanding of how reptiles may rely on a broad innate response that allows them to resist potential pathogens while potentially avoiding some negative consequences of immunosenescence.
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Beck ML, Thompson M, Hopkins WA. Repeatability and sources of variation of the bacteria-killing assay in the common snapping turtle. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2017; 327:293-301. [PMID: 29356460 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Research on reptile ecoimmunology lags behind that on other vertebrates, despite the importance of such studies for conservation and evolution. Because the innate immune system is highly conserved across vertebrate lineages, assessments of its performance may be particularly useful in reptiles. The bacteria-killing assay requires a single, small blood sample and quantifies an individual's ability to kill microorganisms. The assay's construct validity and interpretability make it an attractive measure of innate immunity, but it requires proper optimization and sample storage. We optimized this assay for the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) to assess the repeatability of the assay and the effects of freezing and thawing on bactericidal capacity. We determined whether age (adult female and hatchlings) or incubation temperature influenced bactericidal capacity. We found that the assay was repeatable and that freezing plasma samples for 6 weeks at -80°C did not decrease bactericidal capacity nor did a single 30-min thaw and subsequent refreezing. However, we detected subtle interassay variation and results from one assay were 5-6% greater than those from the other two. Adult females had significantly greater bactericidal ability than hatchlings and we found no relationship between incubation temperature and bactericidal capacity. This assay is a useful tool in snapping turtles and may have applicability in other reptiles. However, species-specific optimization is required to ensure that variation among individuals exceeds interassay variation. Consideration should be given to optimization conditions that facilitate comparisons between or within groups, particularly groups that differ considerably in bactericidal capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Beck
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Molly Thompson
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - William A Hopkins
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
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Goessling JM, Guyer C, Mendonça MT. More than Fever: Thermoregulatory Responses to Immunological Stimulation and Consequences of Thermoregulatory Strategy on Innate Immunity in Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). Physiol Biochem Zool 2017; 90:484-493. [DOI: 10.1086/692116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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41
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Goessling JM, Koler SA, Overman BD, Hiltbold EM, Guyer C, Mendonça MT. Lag of Immunity Across Seasonal Acclimation States in Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus Polyphemus
). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2017; 327:235-242. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shane A. Koler
- Department of Biological Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn Alabama
| | - Brian D. Overman
- Department of Biological Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn Alabama
| | | | - Craig Guyer
- Department of Biological Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn Alabama
| | - Mary T. Mendonça
- Department of Biological Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn Alabama
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Haskins DL, Hamilton MT, Jones AL, Finger JW, Bringolf RB, Tuberville TD. Accumulation of coal combustion residues and their immunological effects in the yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 224:810-819. [PMID: 28284546 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities such as industrial processes often produce copious amounts of contaminants that have the potential to negatively impact growth, survival, and reproduction of exposed wildlife. Coal combustion residues (CCRs) represent a major source of pollutants globally, resulting in the release of potentially harmful trace elements such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and selenium (Se) into the environment. In the United States, CCRs are typically stored in aquatic settling basins that may become attractive nuisances to wildlife. Trace element contaminants, such as CCRs, may pose a threat to biota yet little is known about their sublethal effects on reptiles. To assess the effects of CCR exposure in turtles, we sampled 81 yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta) in 2014-2015 from CCR-contaminated and uncontaminated reference wetlands located on the Savannah River Site (Aiken, SC, USA). Specific aims were to (1) compare the accumulation of trace elements in T. s. scripta claw and blood samples between reference and CCR-contaminated site types, (2) evaluate potential immunological effects of CCRs via bacterial killing assays and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) assays, and (3) quantify differences in hemogregarine parasite loads between site types. Claw As, Cd, copper (Cu), and Se (all p ≤ 0.001) and blood As, Cu, Se, and strontium (Sr; p ≤ 0.015) were significantly elevated in turtles from CCR-contaminated wetlands compared to turtles from reference wetlands. Turtles from reference wetlands exhibited lower bacterial killing (p = 0.015) abilities than individuals from contaminated sites but neither PHA responses (p = 0.566) nor parasite loads (p = 0.980) differed by site type. Despite relatively high CCR body burdens, sliders did not exhibit apparent impairment of immunological response or parasite load. In addition, the high correlation between claw and blood concentrations within individuals suggests that nonlethal tissue sampling may be useful for monitoring CCR exposure in turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Haskins
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Matthew T Hamilton
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Amanda L Jones
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - John W Finger
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; Dept. of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Robert B Bringolf
- D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Tracey D Tuberville
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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43
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Zimmerman LM, Carter AW, Bowden RM, Vogel LA. Immunocompetence in a long‐lived ectothermic vertebrate is temperature dependent but shows no decline in older adults. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Zimmerman
- School of Biological Sciences Illinois State University Campus Box 4120, Normal IL 61790‐4120 USA
- Department of Biology Millikin University 1184 W. Main St., Decatur IL 62522 USA
| | - Amanda Wilson Carter
- School of Biological Sciences Illinois State University Campus Box 4120, Normal IL 61790‐4120 USA
| | - Rachel M. Bowden
- School of Biological Sciences Illinois State University Campus Box 4120, Normal IL 61790‐4120 USA
| | - Laura A. Vogel
- School of Biological Sciences Illinois State University Campus Box 4120, Normal IL 61790‐4120 USA
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44
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Neul A, Schrödl W, Marschang RE, Bjick T, Truyen U, von Buttlar H, Pees M. Immunologic responses in corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) after experimentally induced infection with ferlaviruses. Am J Vet Res 2017; 78:482-494. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.78.4.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Rey S, Moiche V, Boltaña S, Teles M, MacKenzie S. Behavioural fever in zebrafish larvae. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 67:287-292. [PMID: 27670815 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Behavioural fever has been reported in different species of mobile ectotherms including the zebrafish, Danio rerio, in response to exogenous pyrogens. In this study we report, to our knowledge for the first time, upon the ontogenic onset of behavioural fever in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. For this, zebrafish larvae (from first feeding to juveniles) were placed in a continuous thermal gradient providing the opportunity to select their preferred temperature. The novel thermal preference aquarium was based upon a continuous vertical column system and allows for non-invasive observation of larvae vertical distribution under isothermal (TR at 28 °C) and thermal gradient conditions (TCH: 28-32 °C). Larval thermal preference was assessed under both conditions with or without an immersion challenge, in order to detect the onset of the behavioural fever response. Our results defined the onset of the dsRNA induced behavioural fever at 18-20 days post fertilization (dpf). Significant differences were observed in dsRNA challenged larvae, which prefer higher temperatures (1-4 °C increase) throughout the experimental period as compared to non-challenged larvae. In parallel we measured the abundance of antiviral transcripts; viperin, gig2, irf7, trim25 and Mxb mRNAs in dsRNA challenged larvae under both thermal regimes: TR and TCh. Significant increases in the abundance of all measured transcripts were recorded under thermal choice conditions signifying that thermo-coupling and the resultant enhancement of the immune response to dsRNA challenge occurs from 18 dpf onwards in the zebrafish. The results are of importance as they identify a key developmental stage where the neuro-immune interface matures in the zebrafish likely providing increased resistance to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Rey
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Visila Moiche
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sebastian Boltaña
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Mariana Teles
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Simon MacKenzie
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
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Goessling JM, Guyer C, Mendonça MT. Seasonal Acclimation of Constitutive Immunity in Gopher Tortoises Gopherus polyphemus. Physiol Biochem Zool 2016; 89:487-497. [DOI: 10.1086/688694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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47
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Sandmeier F, Horn K, Tracy C. Temperature-independent, seasonal fluctuations in immune function of the Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). CAN J ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2016-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As long-lived reptiles, Mojave Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii (Cooper, 1861)) are expected to make substantial energetic investments in immune defense. This species also has many adaptations to living in an arid environment characterized by seasonal extremes in temperature and resource availability. By housing G. agassizii at a controlled, constant ambient temperature, we quantified predominantly temperature-independent, seasonal fluctuations in innate immune function and circulating leukocytes in a reptile. We found a decrease in bacteriocidal activity of the blood plasma in winter, with reduced function lasting into the spring. Lymphocyte numbers were elevated in fall and winter, whereas eosinophil numbers increased in summer. Thus, properties of the immune system were up- or down-regulated in different directions across the seasons. We found a much higher level of variation of leukocyte profiles among individuals than has previously been reported for other chelonians. Heterophil:lymphocyte ratios (indicative of chronic glucocorticoid levels) were not associated with any measure of immune function, and thus glucocorticoid does not seem to mediate the observed seasonal changes. We propose a new hypothesis to explain seasonal changes in immune function, based on seasonal resource limitation in the Mojave Desert, including the availability of dietary protein, energy, and opportunities for thermal regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F.C. Sandmeier
- Department of Biology, Lindenwood University–Belleville, 2600 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62223, USA
| | - K.R. Horn
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Mailstop 314, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - C.R. Tracy
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Mailstop 314, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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Savage AE, Terrell KA, Gratwicke B, Mattheus NM, Augustine L, Fleischer RC. Reduced immune function predicts disease susceptibility in frogs infected with a deadly fungal pathogen. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cow011. [PMID: 27293759 PMCID: PMC4834730 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between amphibian immune function and disease susceptibility is of primary concern given current worldwide declines linked to the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). We experimentally infected lowland leopard frogs (Lithobates yavapaiensis) with Bd to test the hypothesis that infection causes physiological stress and stimulates humoral and cell-mediated immune function in the blood. We measured body mass, the ratio of circulating neutrophils to lymphocytes (a known indicator of physiological stress) and plasma bacterial killing ability (BKA; a measure of innate immune function). In early exposure (1-15 days post-infection), stress was elevated in Bd-positive vs. Bd-negative frogs, whereas other metrics were similar between the groups. At later stages (29-55 days post-infection), stress was increased in Bd-positive frogs with signs of chytridiomycosis compared with both Bd-positive frogs without disease signs and uninfected control frogs, which were similar to each other. Infection decreased growth during the same period, demonstrating that sustained resistance to Bd is energetically costly. Importantly, BKA was lower in Bd-positive frogs with disease than in those without signs of chytridiomycosis. However, neither group differed from Bd-negative control frogs. The low BKA values in dying frogs compared with infected individuals without disease signs suggests that complement activity might signify different immunogenetic backgrounds or gene-by-environment interactions between the host, Bd and abiotic factors. We conclude that protein complement activity might be a useful predictor of Bd susceptibility and might help to explain differential disease outcomes in natural amphibian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lauren Augustine
- Center for Animal Care Sciences, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
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49
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Middleton DMRL, Nelson NJ, Gartrell BD, La Flamme AC. Presence of antibodies to Salmonella in tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) sera. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 41:17-27. [PMID: 26264523 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Colonisation of a host by pathogenic microorganisms is a near constant threat to the health of all vertebrates and most species have evolved an efficient adaptive immune response which produces antibodies following exposure to a specific antigen. The strength of this response can be influenced by many factors including sex and season. Tuatara are exposed to Salmonella through contact with infected skinks and soil; however, no gastrointestinal colonisation of tuatara with Salmonella has been found. Using Western blot and flow cytometry we have demonstrated that tuatara possess antibodies which recognise Salmonella antigens, but many of these antibodies are not specific and are cross-reactive with two closely related and ubiquitous bacteria, Escherichia coli and Citrobacter koseri. Our study describes the anti-Salmonella immune responses in tuatara and will help to inform decisions around maintaining wildlife health, as well as providing important insights into the role and development of adaptive immunity in reptilian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M R L Middleton
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Nicola J Nelson
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Brett D Gartrell
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anne C La Flamme
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
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50
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Abstract
Two types of adaptive immune strategies are known to have evolved in vertebrates: the VLR-based system, which is present in jawless organisms and is mediated by VLRA and VLRB lymphocytes, and the BCR/TCR-based system, which is present in jawed species and is provided by B and T cell receptors expressed on B and T cells, respectively. Here we summarize features of B cells and their predecessors in the different animal phyla, focusing the review on B cells from jawed vertebrates. We point out the critical role of nonclassical species and comparative immunology studies in the understanding of B cell immunity. Because nonclassical models include species relevant to veterinary medicine, basic science research performed in these animals contributes to the knowledge required for the development of more efficacious vaccines against emerging pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Parra
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Fumio Takizawa
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - J Oriol Sunyer
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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