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Downs CJ, Sobolewski ME. The Promise of a Pointillist Perspective for Comparative Immunology. Physiology (Bethesda) 2024; 39:0. [PMID: 38808754 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00012.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Most studies in comparative immunology involve investigations into the detailed mechanisms of the immune system of a nonmodel organism. Although this approach has been insightful, it has promoted a deep understanding of only a handful of species, thus inhibiting the recognition of broad taxonomic patterns. Here, we call for investigating the immune defenses of numerous species within a pointillist framework, that is, the meticulous, targeted collection of data from dozens of species and investigation of broad patterns of organismal, ecological, and evolutionary forces shaping those patterns. Without understanding basic immunological patterns across species, we are limited in our ability to extrapolate and/or translate our findings to other organisms, including humans. We illustrate this point by focusing predominantly on the biological scaling literature with some integrations of the pace of life literature, as these perspectives have been the most developed within this framework. We also highlight how the more traditional approach in comparative immunology works synergistically with a pointillist approach, with each approach feeding back into the other. We conclude that the pointillist approach promises to illuminate comprehensive theories about the immune system and enhance predictions in a wide variety of domains, including host-parasite dynamics and disease ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia J Downs
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Marissa E Sobolewski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States
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2
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Refsnider JM, Torres N, Otten JG. No Evidence of Long-Term Effects on Physiological Stress or Innate Immune Functioning in Northern Map Turtles a Decade After a Freshwater Oil Spill. HERPETOLOGICA 2023. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-22-00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine M. Refsnider
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Nicholas Torres
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Joshua G. Otten
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
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3
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Hartzheim AM, Terry JL, Field EK, Haydt NT, Poo S, Neuman-Lee LA. Immune and stress physiology of two captively-housed tortoise species. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 339:220-233. [PMID: 36450699 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Ecoimmunology affords us the ability to better understand immunological processes through consideration of external factors, such as the thermal microenvironment. This consideration is imperative when examining the immunological processes of ectothermic organisms like reptiles. Reptiles uniquely rely heavily on their innate immune function but remain poorly understood in immunological studies. In this study, we examined innate immunity in two zoo-housed tortoise species, the Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans, Schoepff, 1795) and northern spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides brygooi, Vuillemin & Domergue, 1972). Bacterial killing assays (BKAs) were optimized and used to assess the monthly immunocompetence of these tortoises to three different bacteria: Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus. We evaluated differences in blood biochemistry values (lactate and glucose) among months and species as well as fecal corticosterone (CORT) between species. Lastly, we examined the potential influences of individual thermal microenvironments on bactericidal ability. Both G. elegans and P. a. brygooi demonstrated immunocompetence against all bacterial challenges, but only bactericidal ability against E. coli varied over months. Optimal BKA serum dilutions, blood glucose levels, and fecal CORT concentrations differed between the two species. Finally, there was evidence that the thermal microenvironment influenced the tortoises' bactericidal ability against E. coli. Through use of nonmodel organisms, such as tortoises, we are given insight into the inner workings of innate immunity and a better understanding of the complexities of the vertebrate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M Hartzheim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jennifer L Terry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
| | - Emily K Field
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
| | - Natalie T Haydt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
| | - Sinlan Poo
- Department of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lorin A Neuman-Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
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4
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Bichet C, Régis C, Gilot‐Fromont E, Cohas A. Variations in immune parameters with age in a wild rodent population and links with survival. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9094. [PMID: 35845372 PMCID: PMC9273568 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that immune functions do not unidirectionally deteriorate with age but that a potentially adaptive remodeling, where functions of the immune system get downregulated while others get upregulated with age could also occur. Scarce in wild populations, longitudinal studies are yet necessary to properly understand the patterns and consequences of age variations of the immune system in the wild. Meanwhile, it is challenging to understand if the observed variations in immune parameters with age are due to changes at the within-individual level or to selective (dis)appearance of individuals with peculiar immune phenotypes. Thanks to a long-term and longitudinal monitoring of a wild Alpine marmot population, we aimed to understand within- and between-individual variation in the immune phenotype with age, in order to improve our knowledge about the occurrence and the evolutionary consequences of such age variations in the wild. To do so, we recorded the age-specific leukocyte concentration and leukocyte profile in repeatedly sampled dominant individuals. We then tested whether the potential changes with age were attributable to within-individual variations and/or selective (dis)appearance. Finally, we investigated if the leukocyte concentration and profiles were correlated to the probability of death at a given age. The leukocyte concentration was stable with age, but the relative number of lymphocytes decreased, while the relative number of neutrophils increased, over the course of an individual's life. Moreover, between individuals of the same age, individuals with fewer lymphocytes but more neutrophils were more likely to die. Therefore, selective disappearance seems to play a role in the age variations of the immune parameters in this population. Further investigations linking age variations in immune phenotype to individual fitness are needed to understand whether remodeling of the immune system with age could or could not be adaptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coraline Bichet
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de ChizéCNRS‐La Rochelle UniversitéVilliers‐en‐BoisFrance
- Institut für Vogelforschung "Vogelwarte Helgoland" (Institute of Avian Research)WilhelmshavenGermany
- UMR‐CNRS 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie ÉvolutiveUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1VilleurbanneFrance
| | - Corinne Régis
- UMR‐CNRS 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie ÉvolutiveUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1VilleurbanneFrance
| | - Emmanuelle Gilot‐Fromont
- UMR‐CNRS 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie ÉvolutiveUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1VilleurbanneFrance
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro SupMarcy‐l'EtoileFrance
| | - Aurélie Cohas
- UMR‐CNRS 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie ÉvolutiveUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1VilleurbanneFrance
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF)ParisFrance
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5
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Bellinati L, Pesaro S, Marcer F, Danesi P, Natale A, Ceglie L. Detection of a Novel Chlamydia Species in Invasive Turtles. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060784. [PMID: 35327181 PMCID: PMC8944456 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The pond slider (Trachemys scripta) is a turtle species native to Central America. Pond sliders have been commercialized as pets since the 1950s, but often ended up being released or escaping into an environment to which they are allochthonous. Trachemys scripta is presently classified as an invasive alien species in Europe and other countries. The introduction of pond sliders in foreign ecosystems has had a deep environmental and ecological impact. Moreover, freed or escaped captive turtles could be carriers of pathogens, such as Chlamydiaceae. In this study, we report the identification of a Chlamydia spp. in two pond sliders found dead after the hibernation period. Further molecular characterization revealed that this Chlamydia is identical to a strain reported in Poland in 2017, found in both captive and free-living freshwater turtles, and has a close phylogenetic relationship to Chlamydia pneumoniae, a species infectious to humans, and to chlamydial strains found in other reptiles. This first finding evidences the presence of this novel Chlamydia in Italian turtles, but further studies will be necessary to evaluate the prevalence in the local turtles’ population and the strain pathogenicity. Abstract Trachemys scripta is a turtle species native to Central America. Since the 1950s, pond sliders have been imported worldwide as companion animals, but have often ended up in foreign ecosystems with great ecological consequences. Moreover, both autochthonous and invasive species of turtles can be carriers of pathogens, including Chlamydiaceae. In the present study, pulmonary tissues collected from four Trachemys scripta were tested with a 23S-targeting real-time PCR (rPCR) specific for the Chlamydiaceae family. The turtles were hosted in a rescue center for wild exotic animals located in northeastern Italy, and were found dead after the hibernation period. Two out of four individuals resulted positive in rPCR for the presence of Chlamydiaceae. Further characterization of this positivity was performed by phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA and outer membrane protein A genes. The phylogenetic tree showed that these chlamydial strains are identical to a novel Chlamydia reported in 2017 in Polish freshwater turtles, and closely related to Chlamydia pneumoniae and to other chlamydial strains found in reptiles. This first finding evidences the presence of this Chlamydia strain in Italian turtles, but further studies will be necessary to confirm the presence and the strain pathogenicity and to evaluate its prevalence in the local turtles’ population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bellinati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (P.D.); (A.N.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Pesaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agro-Alimentari, Ambientali e Animali Sezione di Patologia Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via Sondrio, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Federica Marcer
- Dipartimento di Medicina Animale, Produzioni e Salute, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (P.D.); (A.N.); (L.C.)
| | - Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (P.D.); (A.N.); (L.C.)
| | - Letizia Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (P.D.); (A.N.); (L.C.)
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6
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Sauer DJ, Heidinger BJ, Kittilson JD, Lackmann AR, Clark ME. No evidence of physiological declines with age in an extremely long-lived fish. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9065. [PMID: 33907285 PMCID: PMC8079698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88626-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the pace of senescence varies considerably, the physiological systems that contribute to different patterns of senescence are not well understood, especially in long-lived vertebrates. Long-lived bony fish (i.e., Class Osteichthyes) are a particularly useful model for studies of senescence because they can readily be aged and exhibit some of the longest lifespans among vertebrates. In this study we examined the potential relationship between age and multiple physiological systems including: stress levels, immune function, and telomere length in individuals ranging in age from 2 to 99 years old in bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus), the oldest known freshwater teleost fish. Contrary to expectation, we did not find any evidence for age-related declines in these physiological systems. Instead, older fish appeared to be less stressed and had greater immunity than younger fish, suggesting age-related improvements rather than declines in these systems. There was no significant effect of age on telomeres, but individuals that may be more stressed had shorter telomeres. Taken together, these findings suggest that bigmouth buffalo exhibit negligible senescence in multiple physiological systems despite living for nearly a century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek J. Sauer
- grid.9654.e0000 0004 0372 3343Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Leigh, 0985 New Zealand
| | - Britt J. Heidinger
- grid.261055.50000 0001 2293 4611Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102 USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Kittilson
- grid.261055.50000 0001 2293 4611Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102 USA
| | - Alec R. Lackmann
- grid.266744.50000 0000 9540 9781Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN 55804 USA
| | - Mark E. Clark
- grid.266744.50000 0000 9540 9781Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN 55804 USA
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7
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Zimmerman LM. The reptilian perspective on vertebrate immunity: 10 years of progress. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:223/21/jeb214171. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.214171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Ten years ago, ‘Understanding the vertebrate immune system: insights from the reptilian perspective’ was published. At the time, our understanding of the reptilian immune system lagged behind that of birds, mammals, fish and amphibians. Since then, great progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms of reptilian immunity. Here, I review recent discoveries associated with the recognition of pathogens, effector mechanisms and memory responses in reptiles. Moreover, I put forward key questions to drive the next 10 years of research, including how reptiles are able to balance robust innate mechanisms with avoiding self-damage, how B cells and antibodies are used in immune defense and whether innate mechanisms can display the hallmarks of memory. Finally, I briefly discuss the links between our mechanistic understanding of the reptilian immune system and the field of eco-immunology. Overall, the field of reptile immunology is poised to contribute greatly to our understanding of vertebrate immunity in the next 10 years.
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8
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Adamovicz L, Baker SJ, Merchant M, Darville L, Allender MC. Plasma complement activation mechanisms differ in ornate (Terrapene ornata ornata) and eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:720-731. [PMID: 33075215 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Eastern (Terrapene carolina carolina) and ornate (Terrapene ornata ornata) box turtles have robust plasma antibacterial activity, however, the mechanism behind this activity is unknown. We used sheep red blood cell (SRBC) hemolysis assays, mannan-affinity chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) to explore the mechanisms of complement activity in box turtles. Plasma from both species demonstrated volume, time, and temperature-dependent SRBC hemolysis, with significantly greater hemolytic activity in ornate box turtle plasma. Hemolytic activity was highly attenuated following treatment with heat, EDTA, and salicylaldoxime in both species, but was unchanged after treatment with methylamine and ammonium hydroxide. Two abundant mannan-binding proteins (presumed C-type lectins) were identified in eastern box turtle plasma using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF, but ornate box turtles did not express either protein. Eastern box turtles appear to rely on the lectin pathway of complement activation while ornate box turtles utilize the alternative pathway. This study provides further evidence that mechanisms underlying immune function are not always conserved between closely related species. This finding may have important implications for explaining species differences in susceptibility to emerging threats such as disease, toxicants, and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Sarah J Baker
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, USA.,Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Mark Merchant
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA
| | - Lancia Darville
- Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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9
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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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10
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Observation of Seasonal Changes of Selected Hematological Parameters in Trachemys Spp. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2019-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This study focused on observation of seasonal changes of selected haematological parameters in Trachemys spp. The experiment involved 6 turtles of the same species and approximately the same size. From September 2017 to December 2018 on a monthly basis, the samples of turtle blood were collected and blood smears were made, which were subsequently evaluated by the light microscopy. During the period of observation, we focused on the changes in the percentage of individual types of cells in a leucogram. The most significant differences in the percentage of leukocytes were observed during hibernation and during the summer period. The blood profiles revealed that the most heterophilic granulocytes were most abundant in the summer, when their values reached 50 % of the leukocytes. Significant changes in the percentage of heterophilic and basophilic granulocytes occurred during the period of hibernation. The number of heterocytes during hibernation decreased to 30 %. On the contrary, the number of basophils increased significantly to 33 %. Eosinophilic granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes did not show such notable changes. The results of the study demonstrated that in turtles of the Trachemys genus, changes in their leuco-grams occurred during the period of hibernation. These changes are important for the evaluation of health condition of the turtles, determination of the prognosis and the treatment.
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11
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Gray WA, Sunnucks E, Huber TE, Zimmerman LM. Mucosal antibody quantity but not avidity predicts likelihood of Salmonella infection in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2019; 333:137-143. [PMID: 31833242 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Natural antibodies (NAbs) are polyreactive, have low avidity, and are a product of B-1 cells. Evidence suggests that NAbs may play a key role in immune defense in turtles, as increased total mucosal antibodies are associated with a decreased number of extracellular intestinal parasites. However, it is unknown if this trend extends to other types of pathogens and if avidity of the NAb to the pathogen is a factor in protection. We examined the relationship between a common intracellular bacteria in turtles-Salmonella-and NAbs. Plasma and mucosal samples were taken from red-eared slider turtles. We measured levels and avidity of antibodies that bound to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of Salmonella cell wall. We examined the relationship between these measures and the ability of plasma to kill Salmonella as well as infection status. Higher mucosal antibody levels were significantly associated with a decrease in likelihood of infection with Salmonella; however, plasma antibody levels were not. There was a trend for bactericidal ability of the plasma to be positively correlated with plasma antibody levels bound to LPS, but not mucosal antibody levels. Avidity was not significantly related to either killing capacity or likelihood of infection suggesting that only increased quantity and not better binding is responsible for the decreased likelihood of infection. These findings suggest that NAb regulation was sufficient to isolate the infection to the gastrointestinal tract of the turtles, allowing it to be cleared with the mucus layer. Our results add further evidence that turtles use a general, nonspecific NAb response to combat pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney A Gray
- Department of Biology, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois.,Chicago College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Emily Sunnucks
- Department of Biology, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois.,Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, Maryland.,Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tyler E Huber
- Department of Biology, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois
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12
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Plasman M, Sandoval-Zapotitla E, Torres R. Immune response declines with age in a wild lizard. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The immune system allows animals to survive the constant attacks of pathogens. Although it is essential for survival and fitness, the performance of the immune system can decline with age (a process known as immunosenescence), which may be responsible for the increased mortality of older individuals. Only a few studies have investigated the effect of age on the immune system in reptiles, and no evidence of immunosenescence has yet been reported in lizards. In a wild population of Dickerson’s collared lizards (Crotaphytus dickersonae), we evaluated the effect of age (estimated by skeletochronology) on the male’s immune response to a novel antigen (phytohaemagglutinin). We found a strong negative relationship between immune response and age, the first evidence of immunosenescence in a lizard. Our results show that immunosenescence can occur even in relatively short-lived reptiles and underline the importance of age on performance in fitness-related traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Plasman
- Laboratorio de Conducta Animal, Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México DF, Mexico
- Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Estela Sandoval-Zapotitla
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Jardín Botánico, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México DF, México
| | - Roxana Torres
- Laboratorio de Conducta Animal, Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México DF, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Conducta Animal, Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México DF, Mexico
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13
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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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14
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Baylor JL, Butler MW. Immune challenge-induced oxidative damage may be mitigated by biliverdin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.200055. [PMID: 30770399 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.200055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An effective immune response results in the elimination of pathogens, but this immunological benefit may be accompanied by increased levels of oxidative damage. However, organisms have evolved mechanisms to mitigate the extent of such oxidative damage, including the production and mobilization of antioxidants. One potential mechanism of mitigating immune challenge-induced changes in oxidative physiology is increasing biliverdin production. Biliverdin is chemically an antioxidant, but within-tissue correlations between biliverdin concentration and oxidative damage have never been directly examined. To test how biliverdin tissue concentrations are associated with physiological responses to an immune challenge, we exposed northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) to one of four treatments: injection of a non-pathogenic antigen - either lipopolysaccharide or phytohemagglutinin, control injection of phosphate-buffered saline or a sham procedure with no injection. Twenty-four hours later, we quantified oxidative damage and triglyceride concentration in the plasma, and biliverdin concentration in the plasma, liver and spleen. We found that both types of immune challenge increased oxidative damage relative to both non-injected and vehicle-injected controls, but treatment had no effects on any other metric. However, across all birds, oxidative damage and biliverdin concentration in the plasma were negatively correlated, which is consistent with a localized antioxidant function of biliverdin. Additionally, we uncovered multiple links between biliverdin concentration, change in mass during the immune challenges and triglyceride levels, suggesting that pathways associated with biliverdin production may also be associated with aspects of nutrient mobilization. Future experiments that manipulate biliverdin levels or oxidative damage directly could establish a systemic antioxidant function or elucidate important physiological impacts on body mass maintenance and triglyceride storage, mobilization or transport.
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15
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Mestre AP, Amavet PS, Vanzetti AI, Moleón MS, Parachú Marcó MV, Poletta GL, Siroski PA. Effects of cypermethrin (pyrethroid), glyphosate and chlorpyrifos (organophosphorus) on the endocrine and immune system of Salvator merianae (Argentine tegu). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 169:61-67. [PMID: 30419507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Several geographical areas where Salvator merianae is distributed in Argentina are included in regions with agricultural activity and exposed to pesticide formulations. Some pesticides could affect defense mechanisms being able alter structures of some components of immune and endocrine systems. To assess the potential effects of pesticides in this reptile under seminatural conditions, on the immune system and endocrine responses in S. merianae we analyzed several blood parameters. Total (TWBCC), differential (DWBCC) white blood cells count, heterophils/lymphocytes index (H/L), lobularity index (LI), natural antibodies (NAbs) titres, complement system (CS), and corticosterone concentration were analyzed in animals exposed to a mixture of cypermethrin (25%), glyphosate (66.2%) and chlorpyrifos (48%) formulations. In addition, body size was considered in these analyzes. TWBCC and NAbs revealed lower values in organisms exposed to pesticides respect to a control indicating a possible immunosuppression effect. Besides, the LI showed a greater number of lobes in organism exposed demonstrating symptoms of chronic infection. In addition, we observed a reduced growth in these animals possibly related to a less energy investment in body mass to maintain an active defense against pesticides. Finally, we found high levels of plasma corticosterone in animals exposed to mix formulation that could demonstrate neuroendocrine axis activation. Other parameters like DWBCC, H/L index and activity of CS showed no differences in treated animals respect to control group, which could indicate low sensibility of these parameters to the concentration of pesticides used. Our results provide evidence of the toxic effects of pesticides on different immune system parameters, but also a trade-off among these parameters, corticosterone levels and growth. In this way, we can conclude that the formulated pesticides applied widely and constantly in the areas occupied by S. merianae, would be affecting its immune and endocrine systems and therefore its ability to defend against external agents. This kind of studies is of great interest to know the possible responses of wild species to anthropogenic disturbances such as pesticide contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Mestre
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, (FHUC - UNL /MMA) Santa Fe, Argentina; Laboratorio de Genética, Departamento de Ciencias Naturales (FHUC - UNL), CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Patricia S Amavet
- Laboratorio de Genética, Departamento de Ciencias Naturales (FHUC - UNL), CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Agustín I Vanzetti
- Laboratorio de Genética, Departamento de Ciencias Naturales (FHUC - UNL), CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Ma Soledad Moleón
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, (FHUC - UNL /MMA) Santa Fe, Argentina; Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet Litoral) UNL - CONICET, Esperanza, Argentina.
| | - Ma Virginia Parachú Marcó
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, (FHUC - UNL /MMA) Santa Fe, Argentina; Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet Litoral) UNL - CONICET, Esperanza, Argentina.
| | - Gisela L Poletta
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, (FHUC - UNL /MMA) Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Toxicología, Farmacología y Bioquímica Legal (FBCB-UNL), CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Pablo A Siroski
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, (FHUC - UNL /MMA) Santa Fe, Argentina; Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet Litoral) UNL - CONICET, Esperanza, Argentina.
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16
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An immune response-based approach to evaluate physiological stress in rehabilitating loggerhead sea turtle. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2019; 207:18-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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17
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Sandmeier FC, Weitzman CL, Tracy CR. An ecoimmunological approach to disease in tortoises reveals the importance of lymphocytes. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska C. Sandmeier
- Biology Department; Colorado State University-Pueblo; 2200 Bonforte Boulevard Pueblo Colorado 81001 USA
| | - Chava L. Weitzman
- Biology Department; Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; University of Nevada-Reno; 1664 N Virginia Street Reno Nevada 89557 USA
| | - C. Richard Tracy
- Biology Department; Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; University of Nevada-Reno; 1664 N Virginia Street Reno Nevada 89557 USA
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18
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Free-living and captive turtles and tortoises as carriers of new Chlamydia spp. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185407. [PMID: 28950002 PMCID: PMC5614609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of Chlamydia species belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family have been reported in reptilian hosts but scarce data about their occurrence in turtles and tortoises are available. In this study, research was conducted to acquire information on invasive alien species (IAS) of turtles and indigenous turtles and tortoises, living both free and in captivity, as possible reservoirs of Chlamydiaceae. Analysis of specimens (pharyngeal and cloacal swabs and tissues) from 204 turtles and tortoises revealed an overall Chlamydiaceae prevalence of 18.3% and 28.6% among free-living and captive animals respectively, with variable levels of shedding. Further testing conducted with a species-specific real-time PCR and microarray test was unsuccessful. Subsequently sequencing was applied to genotype the Chlamydiaceae-positive samples. Almost the full lengths of the 16S rRNA and ompA genes as well as the 16S-23S intergenic spacer (IGS) and 23S rRNA domain I were obtained for 14, 20 and 8 specimens respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA amplicons revealed two distinct branches. Group 1 (10 specimens), specific to freshwater turtles and reported here for the first time, was most closely related to Chlamydia (C.) pneumoniae strains and the newly described Candidatus C. sanzinia. Group 2 (four specimens), detected in Testudo spp. samples, showed highest homology to C. pecorum strains but formed a separate sub-branch. Finally, molecular analysis conducted on positive samples together with their geographical distribution in places distant from each other strongly suggest that Group 1 specimens correspond to a new species in the Chlamydiaceae family. In-depth studies of Chlamydia spp. from turtles and tortoises are needed to further characterise these atypical strains and address arising questions about their pathogenicity and zoonotic potential.
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19
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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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20
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de Carvalho MPN, Queiroz-Hazarbassanov NGT, de Oliveira Massoco C, Sant'Anna SS, Lourenço MM, Levin G, Sogayar MC, Grego KF, Catão-Dias JL. Functional characterization of neotropical snakes peripheral blood leukocytes subsets: Linking flow cytometry cell features, microscopy images and serum corticosterone levels. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 74:144-153. [PMID: 28414083 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Reptiles are the unique ectothermic amniotes, providing the key link between ectothermic anamniotes fish and amphibians, and endothermic birds and mammals; becoming an important group to study with the aim of providing significant knowledge into the evolutionary history of vertebrate immunity. Classification systems for reptiles' leukocytes have been described by their appearance rather than function, being still inconsistent. With the advent of modern techniques and the establishment of analytical protocols for snakes' blood by flow cytometry, we bring a qualitative and quantitative assessment of innate activities presented by snakes' peripheral blood leukocytes, thereby linking flow cytometric features with fluorescent and light microscopy images. Moreover, since corticosterone is an important immunomodulator in reptiles, hormone levels of all blood samples were measured. We provide novel and additional information which should contribute to better understanding of the development of the immune system of reptiles and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Pires Nogueira de Carvalho
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Avenida Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo CEP: 05508-270, Brazil.
| | | | - Cristina de Oliveira Massoco
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Avenida Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo CEP: 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Sávio Stefanini Sant'Anna
- Laboratory of Herpetology, Butantan Institute, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo CEP: 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Mariana Mathias Lourenço
- Laboratory of Herpetology, Butantan Institute, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo CEP: 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Levin
- NUCEL/NETCEM (Cell and Molecular Therapy Center), Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Rua Pangaré, 100, Vila Butantã, São Paulo CEP: 05360-130, Brazil
| | - Mari Cleide Sogayar
- NUCEL/NETCEM (Cell and Molecular Therapy Center), Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Rua Pangaré, 100, Vila Butantã, São Paulo CEP: 05360-130, Brazil; Chemistry Institute, Biochemistry Department, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP: 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Kathleen Fernandes Grego
- Laboratory of Herpetology, Butantan Institute, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo CEP: 05503-900, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Avenida Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo CEP: 05508-270, Brazil
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21
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Mestre AP, Amavet PS, Siroski PA. Baseline values of immunologic parameters in the lizard Salvator merianae ( Teiidae, Squamata). Open Vet J 2017; 7:143-149. [PMID: 28652981 PMCID: PMC5471748 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v7i2.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Salvator is widely distributed throughout South America. In Argentina, the species most abundant widely distributed is Salvator merianae. Particularly in Santa Fe province, the area occupied by populations of these lizards overlaps with areas where agriculture was extended. With the aim of established baseline values for four immunologic biomarkers widely used, 36 tegu lizards were evaluated tacking into account different age classes and both sexes. Total leukocyte counts were not different between age classes. Of the leucocytes count, eosinophils levels were higher in neonates compared with juvenile and adults; nevertheless, the heterophils group was the most prevalent leukocyte in the peripheral blood in all age classes. Lymphocytes, monocytes, heterophils, azurophils and basophils levels did not differ with age. Natural antibodies titres were higher in the adults compared with neonates and juveniles lizards. Lastly, complement system activity was low in neonates compared with juveniles and adults. Statistical analysis within each age group showed that gender was not a factor in the outcomes. Based on the results, we concluded that S. merianae demonstrated age (but not gender) related differences in the immune parameters analyzed. Having established baseline values for these four widely-used immunologic biomarkers, ongoing studies will seek to optimize the use of the S. merianae model in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Mestre
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, (FHUC-UNL/MMA), Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Genética, Departamento de Ciencias Naturales (FHUC-UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Patricia Susana Amavet
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Genética, Departamento de Ciencias Naturales (FHUC-UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Pablo Ariel Siroski
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, (FHUC-UNL/MMA), Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral-UNL-CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
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22
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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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23
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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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24
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Palackdharry S, Sadd BM, Vogel LA, Bowden RM. The effect of environmental temperature on reptilian peripheral blood B cell functions. Horm Behav 2017; 88:87-94. [PMID: 27816625 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have identified phagocytic B cells in a variety of species, yet little is understood about their function and how it is influenced by natural environmental variation, such as temperature. Phagocytic B-cells are present in red-eared slider turtles, Trachemys scripta, and the wide range of temperatures experienced by these ectotherms may have an effect on immunity, including B cell antibody secretion and phagocytosis. We examined the impact of environmental temperature on B cell function in vitro using phagocytic and ELISpot assays conducted at biologically relevant temperatures. We found a significant effect of temperature on antibody secretion, with maximal antibody secretion occurring at intermediate temperatures (estimated maximum of 28.8°C). There was no effect of temperature on phagocytosis. We also noted a difference in the efficiency of phagocytosis in this assay between B cells and non-B cells. Interestingly, in our in vitro assay, phagocytic B cells engulfed more foreign fluorescent beads per cell than phagocytes lacking surface immunoglobulin. This work sheds light on our understanding of phagocytic B cells and the importance of environmental temperature on the behavior of reptilian immune cells, which may have relevance for organismal fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Palackdharry
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - Ben M Sadd
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - Laura A Vogel
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - Rachel M Bowden
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA.
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25
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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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26
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Kaplan AJ, Stacy NI, Jacobson E, Le-Bert CR, Nollens HH, Origgi FC, Green LG, Bootorabi S, Bolten A, Hernandez JA. Development and validation of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of total plasma immunoglobulins in healthy loggerhead sea (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas). J Vet Diagn Invest 2015; 28:5-11. [DOI: 10.1177/1040638715617804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The quantification of circulating plasma immunoglobulins represents a valuable diagnostic tool in human and veterinary immunology, although its application is very limited in reptile medicine to date. The objectives of our study were the development and standardization of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for the measurement of total plasma immunoglobulins (Igs; both IgM and IgY) in loggerhead sea turtles (LST; Caretta caretta; n = 254) and green turtles (GT; Chelonia mydas; n = 111), the establishment of reference intervals for Ig for both species, and the examination of associations between Ig and total protein (TP), condition index, and water temperature. The cELISA for Ig was successfully developed and optimized. Reference intervals for Ig were 0.38–0.94 g/dL in LST (median: 0.59 g/dL; range: 0.16–2.15 g/dL) and 0.40–0.85 g/dL in GT (median: 0.58 g/dL; range: 0.18–1.80 g/dL). In LST, there were positive linear relationships of Ig with TP, and TP with Ig and condition index, and a negative relationship of Ig with condition index. The positive linear relationships of Ig with TP, and TP with Ig were also identified in GT. These positive associations of Ig and TP were expected, as Ig represents fractions of TP, and TP reportedly increases with straight carapace length and weight. The negative association of Ig with condition index may indicate potential biological variations. The cELISA and reference intervals for total Ig of LST and GT presented herein have the potential to be useful as a diagnostic and research tool for sea turtle immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J. Kaplan
- Departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Kaplan, Jacobson, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (Stacy, Le-Bert, Nollens, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Hybridoma Core Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (Green, Bootorabi), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology (Bolten), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA (Le-Bert)
| | - Nicole I. Stacy
- Departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Kaplan, Jacobson, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (Stacy, Le-Bert, Nollens, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Hybridoma Core Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (Green, Bootorabi), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology (Bolten), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA (Le-Bert)
| | - Elliott Jacobson
- Departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Kaplan, Jacobson, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (Stacy, Le-Bert, Nollens, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Hybridoma Core Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (Green, Bootorabi), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology (Bolten), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA (Le-Bert)
| | - Carolina R. Le-Bert
- Departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Kaplan, Jacobson, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (Stacy, Le-Bert, Nollens, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Hybridoma Core Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (Green, Bootorabi), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology (Bolten), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA (Le-Bert)
| | - Hendrik H. Nollens
- Departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Kaplan, Jacobson, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (Stacy, Le-Bert, Nollens, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Hybridoma Core Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (Green, Bootorabi), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology (Bolten), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA (Le-Bert)
| | - Francesco C. Origgi
- Departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Kaplan, Jacobson, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (Stacy, Le-Bert, Nollens, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Hybridoma Core Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (Green, Bootorabi), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology (Bolten), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA (Le-Bert)
| | - Linda G. Green
- Departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Kaplan, Jacobson, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (Stacy, Le-Bert, Nollens, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Hybridoma Core Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (Green, Bootorabi), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology (Bolten), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA (Le-Bert)
| | - Shadi Bootorabi
- Departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Kaplan, Jacobson, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (Stacy, Le-Bert, Nollens, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Hybridoma Core Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (Green, Bootorabi), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology (Bolten), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA (Le-Bert)
| | - Alan Bolten
- Departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Kaplan, Jacobson, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (Stacy, Le-Bert, Nollens, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Hybridoma Core Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (Green, Bootorabi), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology (Bolten), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA (Le-Bert)
| | - Jorge A. Hernandez
- Departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Kaplan, Jacobson, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (Stacy, Le-Bert, Nollens, Hernandez), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Hybridoma Core Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (Green, Bootorabi), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology (Bolten), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA (Le-Bert)
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27
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Multifactorial processes to slowing the biological clock: Insights from a comparative approach. Exp Gerontol 2015; 71:27-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2015.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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28
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Comparative cellular biogerontology: Where do we stand? Exp Gerontol 2015; 71:109-17. [PMID: 26343259 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2015.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Due to the extreme variation in life spans among species, using a comparative approach to address fundamental questions about the aging process has much to offer. For example, maximum life span can vary by as much as several orders of magnitude among taxa. In recent years, using primary cell lines cultured from species with disparate life spans and aging rates has gained considerable momentum as a means to dissect the mechanisms underlying the variation in aging rates among animals. In this review, we reiterate the strengths of comparative cellular biogerontology, as well as provide a survey of the current state of the field. By and large this work sprang from early studies using cell lines derived from long-lived mutant mice. Specifically, they suggested that an enhanced resistance to cellular stress was strongly associated with increased longevity of select laboratory models. Since then, we and others have shown that the degree of stress resistance and species longevity is also correlated among cell lines derived from free-living populations of both mammals and birds, and more recent studies have begun to reveal the biochemical and physiological underpinnings to these differences. The continued study of cultured cell lines from vertebrates with disparate life spans is likely to provide considerable insight toward unifying mechanisms of longevity assurance.
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29
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Tobler M, Ballen C, Healey M, Wilson M, Olsson M. Oxidant trade-offs in immunity: an experimental test in a lizard. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126155. [PMID: 25938441 PMCID: PMC4418811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune system functioning and maintenance entails costs which may limit investment into other processes such as reproduction. Yet, the proximate mechanisms and ‘currencies’ mediating the costs of immune responses remain elusive. In vertebrates, up-regulation of the innate immune system is associated with rapid phagocytic production of pro-oxidant molecules (so-called ‘oxidative burst’ responses). Oxidative burst responses are intended to eliminate pathogens but may also constitute an immunopathological risk as they may induce oxidative damage to self cells. To minimize the risk of infection and, at the same time, damage to self, oxidative burst activity must be carefully balanced. The current levels of pro- and antioxidants (i.e. the individual oxidative state) is likely to be a critical factor affecting this balance, but this has not yet been evaluated. Here, we perform an experiment on wild-caught painted dragon lizards (Ctenophorus pictus) to examine how the strength of immune-stimulated oxidative burst responses of phagocytes in whole blood relates to individual oxidative status under control conditions and during an in vivo immune challenge with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Under control conditions, oxidative burst responses were not predicted by the oxidative status of the lizards. LPS-injected individuals showed a strong increase in pro-oxidant levels and a strong decrease in antioxidant levels compared to control individuals demonstrating a shift in the pro-/antioxidant balance. Oxidative burst responses in LPS-injected lizards were positively related to post-challenge extracellular pro-oxidants (reflecting the level of cell activation) and negatively related to pre-challenge levels of mitochondrial superoxide (suggesting an immunoregulatory effect of this pro-oxidant). LPS-challenged males had higher oxidative burst responses than females, and in females oxidative burst responses seemed to depend more strongly on antioxidant status than in males. Our results confirm the idea that oxidative state may constrain the activity of the innate immune system. These constraints may have important consequences for the way selection acts on pro-oxidant generating processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tobler
- University of Sydney, School of Biological Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, SE-223 62, Lund, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Cissy Ballen
- University of Sydney, School of Biological Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mo Healey
- University of Sydney, School of Biological Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Wilson
- University of Wollongong, School of Biological Sciences, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Mats Olsson
- University of Sydney, School of Biological Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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30
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Finger JW, Thomson PC, Adams AL, Benedict S, Moran C, Isberg SR. Reference levels for corticosterone and immune function in farmed saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) hatchlings using current Code of Practice guidelines. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 212:63-72. [PMID: 25644211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To determine reference levels for on-farm stressors on immune responsiveness and growth rate, 253 hatchling crocodiles from 11 known breeding pairs were repeatedly measured and blood sampled during their first year. Plasma corticosterone (CORT) was used to quantify baseline stress levels in captive animals and were found to be lower (mean 1.83±SE 0.16 ng/mL) than previously reported in saltwater crocodile hatchlings. Two tests of immune function were also conducted. Innate constitutive immunity was assessed using bacterial killing assays (BKA) against two bacterial species: Escherichia coli and Providencia rettgeri, whereby the latter causes considerable economic loss to industry from septicaemic mortalities. Although the bactericidal capabilities were different at approximately 4 months old (32±3% for E. coli and 16±4% for P. rettgeri), the differences had disappeared by approximately 9 months old (58±2% and 68±6%, respectively). To assess immune responsiveness to a novel antigen, the inflammatory swelling response caused by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) injection was assessed but was only significantly different between Samplings 1 and 3 (5% LSD). There were no significant clutch effects for CORT or PHA but there were for both BKA traits. CORT was not significantly associated with growth (head length) or the immune parameters except for P. rettgeri BKA where higher CORT levels were associated with better bactericidal capability. As such, these results suggest that the crocodiles in this study are not stressed, therefore endorsing the management strategies adopted within the Australian industry Code of Practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Finger
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Centre for Crocodile Research, PO Box 329, Noonamah, NT 0837 Australia
| | - Peter C Thomson
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Amanda L Adams
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia
| | - Suresh Benedict
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia
| | - Christopher Moran
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sally R Isberg
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Centre for Crocodile Research, PO Box 329, Noonamah, NT 0837 Australia.
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31
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Red-Eared Slider Turtles Lack Response to Immunization with Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin but Have High Levels of Natural Antibodies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1155/2013/858941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
While the specific humoral response of reptiles is slow and does not typically increase in titer or binding affinity upon secondary immunization, reptiles produce polyreactive natural antibodies (NAbs) that have low binding affinity and are produced in the absence of antigen stimulation. Given the poor specific response, NAbs may be an important protective resource in reptiles. In order to investigate the relative contributions of natural and specific antibodies, we immunized turtles with the novel antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). We did not detect an increase in antibody titers. However, preimmunization titers to KLH, as well as to a series of other novel antigens, were high in the turtles, indicating a strong NAb response. Interestingly, we found an age-associated increase in NAb titers in adults. Overall, our data suggest that reptiles may use NAbs as part of a strong innate immune response rather than relying on slower specific humoral responses.
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