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Axling J, Vossen LE, Peterson E, Winberg S. Boldness, activity, and aggression: Insights from a large-scale study in Baltic salmon (Salmo salar L). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287836. [PMID: 37471414 PMCID: PMC10358900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) display high levels of agonistic behavior in aquaculture farms, resulting in fin damage and chronic stress. Aggression affects fish growth and performance negatively, and presents a serious welfare problem. Indeed, it would be beneficial to identify, separate or exclude overly aggressive individuals. Research on behavioral syndromes suggests that aggressive behavior may correlate with other behavioral traits, such as boldness and locomotory activity. We aimed to develop a high-throughput method to quantify and predict aggressive behavior of individual parr in hatchery-reared Baltic salmon (Salmo salar L.). We screened approximately 2000 parr in open field (OF) and mirror image stimulation (MIS) tests. We extracted seven variables from video tracking software for each minute of the tests; distance moved and duration moving (activity), the duration in and number of entries to the center of the arena (boldness), the distance moved in and duration spent in the area adjacent to the mirror during the MIS test (aggressiveness) and head direction (lateralization). To investigate the relationship between activity, boldness and aggression we first correlated the first six variables to one another. Second, we assigned individuals to high, medium, low or zero aggression groups based on the MIS test and quantified activity and boldness in each group. Third, we analyzed whether the fish viewed the mirror with the left or right eye. Our results show that medium and low aggressive fish were the most active, while highly aggressive fish showed average activity. Aggressive groups did not differ in boldness. Activity and boldness were positively correlated. Finally, we detected a preference for fish to view the mirror with the left eye. We conclude that aggressiveness cannot be predicted from the results of the OF test alone but that the MIS test can be used for large-scale individual aggression profiling of juvenile salmon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Axling
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laura E. Vossen
- Division of Anatomy and Physiology, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Peterson
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agriculture, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Svante Winberg
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Anatomy and Physiology, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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2
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Guo X, Zhang R, Jin Q, Cao N, Shi J, Zong X, Chen X, Wang C, Li X, Pang S, Li L. The kisspeptin-GnIH signaling pathway in the role of zebrafish courtship and aggressive behavior induced by azoxystrobin. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 325:121461. [PMID: 36934963 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Azoxystrobin, a strobilurin widely used to control rice diseases, has raised concerns about possible adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. At present, very little is known about the effects of azoxystrobin on courtship and aggressive behavior and the potential underlying mechanisms. In the present study, after exposing adult male and female zebrafish to worst-case scenario concentrations of azoxystrobin (0, 2 μg/L, 20 μg/L, and 200 μg/L) for 42 d, we observed a decrease in courtship behavior and an increase in aggressive behavior in both male and female zebrafish. In addition, to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the behavioral effects of azoxystrobin, we quantified the changes in the concentrations of kisspeptin, 5-HT, GnIH, and their corresponding receptor mRNA expression in the brain. The results showed that 200 μg/L azoxystrobin decreased the concentrations of kisspeptin and increased the concentration of GnIH in both male and female zebrafish brain. In addition, azoxystrobin also significantly reduced 5-HT concentration in female zebrafish brain. Further investigation revealed that altered courtship and aggressive behavior were associated with the expression levels of genes (kiss1, kiss2, gnrh3, gnrhr3, 5ht1a, and 5ht2a) involved in kisspeptin-GnIH signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study suggested that azoxystrobin may impair courtship and aggressive behavior in zebrafish by interfering with the kisspeptin-GnIH signaling pathway, which may have more profound effects on natural zebrafish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanjun Guo
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Ruihua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Qian Jin
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Niannian Cao
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Jingjing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Xingxing Zong
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Xuejun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Sen Pang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Liqin Li
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China.
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3
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Brain monoaminergic activity during predator inspection in female Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata). Behav Brain Res 2023; 436:114088. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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4
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Lattin CR, Kelly TR, Kelly MW, Johnson KM. Constitutive gene expression differs in three brain regions important for cognition in neophobic and non-neophobic house sparrows (Passer domesticus). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267180. [PMID: 35536842 PMCID: PMC9089922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neophobia (aversion to new objects, food, and environments) is a personality trait that affects the ability of wildlife to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Despite the ubiquity and importance of this trait, the molecular mechanisms underlying repeatable individual differences in neophobia in wild animals are poorly understood. We evaluated wild-caught house sparrows (Passer domesticus) for neophobia in the lab using novel object tests. We then selected a subset of neophobic and non-neophobic individuals (n = 3 of each, all females) and extracted RNA from four brain regions involved in learning, memory, threat perception, and executive function: striatum, caudal dorsomedial hippocampus, medial ventral arcopallium, and caudolateral nidopallium (NCL). Our analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) used 11,889 gene regions annotated in the house sparrow reference genome for which we had an average of 25.7 million mapped reads/sample. PERMANOVA identified significant effects of brain region, phenotype (neophobic vs. non-neophobic), and a brain region by phenotype interaction. Comparing neophobic and non-neophobic birds revealed constitutive differences in DEGs in three of the four brain regions examined: hippocampus (12% of the transcriptome significantly differentially expressed), striatum (4%) and NCL (3%). DEGs included important known neuroendocrine mediators of learning, memory, executive function, and anxiety behavior, including serotonin receptor 5A, dopamine receptors 1, 2 and 5 (downregulated in neophobic birds), and estrogen receptor beta (upregulated in neophobic birds). These results suggest that some of the behavioral differences between phenotypes may be due to underlying gene expression differences in the brain. The large number of DEGs in neophobic and non-neophobic birds also implies that there are major differences in neural function between the two phenotypes that could affect a wide variety of behavioral traits beyond neophobia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R. Lattin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Tosha R. Kelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Morgan W. Kelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Kevin M. Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
- Center for Coastal Marine Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States of America
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Rock S, Rodenburg F, Schaaf MJM, Tudorache C. Detailed Analysis of Zebrafish Larval Behaviour in the Light Dark Challenge Assay Shows That Diel Hatching Time Determines Individual Variation. Front Physiol 2022; 13:827282. [PMID: 35480044 PMCID: PMC9036179 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.827282] [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: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on stress coping style, i.e., the response of an organism to adverse conditions, which is constant over time and context, gained momentum in recent years, to better understand behavioural patterns in animal welfare. However, knowledge about the ontogeny of stress coping style is still limited. Here, we performed a detailed analysis of the light dark challenge behavioural assay in zebrafish larvae, where after acclimation in ambient light sudden alternating dark and light phases elicit an anxiety-like response. A principal component analysis on parameters related to locomotion (distance moved, swimming velocity, acceleration, mobility) and directionality (angular velocity, meandering of swimming path) revealed independence between the parameters determined in the light and the dark phases of the assay, indicating unrelated generalised behaviours per phase. However, high collinearity was observed between behavioural parameters within the same phase, indicating a robust response to the stimulus within behavioural phenotypes. Subsequently, this assay was used to determine the correlation between individual hatching time and the behavioural phenotype. The results show that fish that had hatched during daytime have a stronger behavioural response to the dark phase at 5 days post-fertilisation in locomotion related parameters and a weaker response in directionality related parameters, than fish that had hatched during nighttime. These results show that behavioural responses to the light dark challenge assay are robust and can be generalised for the light and the dark phase, and that diel hatching time may determine the behavioural phenotype of an individual.
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Kudo H, Okuyama MW, Sakamoto KQ, Uchida K, Sato K. Serotonin-manipulated juvenile green sea turtles Chelonia mydas exhibit reduced fear-like behaviour. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals display fear-like behaviours before escaping from predators. This response triggers both behavioural and physiological changes in multiple body systems, allowing animals to escape danger and ensure survival. Fear-like behaviour is modulated by the serotonergic system in the brain of vertebrates, which shapes social behaviour and cooperative behaviours. Using fluoxetine (FLX), a common pharmaceutical that alters the levels of serotonin in the brain, we aimed to clarify whether the same is true in solitary animals like green turtles Chelonia mydas. Green turtles exhibit individual differences in their response to risk. If fear-related behaviours are regulated by the serotonin system in turtles, the fear-like responses of individuals injected with FLX could change. We therefore assessed the effect of FLX injection on the behavioural responses to a fear stimulus in 9 wild juvenile green turtles in an aquarium setting. We inserted a hand net as a stimulus into the aquarium (within a designated inspection zone) to elicit a fear-like behaviour and measured the time that turtles spent in this zone. All turtles exhibited fear-like behaviour and fled from the stimulus prior to any injection treatment. Turtles with control injection (no FLX) also fled and avoided the inspection zone with the fear stimulus. FLX injection appeared to reduce the turtles’ fear of the stimulus: The total time turtles injected with FLX spent in the inspection zone was significantly longer than for turtles that received a control medium injection. Control turtles fled from the stimulus and were initially vigilant and avoided the area with the stimulus, but then moved throughout the aquarium, including the inspection zone. These data suggest that fear-like behaviour is modulated by the serotonin-mediated nerve system in juvenile green turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kudo
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
| | - MW Okuyama
- Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu 879-5593, Japan
| | - KQ Sakamoto
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
| | - K Uchida
- Oita environmental conservation forum, Nishishinchi, Oita, Oita 870-0901, Japan
| | - K Sato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
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Ali A, Thorgaard GH, Salem M. PacBio Iso-Seq Improves the Rainbow Trout Genome Annotation and Identifies Alternative Splicing Associated With Economically Important Phenotypes. Front Genet 2021; 12:683408. [PMID: 34335690 PMCID: PMC8321248 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.683408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rainbow trout is an important model organism that has received concerted international efforts to study the transcriptome. For this purpose, short-read sequencing has been primarily used over the past decade. However, these sequences are too short of resolving the transcriptome complexity. This study reported a first full-length transcriptome assembly of the rainbow trout using single-molecule long-read isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq). Extensive computational approaches were used to refine and validate the reconstructed transcriptome. The study identified 10,640 high-confidence transcripts not previously annotated, in addition to 1,479 isoforms not mapped to the current Swanson reference genome. Most of the identified lncRNAs were non-coding variants of coding transcripts. The majority of genes had multiple transcript isoforms (average ∼3 isoforms/locus). Intron retention (IR) and exon skipping (ES) accounted for 56% of alternative splicing (AS) events. Iso-Seq improved the reference genome annotation, which allowed identification of characteristic AS associated with fish growth, muscle accretion, disease resistance, stress response, and fish migration. For instance, an ES in GVIN1 gene existed in fish susceptible to bacterial cold-water disease (BCWD). Besides, under five stress conditions, there was a commonly regulated exon in prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-2 (P4HA2) gene. The reconstructed gene models and their posttranscriptional processing in rainbow trout provide invaluable resources that could be further used for future genetics and genomics studies. Additionally, the study identified characteristic transcription events associated with economically important phenotypes, which could be applied in selective breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ali
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Gary H. Thorgaard
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Mohamed Salem
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
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8
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Martorell-Ribera J, Venuto MT, Otten W, Brunner RM, Goldammer T, Rebl A, Gimsa U. Time-Dependent Effects of Acute Handling on the Brain Monoamine System of the Salmonid Coregonus maraena. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:591738. [PMID: 33343287 PMCID: PMC7746803 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.591738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immediate stress response involves the activation of the monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems including serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline in particular areas of the fish brain. We chose maraena whitefish as a stress-sensitive salmonid species to investigate the influence of acute and chronic handling on the neurochemistry of monoamines in the brain. Plasma cortisol was quantified to assess the activation of the stress axis. In addition, we analyzed the expression of 37 genes related to the monoamine system to identify genes that could be used as markers of neurophysiological stress effects. Brain neurochemistry responded to a single handling (1 min netting and chasing) with increased serotonergic activity 3 h post-challenge. This was accompanied by a modulated expression of monoaminergic receptor genes in the hindbrain and a significant increase of plasma cortisol. The initial response was compensated by an increased monoamine synthesis at 24 h post-challenge, combined with the modulated expression of serotonin-receptor genes and plasma cortisol concentrations returning to control levels. After 10 days of repeated handling (1 min per day), we detected a slightly increased noradrenaline synthesis and a down-regulated expression of dopamine-receptor genes without effect on plasma cortisol levels. In conclusion, the changes in serotonergic neurochemistry and selected gene-expression profiles, together with the initial plasma cortisol variation, indicate an acute response and a subsequent recovery phase with signs of habituation after 10 days of daily exposure to handling. Based on the basal expression patterns of particular genes and their significant regulation upon handling conditions, we suggest a group of genes as potential biomarkers that indicate handling stress on the brain monoamine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Martorell-Ribera
- Fish Genetics Unit, Institute of Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany.,Psychophysiology Unit, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Marzia Tindara Venuto
- Glycobiology Group, Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Winfried Otten
- Psychophysiology Unit, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Ronald M Brunner
- Fish Genetics Unit, Institute of Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Tom Goldammer
- Fish Genetics Unit, Institute of Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Rebl
- Fish Genetics Unit, Institute of Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Ulrike Gimsa
- Psychophysiology Unit, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
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Kellner M, Olsén KH. Divergent Response to the SSRI Citalopram in Male and Female Three-Spine Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 79:478-487. [PMID: 33151376 PMCID: PMC7688600 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00776-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are psychotropic pharmaceuticals used as antidepressants. SSRIs are commonly found in surface waters in populated areas across the globe. They exert their effect by blocking the serotonin re-uptake transporter in the presynaptic nerve ending. The present study examined whether behavioural effects to exposure to SSRI citalopram depend on personality and sex in the stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Three aspects of stickleback behaviour are examined: feeding behaviour, aggression, and boldness. We exposed sticklebacks to 350-380 ng/l citalopram for 3 weeks. Feeding and aggressive behaviour were recorded before and after exposure, whereas scototaxis behaviour was tested after exposure. The results show treatment effects in feeding and aggressive behaviour. Feeding is suppressed only in the male group (χ2 = 20.4, P < 0.001) but not in the females (χ2 = 0.91, P = 0.339). Aggressive behaviour was significantly affected by treatment (χ2 = 161.9, P < 0.001), sex (χ2 = 86.3, P < 0.001), and baseline value (χ2 = 58.8, P < 0.001). Aggressiveness was suppressed by citalopram treatment. In addition, the fish showed no change in aggression and feeding behaviour over time regardless of sex and treatment, which indicate personality traits. Only females are affected by treatment in the scototaxis test. The exposed females spent significantly (χ2 = 5.02, P = 0.050) less time in the white zone than the female controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kellner
- School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Alfred Nobels allé 7, 141 89, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - K Håkan Olsén
- School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Alfred Nobels allé 7, 141 89, Huddinge, Sweden.
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10
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Filipsson K, Bergman E, Greenberg L, Österling M, Watz J, Erlandsson A. Temperature and predator-mediated regulation of plasma cortisol and brain gene expression in juvenile brown trout ( Salmo trutta). Front Zool 2020; 17:25. [PMID: 32874189 PMCID: PMC7456031 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-020-00372-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Temperature affects many aspects of performance in poikilotherms, including how prey respond when encountering predators. Studies of anti-predator responses in fish mainly have focused on behaviour, whereas physiological responses regulated through the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis have received little attention. We examined plasma cortisol and mRNA levels of stress-related genes in juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) at 3 and 8 °C in the presence and absence of a piscivorous fish (burbot, Lota lota). Results A redundancy analysis revealed that both water temperature and the presence of the predator explained a significant amount of the observed variation in cortisol and mRNA levels (11.4 and 2.8%, respectively). Trout had higher cortisol levels in the presence than in the absence of the predator. Analyses of individual gene expressions revealed that trout had significantly higher mRNA levels for 11 of the 16 examined genes at 3 than at 8 °C, and for one gene (retinol-binding protein 1), mRNA levels were higher in the presence than in the absence of the predator. Moreover, we found interaction effects between temperature and predator presence for two genes that code for serotonin and glucocorticoid receptors. Conclusions Our results suggest that piscivorous fish elicit primary stress responses in juvenile salmonids and that some of these responses may be temperature dependent. In addition, this study emphasizes the strong temperature dependence of primary stress responses in poikilotherms, with possible implications for a warming climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Filipsson
- River Ecology and Management, Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Karlstad University, Universitetsgatan 2, SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Eva Bergman
- River Ecology and Management, Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Karlstad University, Universitetsgatan 2, SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Larry Greenberg
- River Ecology and Management, Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Karlstad University, Universitetsgatan 2, SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Martin Österling
- River Ecology and Management, Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Karlstad University, Universitetsgatan 2, SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Johan Watz
- River Ecology and Management, Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Karlstad University, Universitetsgatan 2, SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Ann Erlandsson
- River Ecology and Management, Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Karlstad University, Universitetsgatan 2, SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
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11
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Lamb SD, Chia JHZ, Johnson SL. Paternal exposure to a common herbicide alters the behavior and serotonergic system of zebrafish offspring. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228357. [PMID: 32275662 PMCID: PMC7147785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasingly, studies are revealing that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can alter animal behavior. Early life exposure to EDCs may permanently alter phenotypes through to adulthood. In addition, the effects of EDCs may not be isolated to a single generation − offspring may indirectly be impacted, via non-genetic processes. Here, we analyzed the effects of paternal atrazine exposure on behavioral traits (distance moved, exploration, bottom-dwelling time, latency to enter the top zone, and interaction with a mirror) and whole-brain mRNA of genes involved in the serotonergic system regulation (slc6a4a, slc6a4b, htr1Aa, htr1B, htr2B) of zebrafish (Danio rerio). F0 male zebraFIsh were exposed to atrazine at 0.3, 3 or 30 part per billion (ppb) during early juvenile development, the behavior of F1 progeny was tested at adulthood, and the effect of 0.3 ppb atrazine treatment on mRNA transcription was quantified. Paternal exposure to atrazine significantly reduced interactions with a mirror (a proxy for aggression) and altered the latency to enter the top zone of a tank in unexposed F1 offspring. Bottom-dwelling time (a proxy for anxiety) also appeared to be somewhat affected, and activity (distance moved) was reduced in the context of aggression. slc6a4a and htr1Aa mRNA transcript levels were found to correlate positively with anxiety levels in controls, but we found that this relationship was disrupted in the 0.3 ppb atrazine treatment group. Overall, paternal atrazine exposure resulted in alterations across a variety of behavioral traits and showed signs of serotonergic system dysregulation, demonstrating intergenerational effects. Further research is needed to explore transgenerational effects on behavior and possible mechanisms underpinning behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D. Lamb
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
- * E-mail: (SDL); (SLJ)
| | - Jolyn H. Z. Chia
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Sheri L. Johnson
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
- * E-mail: (SDL); (SLJ)
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Ullah I, Zuberi A, Rehman H, Ali Z, Thörnqvist PO, Winberg S. Effects of early rearing enrichments on modulation of brain monoamines and hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis (HPI axis) of fish mahseer (Tor putitora). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2020; 46:75-88. [PMID: 31515639 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-019-00697-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Enriching rearing environment is the strategy suggested for improving the post release survivorship of captive-reared animals. Here, an attempt has been made to evaluate the impact of early rearing enrichment on the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis (HPI axis), blood glucose, and brain dopaminergic and serotonergic systems of Tor putitora. Fifteen-day-old hatchlings of T. putitora were reared up to advanced fry stage in barren, semi-natural, and physically enriched environments and compared them with regard to pre-stress and post-stress levels of whole-body cortisol, blood glucose, brain serotonergic activity (5HIAA/5HT ratio), dopaminergic activity (DOPAC/DA and HVA/DA ratios) and norepinephrine (NE) levels. Significantly low basal whole-body cortisol, glucose and brain NE levels were observed in a physically enriched group of fish as compared to the other two groups. However, after acute stress, all rearing groups showed elevated levels of cortisol, blood glucose, brain 5HIAA/5HT, DOPAC/DA and HVA/DA ratios and NE levels but the magnitude of response was different among different rearing groups. The barren reared group showed a higher magnitude of response as compared to semi-natural and physically enriched groups. Similarly, the recovery rate of whole-body cortisol, blood glucose, and whole-brain monoamines were long-lasting in barren-reared mahseer. We illustrate that increased structural complexity (physical enrichment) during the early rearing significantly modulates various physiological and stress-coping mechanisms of mahseer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imdad Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology, Havelian, Abbottabad, Pakistan.
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, PO Box 593, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Amina Zuberi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Humaira Rehman
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zulfiqar Ali
- Department of Statistics, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Per-Ove Thörnqvist
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, PO Box 593, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Svante Winberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, PO Box 593, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
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13
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Leite-Ferreira ME, Araujo-Silva H, Luchiari AC. Individual Differences in Hatching Time Predict Alcohol Response in Zebrafish. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:166. [PMID: 31396063 PMCID: PMC6664016 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There are significant individual differences in response to alcohol: some people seem to exhibit higher alcohol sensitivity, while others are more resistant. These differences are related to alcohol metabolism, inherited traits, environmental/social pressure, personal habits and other indeterminate causes. In order to test how individual differences in hatching time are related to behavioral response to different alcohol concentrations, we separated zebrafish larvae into two categories according to egg emergence time: eggs hatched between 48 and 72 hours post-fertilization (hpf) were considered early emerging (EE), while those hatched from 72 to 96 hpf were considered late emerging (LE). On the 30th day post fertilization, EE and LE fish were exposed to four alcohol concentrations: 0.00% (control), 0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50%, and behavior was recorded for 60 min. We observed average and maximum swimming speed, distance traveled, and freezing time (immobility that indicates state of anxiety). For EE fish, 0.10% alcohol did not change behavior, while 0.25% and 0.50% increased freezing and decreased locomotion. By contrast, LE fish increased locomotion when exposed to both 0.10 and 0.25% alcohol, and increased freezing time at 0.50% alcohol. These results show that zebrafish behavioral profiles exhibit different sensitivities to alcohol, likely due to traits that can be tracked from early life stages and may indicate individuals’ predisposition to alcohol tolerance and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisa Leite-Ferreira
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Comportamento, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Heloysa Araujo-Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Comportamento, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Luchiari
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Comportamento, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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14
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Gesto M. Consistent individual competitive ability in rainbow trout as a proxy for coping style and its lack of correlation with cortisol responsiveness upon acute stress. Physiol Behav 2019; 208:112576. [PMID: 31207270 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
For a given fish species, individuals are different in their ability to cope with stressors; each individual has its own set of physiological and behavioral responses to stress (stress-coping style). This individual diversity is of importance when considering the welfare of fish reared in aquaculture facilities. In this study with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) we investigated the link between the ability to compete for food of each individual (used as a proxy of dominance behavior/proactive stress-coping style) and its ability to cope with stress; we hypothesized that fish that are better competitors would be more robust against common aquaculture stressors. We screened 680 rainbow trout individuals for competition ability. This was done by submitting groups of 20 individuals to a 1-week competition trial where they were kept at low stocking density and were provided a restricted amount of food. A 15% of the screened fish were selected as "winners" and another 15% were selected as "losers", based on growth rates during the competition trials. Fish were re-tested in a second competition trial after several weeks, to assess for consistency of competitive ability. Winner and loser fish were individually exposed to confinement and their neuroendocrine stress response was evaluated (serotonergic activity in telencephalon and brain stem, plasma levels of cortisol, glucose and lactate). Furthermore, behavioral responses to confinement and net restraining tests were also investigated. The results showed good temporal consistency of competitive ability in the lapse of time of the experiments. Besides, competitive ability showed a positive association to fish activity during the net restraining tests. However, plasma stress marker data showed a lack of relevant differences between the acute stress responses of winner and loser fish, adding up to the body of evidence suggesting that stress responsiveness might not be consistently linked to SCS in vertebrates. This, together with the inability of winner fish to outperform loser fish in usual stocking density conditions, suggests that there is no clear welfare or performance benefits in selecting fish of a specific coping style for fish farming, at least in the domesticated trout population used in the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Gesto
- Section for Aquaculture, DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark, Willemoesvej 2, 9850 Hirtshals, Denmark.
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15
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Damsgård B, Evensen TH, Øverli Ø, Gorissen M, Ebbesson LOE, Rey S, Höglund E. Proactive avoidance behaviour and pace-of-life syndrome in Atlantic salmon. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:181859. [PMID: 31032038 PMCID: PMC6458412 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Individuals in a fish population differ in key life-history traits such as growth rate and body size. This raises the question of whether such traits cluster along a fast-slow growth continuum according to a pace-of-life syndrome (POLS). Fish species like salmonids may develop a bimodal size distribution, providing an opportunity to study the relationships between individual growth and behavioural responsiveness. Here we test whether proactive characteristics (bold behaviour coupled with low post-stress cortisol production) are related to fast growth and developmental rate in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. Boldness was tested in a highly controlled two-tank hypoxia test were oxygen levels were gradually decreased in one of the tanks. All fish became inactive close to the bottom at 70% oxygen saturation. At 40% oxygen saturation level a fraction of the fish actively sought to avoid hypoxia. A proactive stress coping style was verified by lower cortisol response to a standardized stressor. Two distinct clusters of bimodal growth trajectories were identified, with fast growth and early smoltification in 80% of the total population. There was a higher frequency of proactive than reactive individuals in this fast-developing fraction of fish. The smolts were associated with higher post-stress plasma cortisol than parr, and the proactive smolts leaving hypoxia had significant lower post-stress cortisol than the stayers. The study demonstrated a link between a proactive coping and fast growth and developmental ratio and suggests that selection for domestic production traits promotes this trait cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Børge Damsgård
- The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), 9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
- Nofima, 9291 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Øyvind Øverli
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 0454 Oslo, Norway
| | - Marnix Gorissen
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Institute of Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, 6525AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sonia Rey
- Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA Stirling, UK
| | - Erik Höglund
- Center of Coastal Research, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
- Norwegian Institute of Water Research, 0349 Oslo, Norway
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16
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Maiti U, Sadowska ET, ChrzĄścik KM, Koteja P. Experimental evolution of personality traits: open-field exploration in bank voles from a multidirectional selection experiment. Curr Zool 2018; 65:375-384. [PMID: 31413710 PMCID: PMC6688576 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Evolution of complex physiological adaptations could be driven by natural selection acting on behavioral traits. Consequently, animal personality traits and their correlation with physiological traits have become an engaging research area. Here, we applied a unique experimental evolution model-lines of bank voles selected for (A) high exercise-induced aerobic metabolism, (H) ability to cope with low-quality herbivorous diet, and (P) intensity of predatory behavior, that is, traits shaping evolutionary path and diversity of mammals-and asked how the selection affected the voles' personality traits, assessed in an open field test. The A- and P-line voles were more active, whereas the H-line voles were less active, compared those from unselected control lines (C). H-line voles moved slower but on more meandering trajectories, which indicated a more thorough exploration, whereas the A- and P-line voles moved faster and on straighter trajectories. A-line voles showed also an increased escape propensity, whereas P-line voles tended to be bolder. The remarkable correlated responses to the selection indicate a common genetic underlying mechanism of behavioral and physiological traits, and support the paradigm of evolutionary physiology built around the concept of correlated evolution of behavior and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttaran Maiti
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa, Kraków, Poland
| | - Edyta T Sadowska
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna M ChrzĄścik
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa, Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł Koteja
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa, Kraków, Poland
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17
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Rosengren M, Thörnqvist PO, Winberg S, Sundell K. The brain-gut axis of fish: Rainbow trout with low and high cortisol response show innate differences in intestinal integrity and brain gene expression. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 257:235-245. [PMID: 28947388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.09.020] [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: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In fish, the stress hormone cortisol is released through the action of the hypothalamic pituitary interrenal axis (HPI-axis). The reactivity of this axis differs between individuals and previous studies have linked this to different behavioural characteristics and stress coping styles. In the current study, low and high responding (LR and HR) rainbow trout in terms of cortisol release during stress were identified, using a repeated confinements stress test. The expression of stress related genes in the forebrain and the integrity of the stress sensitive primary barrier of the intestine was examined. The HR trout displayed higher expression levels of mineralocorticoid and serotonergic receptors and serotonergic re-uptake pumps in the telencephalon during both basal and stressed conditions. This confirms that HPI-axis reactivity is linked also to other neuronal behavioural modulators, as both the serotonergic and the corticoid system in the telencephalon are involved in behavioural reactivity and cognitive processes. Involvement of the HPI-axis in the brain-gut-axis was also found. LR trout displayed a lower integrity in the primary barrier of the intestine during basal conditions compared to the HR trout. However, following stress exposure, LR trout showed an unexpected increase in intestinal integrity whereas the HR trout instead suffered a reduction. This could make the LR individuals more susceptible to pathogens during basal conditions where instead HR individuals would be more vulnerable during stressed conditions. We hypothesize that these barrier differences are caused by regulation/effects on tight junction proteins possibly controlled by secondary effects of cortisol on the intestinal immune barrier or differences in parasympathetic reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Rosengren
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box: 463, SE-405 31 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Per-Ove Thörnqvist
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, PO Box: 593, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Svante Winberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, PO Box: 593, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Kristina Sundell
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box: 463, SE-405 31 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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18
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Backström T, Winberg S. Serotonin Coordinates Responses to Social Stress-What We Can Learn from Fish. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:595. [PMID: 29163002 PMCID: PMC5669303 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Social interaction is stressful and subordinate individuals are often subjected to chronic stress, which greatly affects both their behavior and physiology. In teleost fish the social position of an individual may have long-term effects, such as effects on migration, age of sexual maturation or even sex. The brain serotonergic system plays a key role in coordinating autonomic, behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses. Social subordination results in a chronic activation of the brain serotonergic system an effect, which seems to be central in the subordinate phenotype. However, behavioral effects of short-term acute activation of the serotonergic system are less obvious. As in other vertebrates, divergent stress coping styles, often referred to as proactive and reactive, has been described in teleosts. As demonstrated by selective breeding, stress coping styles appear to be partly heritable. However, teleost fish are characterized by plasticity, stress coping style being affected by social experience. Again, the brain serotonergic system appears to play an important role. Studies comparing brain gene expression of fish of different social rank and/or displaying divergent stress coping styles have identified several novel factors that seem important for controlling aggressive behavior and stress coping, e.g., histamine and hypocretin/orexin. These may also interact with brain monoaminergic systems, including serotonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Backström
- Institute of Integrated Natural Sciences, University Koblenz-Landau, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Svante Winberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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19
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Gesto M, Skov PV, Jokumsen A. Emergence Time and Skin Melanin Spot Patterns Do Not Correlate with Growth Performance, Social Competitive Ability or Stress Response in Farmed Rainbow Trout. Front Neurosci 2017. [PMID: 28638317 PMCID: PMC5461272 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In wild salmonid fish, specific individual behavioral traits have been correlated with the timing of fry emergence from their gravel spawning nests; Early emerging fish display more aggressive behavior and have a higher probability of becoming socially dominant, compared to fish that emerge at a later stage. Apart from aggression and dominance, other behavioral and metabolic traits, such as boldness, metabolic rate, or growth, have also been linked to emergence time. Altogether, the traits of early- and late-emerging fish resemble those of the proactive and reactive stress-coping style, respectively. As proactive fish are considered more resilient to stress, it may be desirable to select these for aquaculture production. However, it is currently unclear to what extent the link between emergence time and stress-coping styles is maintained in the selective breeding of farmed fish. In the present study, eyed eggs from a commercial supplier were hatched, and larvae fractionated according to their emergence time. Later on, juvenile fish from different emergence fractions were subjected to a stress challenge and also tested to evaluate their competitive ability for food. Beyond some slight dissimilarities in the acute stress responses, emergence fraction displayed no correlation with growth rates, or the ability to compete for feed. Within the whole group of fish utilized in the experiments, no relationship between skin melanin spot pattern and growth performance, stress response intensity, or competitive ability was found. Altogether, the differences in physiological traits related to emergence time were not as strong as those found in earlier studies. It is hypothesized, that the origin and degree of domestication of the fish might be partly responsible for this. The predictive value of skin spots or emergence time to infer the fish stress coping style in farmed fish is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Gesto
- Section for Aquaculture, North Sea Research Centre, DTU Aqua, Technical University of DenmarkHirtshals, Denmark
| | - Peter V Skov
- Section for Aquaculture, North Sea Research Centre, DTU Aqua, Technical University of DenmarkHirtshals, Denmark
| | - Alfred Jokumsen
- Section for Aquaculture, North Sea Research Centre, DTU Aqua, Technical University of DenmarkHirtshals, Denmark
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20
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High risk no gain-metabolic performance of hatchery reared Atlantic salmon smolts, effects of nest emergence time, hypoxia avoidance behaviour and size. Physiol Behav 2017; 175:104-112. [PMID: 28342770 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
When animals are reared for conservational releases it is paramount to avoid reducing genetic and phenotypic variation over time. This requires an understanding of how diverging behavioural and physiological traits affect performance both in captivity and after release. In Atlantic salmon, emergence time from the spawning gravel has been linked to certain behavioural and physiological characteristics and to the concept of stress coping styles. Early emerging fry has for example been shown to be bolder and more aggressive and to have higher standard metabolic rates compared to late emerging fry. The first aim was therefore to examine if emergence latency affect the behavioural stress coping response also beyond the fry and parr stage. This was done using a hypoxia avoidance test, where an active behavioural avoidance response can be related to higher risk taking. No behavioural differences were found between the two emergence fractions either at the parr or pre-smolt stage, instead smaller individuals were more prone to express an "active" hypoxia avoidance response. Further, an individual expressing a "passive" response as parr were also more prone to express this behaviour at the pre-smolt stage. While there are some previous studies showing that early emerging individuals with a bolder personality may be favored within a hatchery setting it is not known to what extent these early differences persist to affect performance after release. The second aim was therefore to compare the physiological performance at the time of release as smolts using the two subgroups; 1) early emerging fish showing active hypoxia avoidance (Early+Bold) and 2) late emerging fish showing a passive hypoxia response (Late+Shy). The Early+Bold group showed a higher red blood cell swelling, suggesting a higher adrenergic output during stress, whereas there was no difference in post-stress plasma cortisol or physiological smolt status. While there was no difference in standard metabolic rate between the groups, the Early+Bold group exhibited a lower maximum metabolic rate and aerobic scope following strenuous swimming. In captivity this may have no clear negative effects, but in the wild, a more risk prone behavioural profile linked to a lower aerobic capacity to escape from e.g. a predator attack, could clearly be disadvantageous.
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21
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Vindas MA, Gorissen M, Höglund E, Flik G, Tronci V, Damsgård B, Thörnqvist PO, Nilsen TO, Winberg S, Øverli Ø, Ebbesson LOE. How do individuals cope with stress? Behavioural, physiological and neuronal differences between proactive and reactive coping styles in fish. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 220:1524-1532. [PMID: 28167808 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.153213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite the use of fish models to study human mental disorders and dysfunctions, knowledge of regional telencephalic responses in non-mammalian vertebrates expressing alternative stress coping styles is poor. As perception of salient stimuli associated with stress coping in mammals is mainly under forebrain limbic control, we tested region-specific forebrain neural (i.e. mRNA abundance and monoamine neurochemistry) and endocrine responses under basal and acute stress conditions for previously characterised proactive and reactive Atlantic salmon. Reactive fish showed a higher degree of the neurogenesis marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (pcna) and dopamine activity under basal conditions in the proposed hippocampus homologue (Dl) and higher post-stress plasma cortisol levels. Proactive fish displayed higher post-stress serotonergic signalling (i.e. higher serotonergic activity and expression of the 5-HT1A receptor) in the proposed amygdala homologue (Dm), increased expression of the neuroplasticity marker brain-derived neurotropic factor (bdnf) in both Dl and the lateral septum homologue (Vv), as well as increased expression of the corticotropin releasing factor 1 (crf1 ) receptor in the Dl, in line with active coping neuro-profiles reported in the mammalian literature. We present novel evidence of proposed functional equivalences in the fish forebrain with mammalian limbic structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A Vindas
- Uni Environment, Uni Research AS, Bergen NO-5020, Norway .,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo NO-0316, Norway
| | - Marnix Gorissen
- Radboud University, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Department of Animal Ecology & Physiology, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Höglund
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Hirtshals DK-9850, Denmark
| | - Gert Flik
- Radboud University, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Department of Animal Ecology & Physiology, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | | | - Børge Damsgård
- The University Centre of Svalbard, Longyearbyen NO-9171, Norway.,Nofima, Tromsø NO-9291, Norway
| | - Per-Ove Thörnqvist
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-75124, Sweden
| | - Tom O Nilsen
- Uni Environment, Uni Research AS, Bergen NO-5020, Norway
| | - Svante Winberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-75124, Sweden
| | - Øyvind Øverli
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo NO-0033, Norway
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22
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Moltesen M, Laursen DC, Thörnqvist PO, Andersson MÅ, Winberg S, Höglund E. Effects of acute and chronic stress on telencephalic neurochemistry and gene expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 219:3907-3914. [PMID: 27802140 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.139857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
By filtering relevant sensory inputs and initiating stress responses, the brain is an essential organ in stress coping and adaptation. However, exposure to chronic or repeated stress can lead to allostatic overload, where neuroendocrinal and behavioral reactions to stress become maladaptive. This work examines forebrain mechanisms involved in allostatic processes in teleost fishes. Plasma cortisol, forebrain serotonergic (5-HTergic) neurochemistry, and mRNA levels of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP), CRF receptors (CRFR1 and CRFR2), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), glucocorticoid receptors (GR1 and GR2) and serotonin type 1A (5-HT1A) receptors (5-HT1Aα and 5-HT1Aβ) were investigated at 1 h before and 0, 1 and 4 h after acute stress, in two groups of rainbow trout held in densities of 25 and 140 kg m-3 for 28 days. Generally, being held at 140 kg m-3 resulted in a less pronounced cortisol response. This effect was also reflected in lower forebrain 5-HTergic turnover, but not in mRNA levels in any of the investigated genes. This lends further support to reports that allostatic load causes fish to be incapable of mounting a proper cortisol response to an acute stressor, and suggests that changes in forebrain 5-HT metabolism are involved in allostatic processes in fish. Independent of rearing densities, mRNA levels of 5-HT1Aα and MR were downregulated 4 h post-stress compared with values 1 h post-stress, suggesting that these receptors are under feedback control and take part in the downregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis after exposure to an acute stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Moltesen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 4th Floor, Copenhagen Ø DK-2100, Denmark.,Section for Aquaculture, Institute for Aquatic Resources, Danish Technical University, P.O. Box 101, Hirtshals DK-9850, Denmark
| | - Danielle Caroline Laursen
- Section for Aquaculture, Institute for Aquatic Resources, Danish Technical University, P.O. Box 101, Hirtshals DK-9850, Denmark
| | - Per-Ove Thörnqvist
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 593, Uppsala SE-75124, Sweden
| | - Madelene Åberg Andersson
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, P.O. Box 188, Lund SE-22100, Sweden
| | - Svante Winberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 593, Uppsala SE-75124, Sweden
| | - Erik Höglund
- Section for Aquaculture, Institute for Aquatic Resources, Danish Technical University, P.O. Box 101, Hirtshals DK-9850, Denmark .,Norwegian Institute for Water Research, NIVA, Gaustadalléen 21NO-0349, Oslo, Norway
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23
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Fokos S, Pavlidis M, Yiotis T, Tsalafouta A, Papandroulakis N, Dermon CR. Early life low intensity stress experience modifies acute stress effects on juvenile brain cell proliferation of European sea bass (D. Labrax). Behav Brain Res 2016; 317:109-121. [PMID: 27638037 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Early life adversity may be critical for the brain structural plasticity that in turn would influence juvenile behaviour. To address this, we questioned whether early life environment has an impact on stress responses latter in life, using European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, as a model organism. Unpredictable chronic low intensity stress (UCLIS), using a variety of moderate intensity stressors, was applied during two early ontogenetic stages, flexion or formation all fins. At juvenile stage, fish were exposed to acute stress and plasma cortisol, brain mRNA expression of corticosteroid receptors' genes (gr1, gr2, mr) and brain cell proliferation (using BrdU immunohistochemistry) were determined in experimental and matched controls. UCLIS treatment specifically decreased brain gr1 expression in juveniles, but had no effect on the juvenile brain cell proliferation pattern within the major neurogenic zones studied of dorsal (Dm, Dld) and ventral (Vv) telencephalic, preoptic (NPO) areas, periventricular tectum gray zone (PGZ) and valvula cerebellum (VCe). In contrast, exposure to acute stress induced significant plasma cortisol rise, decreases of cerebral cell proliferation in juveniles, not previously exposed to UCLIS, but no effect detected on the expression levels of gr1, gr2 and mr in all groups of different early life history. Interestingly, juveniles with UCLIS history showed modified responses to acute stress, attenuating acute stress-induced cell proliferation decreases, indicating a long-lasting effect of early life treatment. Taken together, early life mild stress experience influences an acute stress plasticity end-point, cerebral cell proliferation, independently of the stress-axis activation, possibly leading to more effective coping styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fokos
- Dept. of Biology, Human and Animal Physiology Lab, University of Patras, Greece(1)
| | - M Pavlidis
- Dept. of Biology, University of Crete, Greece
| | - T Yiotis
- Dept. of Biology, Human and Animal Physiology Lab, University of Patras, Greece(1)
| | - A Tsalafouta
- Dept. of Biology, University of Crete, Greece; Aquaculture Institute, Hellenic Centre Marine Research, Crete, Greece
| | - N Papandroulakis
- Aquaculture Institute, Hellenic Centre Marine Research, Crete, Greece
| | - C R Dermon
- Dept. of Biology, Human and Animal Physiology Lab, University of Patras, Greece(1).
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24
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Tierney KB. Chemical avoidance responses of fishes. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 174:228-241. [PMID: 26970365 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The hydrosphere is a repository for all of our waste and mistakes, be they sewage, garbage, process-affected waters, runoff, and gases. For fish living in environments receiving undesirable inputs, moving away seems an obvious way to avoid harm. While this should occur, there are numerous examples where it will not. The inability to avoid harmful environments may lead to sensory impairments that in turn limit the ability to avoid other dangers or locate benefits. For avoidance to occur, the danger must first be perceived, which may not happen if the fish is 'blinded' in some capacity. Second, the danger must be recognized for what it is, which may also not happen if the fish is cognitively confused or impaired. Third, it is possible that the fish may not be able to leave the area, or worse, learns to prefer a toxic environment. Concerning generating regulations around avoidance, there are two possibilities: that an avoidance threshold be used to set guidelines for effluent release with the intention of driving fishes away; the second is to set a contaminant concentration that would not affect the avoidance or attraction responses to other cues. With the complexities of the modern world in which we release diverse pollutants, from light to municipal effluents full of 1000s of chemicals, to the diversity present in ecosystems, it is impossible to have avoidance data on every stimulus-species combination. Nevertheless, we may be able to use existing avoidance response data to predict the likelihood of avoidance of untested stimuli. Where we cannot, this review includes a framework that can be used to direct new research. This review is intended to collate existing avoidance response data, provide a framework for making decisions in the absence of data, and suggest studies that would facilitate the prediction of risk to fish health in environments receiving intentional and unintentional human-based chemical inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith B Tierney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, T6 G 2E9, Canada.
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Winberg S, Thörnqvist PO. Role of brain serotonin in modulating fish behavior. Curr Zool 2016; 62:317-323. [PMID: 29491919 PMCID: PMC5804243 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The organization of the brain serotonergic system appears to have been highly conserved across the vertebrate subphylum. In fish as well as in other vertebrates, brain serotonin (5-HT), mainly acts as a neuromodulator with complex effects on multiple functions. It is becoming increasingly clear that acute and chronic increase in brain 5-HT neurotransmission have very different effects. An acute 5-HT activation, which is seen in both winners and losers of agonistic interactions, could be related to a general arousal effect, whereas the chronic activation observed in subordinate fish is clearly linked to the behavioral inhibition displayed by these individuals. Fish displaying divergent stress coping styles (proactive vs. reactive) differ in 5-HT functions. In teleost fish, brain monoaminergic function is also related to life history traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svante Winberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Comparative Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Lab, Uppsala University, Box 593, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per-Ove Thörnqvist
- Department of Neuroscience, Comparative Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Lab, Uppsala University, Box 593, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
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Moltesen M, Vindas MA, Winberg S, Ebbesson L, de Lourdes Ruiz-Gomez M, Skov PV, Dabelsteen T, Øverli Ø, Höglund E. Cognitive appraisal of aversive stimulus differs between individuals with contrasting stress coping styles; evidences from selected rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) strains. BEHAVIOUR 2016. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In animals, personality variations in response to stress and energy demands have been established. Cognitive processing of negative stimuli correlates with stress response patterns. Still, the relative contribution of cognitive appraisal or physiological demands to the behavioural output needs to be clarified. In this study we utilized reactive (high-responsive, HR) and proactive (low-responsive, LR) rainbow trout strains to investigate how contrasting reactions to hypoxia are related to individual variation in metabolism and/or cognition. The HR-LR strains did not differ in standard metabolic rate or hypoxia tolerance. HR trout displayed more pronounced avoidance to a signal cue after being conditioned with hypoxia, suggesting that they experienced this stimulus more aversive than LR trout. Together with differences in forebrain c-fos activation patterns in dorsomedial pallium, these results suggest cognitive differences between the strains. These results demonstrate that differences in personality/stress coping style can be related to contrasts in cognition, which are independent of metabolic differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Moltesen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, building 3, 4th floor, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Section for Aquaculture, Institute for Aquatic Resources, Danish Technical University, P.O. Box 101, DK-9850 Hirtshals, Denmark
| | - Marco Antonio Vindas
- Integrative Fish Biology, Uni Research Environment, Uni Research, P.O. Box 7803, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Svante Winberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 593, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Ebbesson
- Integrative Fish Biology, Uni Research Environment, Uni Research, P.O. Box 7803, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria de Lourdes Ruiz-Gomez
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Mexico, Instituto Literario Numero 100 Centro, Toluca, C.P. 50000, Mexico
| | - Peter Vilhelm Skov
- Section for Aquaculture, Institute for Aquatic Resources, Danish Technical University, P.O. Box 101, DK-9850 Hirtshals, Denmark
| | - Torben Dabelsteen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, building 3, 4th floor, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Øyvind Øverli
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Erik Höglund
- Section for Aquaculture, Institute for Aquatic Resources, Danish Technical University, P.O. Box 101, DK-9850 Hirtshals, Denmark
- Niva Region South, Norsk institutt for vannforskning, Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway
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