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Titon Junior B, Barsotti AMG, Titon SCM, Vaz RI, de Figueiredo AC, Vasconcelos-Teixeira R, Navas CA, Gomes FR. Baseline and stress-induced steroid plasma levels and immune function vary annually and are associated with vocal activity in male toads (Rhinella icterica). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 354:114517. [PMID: 38615755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Theoretical models predict that elevated androgen and glucocorticoid levels in males during the reproductive season promote immunosuppression. However, some studies report decreased stress response during this season. This study investigated annual variation in plasma corticosterone and testosterone levels, plasma bacterial killing ability (BKA), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in free-living male toads (Rhinella icterica). Toads were sampled in the field (baseline) and 1 h-post restraint over five months, and we considered the occurrence of vocal activity. Baseline corticosterone, testosterone, and BKA showed higher values during the reproductive period, specifically in calling male toads. The NLR was similar throughout the year, but higher values were observed in calling toads. Moreover, baseline NLR and BKA were positively correlated with both testosterone and corticosterone, suggesting higher steroid levels during reproduction are associated with enhanced cellular and humoral immunity. Despite fluctuation of baseline values, post-restraint corticosterone levels remained uniform over the year, indicating that toads reached similar maximum values throughout the year. Testosterone levels decreased following restraint before one specific reproductive period but increased in response to restraint during and after this period. Meanwhile, BKA decreased due to restraint only after the reproductive period, indicating immune protection and resilience to immunosuppression by stressors associated with steroid hormones during reproduction. Our results show that baseline and stress-induced hormonal and immune regulation varies throughout the year and are associated with vocal activity in R. icterica males, indicating a possible compromise between steroids and immune function in anuran males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braz Titon Junior
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
| | | | | | - Renata Ibelli Vaz
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Aymam Cobo de Figueiredo
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Carlos A Navas
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
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2
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Ringler E, Dellefont K, Peignier M, Canoine V. Water-borne testosterone levels predict exploratory tendency in male poison frogs. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 346:114416. [PMID: 38000762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Hormones play a fundamental role in mediating social behaviors of animals. However, it is less well understood to what extent behavioral variation between individuals can be attributed to variation in underlying hormonal profiles. The goal of the present study was to infer if individual androgen levels, and/or the modulation thereof, can explain among-individual variation in aggressiveness, boldness and exploration. We used as a model the dart-poison frog Allobates femoralis and took repeated non-invasive water-borne hormonal samples of individual males before (baseline) and after (experimental) a series of behavioral tests for assessing aggression, boldness, and exploratory tendency. Our results show that androgen levels in A. femoralis are quite stable across the reproductive season. Repeatability in wbT baseline levels was high, while time of day, age of the frog, and trial order did not show any significant impact on measured wbT levels. In general, experimental wbT levels after behavioral tests were lower compared to the respective baseline levels. However, we identified two different patterns with regard to androgen modulation in response to behavioral testing: individuals with low baseline wbT tended to have increased wbT levels after the behavioral testing, while individuals with comparatively high baseline wbT levels rather showed a decrease in hormonal levels after testing. Our results also suggest that baseline wbT levels are linked to the personality trait exploration, and that androgen modulation is linked to boldness in A. femoralis males. These results show that differences in hormonal profiles and/or hormonal modulation in response to social challenges can indeed explain among-individual differences in behavioral traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ringler
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katharina Dellefont
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mélissa Peignier
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Virginie Canoine
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Baugh AT. Male Cope's gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) in amplexus have elevated and correlated steroid hormones compared to solitary males. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 345:114391. [PMID: 37844651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal steroid hormones are typically elevated during the breeding season-a finding known as an associated reproductive pattern. Though less studied, there is also evidence, in both sexes, for elevated adrenal/interrenal steroids, including acute elevations on the day of mating. I investigated gonadal and interrenal steroids in wild male Cope's gray treefrogs at breeding aggregations. I collected blood from males found in amplexus with female mates (amplexed males) and males sampled at the same time and location that were actively advertising vocally and without a mate (solo males). Concentrations of plasma corticosterone, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol (CORT, T and E2, respectively) were validated and measured. These two categories of males differed in four ways: (1) amplexed males exhibited significantly elevated concentrations of all three steroids compared to solo males (CORT: +347 %; T: +60 %; and E2: +43 %); (2) these hormone profiles alone accurately predicted male mating category with ca. 83 % accuracy using a discriminant function analysis; (3) amplexed males exhibited significant between-hormone correlations (T and E2 were positively correlated and CORT and E2 were negatively correlated) whereas no correlations were found in solo males; (4) amplexed males showed a negative correlation with CORT concentration and the time of night, whereas no such pattern was present in solo males. These findings suggest an acute and strong coactivation of the interrenal and gonadal axes that could drive phenotypic integration during this fitness-determining moment. I discuss these findings and suggest experiments to determine causation, including the role of motor behavior driving endocrine states and the role of female selection on endocrine profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Baugh
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, 500 College Avenue, Singer Hall, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA.
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4
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Love N, Preininger D, Fuxjager MJ. Social regulation of androgenic hormones and gestural display behavior in a tropical frog. Horm Behav 2023; 155:105425. [PMID: 37683499 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Many animals use forms of gesture and dance to communicate with conspecifics in the breeding season, though the mechanisms of this behavior are rarely studied. Here, we investigate the hormone basis of such visual signal behavior in Bornean rocks frogs (Staurois parvus). Our results show that males aggregating at breeding waterfalls have higher testosterone (T) levels, and we speculate that this hormone increase is caused by social cues associated with sexual competition. To this end, we find that T levels in frogs at the waterfall positively predict the number waving gestures-or "foot flags"-that males perform while competing with rivals. By contrast, T does not predict differences in male calling behavior. In these frogs, vocal displays are used largely as an alert signal to direct a rival's attention to the foot flag; thus, our results are consistent with the view that factors related to reproductive context drive up T levels to mediate displays most closely linked to male-male combat, which in this case is the frog's elaborate gestural routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nya Love
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, USA
| | - Doris Preininger
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Austria; Vienna Zoo, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthew J Fuxjager
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, USA.
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5
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Gomes FR, Madelaire CB, Moretti EH, Titon SCM, Assis VR. Immunoendocrinology and Ecoimmunology in Brazilian Anurans. Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:1654-1670. [PMID: 35411921 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews several aspects of immunoendocrinology and ecoimmunology in Brazilian species of anurans under investigation for more than a decade, including (1) patterns of annual covariation of circulating steroids, calling behavior and innate immunity, (2) endocrine and immune correlates of calling performance, (3) behavioral and physiological correlates of parasite load, (4) thermal sensitivity of immune function, and (5) endocrine and immunomodulation by experimental exposure to acute and chronic stressors, as well as to endocrine manipulations and simulated infections. Integrated results have shown an immunoprotective role of increased steroid plasma levels during reproductive activity in calling males. Moreover, a higher helminth parasite load is associated with changes in several behavioral and physiological traits under field conditions. We also found anuran innate immunity is generally characterized by eurythermy, with maximal performance observed in temperatures close to normal and fever thermal preferendum. Moreover, the aerobic scope of innate immune response is decreased at fever thermal preferendum. Experimental exposure to stressors results in increased corticosterone plasma levels and immune redistribution, with an impact on immune function depending on the duration of the stress exposure. Interestingly, the fate of immunomodulation by chronic stressors also depends in part on individual body condition. Acute treatment with corticosterone generally enhances immune function, while prolonged exposure results in immunosuppression. Still, the results of hormonal treatment are complex and depend on the dose, duration of treatment, and the immune variable considered. Finally, simulated infection results in complex modulation of the expression of cytokines, increased immune function, activation of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Interrenal axis, and decreased activity of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal axis, as well as reduced melatonin plasma levels, suggesting that anurans have a functional Immune-Pineal axis, homologous to that previously described for mammals. These integrated and complementary approaches have contributed to a better understanding of physiological mechanisms and processes, as well as ecological and evolutionary implications of anuran immunoendocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brasil
| | - Carla Bonetti Madelaire
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brasil.,School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Eduardo Hermógenes Moretti
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes, 1730, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brasil
| | - Stefanny Christie Monteiro Titon
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brasil
| | - Vania Regina Assis
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brasil
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6
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Rodríguez C, Fusani L, Raboisson G, Hödl W, Ringler E, Canoine V. Androgen responsiveness to simulated territorial intrusions in Allobates femoralis males: Evidence supporting the challenge hypothesis in a territorial frog. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 326:114046. [PMID: 35472315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Territoriality has been widely described across many animal taxa, where the acquisition and defence of a territory are critical for the fitness of an individual. Extensive evidence suggests that androgens are involved in the modulation of territorial behaviours in male vertebrates. Short-term increase of androgen following a territorial encounter appears to favour the outcome of a challenge. The "Challenge Hypothesis" proposed by Wingfield and colleagues outlines the existence of a positive feedback relationship between androgen and social challenges (e.g., territorial intrusions) in male vertebrates. Here we tested the challenge hypothesis in the highly territorial poison frog, Allobates femoralis, in its natural habitat by exposing males to simulated territorial intrusions in the form of acoustic playbacks. We quantified repeatedly androgen concentrations of individual males via a non-invasive water-borne sampling approach. Our results show that A. femoralis males exhibited a positive behavioural and androgenic response after being confronted to simulated territorial intrusions, providing support for the Challenge Hypothesis in a territorial frog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Rodríguez
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Leonida Fusani
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gaëlle Raboisson
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Hödl
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Ringler
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Canoine
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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7
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Dantzer B, Newman AEM. Expanding the frame around social dynamics and glucocorticoids: From hierarchies within the nest to competitive interactions among species. Horm Behav 2022; 144:105204. [PMID: 35689971 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The effect of the social environment on individual state or condition has largely focused on glucocorticoid levels (GCs). As metabolic hormones whose production can be influenced by nutritional, physical, or psychosocial stressors, GCs are a valuable (though singular) measure that may reflect the degree of "stress" experienced by an individual. Most work to date has focused on how social rank influences GCs in group-living species or how predation risk influences GCs in prey. This work has been revealing, but a more comprehensive assessment of the social environment is needed to fully understand how different features of the social environment influence GCs in both group living and non-group living species and across life history stages. Just as there can be intense within-group competition among adult conspecifics, it bears appreciating there can also be competition among siblings from the same brood, among adult conspecifics that do not live in groups, or among heterospecifics. In these situations, dominance hierarchies typically emerge, albeit, do dominants or subordinate individuals or species have higher GCs? We examine the degree of support for hypotheses derived from group-living species about whether differential GCs between dominants and subordinates reflect the "stress of subordination" or "costs of dominance" in these other social contexts. By doing so, we aim to test the generality of these two hypotheses and propose new research directions to broaden the lens that focuses on social hierarchies and GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Dantzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 48109 Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 48109, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Amy E M Newman
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
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8
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Feagles O, Höbel G. Mate preferences and choosiness are distinct components of mate choice in Eastern Gray Treefrogs (Hyla versicolor). Am Nat 2022; 200:506-517. [DOI: 10.1086/720730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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9
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Wind Turbine Noise Behaviorally and Physiologically Changes Male Frogs. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040516. [PMID: 35453715 PMCID: PMC9031316 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary We analyzed the behavioral–physiological–immunological interconnected process of Japanese tree frogs (Dryophytes japonicus) during their breeding season when exposed to wind turbine noise. Frogs collected from paddy fields with wind power generators exhibited a faster call rate, higher salivary concentrations of corticosterone, and lower innate immunity. However, frogs exposed to the turbine noise for a short period of time only showed faster call rates. An increase in corticosterone was correlated with an increase in call rate and a decrease in immunity. It seems that the need for energy mobilization due to an increase in the call rate leads to a decrease in innate immunity through an increase in corticosterone. The decrease in immunity due to energy tradeoff or physiological response can change disease epidemiology in the population and create new adaptive patterns within these habitats. Abstract As the advantages of wind energy as an eco-friendly strategy for power generation continue to be revealed, the number of offshore wind farms also increases worldwide. However, wind turbines can induce behavioral and physiological responses in animals by emitting various types of noises. In this study, we investigated the behavioral, physiological, and immunological responses of male Japanese tree frogs (Dryophytes japonicus) when exposed to wind turbine noise. To determine the effects during the breeding season, frogs were collected from areas with and without wind turbines. Additionally, we exposed the frogs to recorded wind turbine noise at a site without a wind generator for 1 h to 24 h to analyze the short-term effects. Three types of calling patterns (dominant frequency, note duration, and call rate) were analyzed to investigate behavioral responses. Physiological responses were assessed using two steroid hormones assays, namely testosterone and corticosterone detection in the saliva. The immunity of each individual was assessed using a bacterial killing assay. The wind turbine group in the field had a higher call rate and corticosterone levels and lower immunity than the group in the field without turbines present, and all three of these variables were correlated with each other. Conversely, in the noise exposure experiment, a higher call rate was only observed post-exposure compared to pre-exposure. Thus, turbine noise seems to induce decreased immunity in Japanese tree frogs as an increase in energy investment that triggers a behavioral response rather than acting as a sole physiological response that leads to a direct increase in corticosterone. This decreased immunity due to energy tradeoff or physiological response can change the disease epidemiology of the population and create new adaptive patterns in these habitats.
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10
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Cassettari BO, Madelaire CB, Gomes FR. Elevated corticosterone levels are associated with increased immunocompetence in male toads, both when calling and under experimental conditions. Horm Behav 2022; 137:105083. [PMID: 34773784 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Circulating androgens can influence immune responses and sexual traits in male vertebrates. However, in the last 20 years, glucocorticoids have also been implicated as a possible source of variation in male sexual traits and immunocompetence. In this context, we studied the relations between male vocal mating display, immunity, androgens, and glucocorticoids in the explosive breeding toad Rhinella granulosa. In the field, males with high calling effort display either high- or low-corticosterone (CORT) plasma levels, but only males with both high calling effort and high CORT plasma levels showed high bacterial killing ability (BKA), suggesting that the acute CORT elevation can be immunostimulatory. CORT treatments increased BKA in laboratory experiments, confirming the functional relationship observed in the field. However, toads treated with a low dose of CORT increased BKA for 10 h after the treatment, while toads that received a high dose increased BKA for only 1 h after the treatment. These results indicate that different CORT doses can result in temporal differences in the immune response. We did not find any relationship between calling effort, immune response (BKA and PHA swelling response), and testosterone plasma levels in the field, or any effects of testosterone treatment on immunocompetence. Our results suggest a complex relationship between calling effort and immunity, mediated by CORT plasma levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Oliveira Cassettari
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, n° 321, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Carla Bonetti Madelaire
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, n° 321, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, n° 321, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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11
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Schou CPE, Levengood AL, Potvin DA. Limited effects of traffic noise on behavioural responses to conspecific mating calls in the eastern sedge frog Litoria fallax. Acta Ethol 2021; 24:217-226. [PMID: 34366558 PMCID: PMC8335461 DOI: 10.1007/s10211-021-00378-7] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise is a pervasive environmental feature across both urban and non-urban habitats and presents a novel challenge especially for acoustically communicating species. While it is known that some species adjust acoustic signals to communicate more effectively in noisy habitats, we know very little about how the receivers of these signals might be impacted by anthropogenic noise. Here, we investigated female and male Litoria fallax frogs’ ability to distinguish between high- and low-quality acoustic signals during the presence of background traffic noise and without. We performed a controlled behavioural experiment whereby frogs were presented with simultaneously broadcasted attractive and unattractive calls from opposing directions, once with background traffic noise and once without. We found that females in particular chose the unattractive call significantly more often (and males significantly less often) when noise was being broadcast. This indicates that anthropogenic noise potentially affects receiver responses to acoustic signals, even when calls are not acoustically masked, with potential consequences for maladaptive mating behaviours and population outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine P E Schou
- Global Change Ecology Research Group, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, QLD Australia
| | - Alexis L Levengood
- Global Change Ecology Research Group, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, QLD Australia
| | - Dominique A Potvin
- Global Change Ecology Research Group, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, QLD Australia
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12
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Silla AJ, Calatayud NE, Trudeau VL. Amphibian reproductive technologies: approaches and welfare considerations. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab011. [PMID: 33763231 PMCID: PMC7976225 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Captive breeding and reintroduction programs have been established for several threatened amphibian species globally, but with varied success. This reflects our relatively poor understanding of the hormonal control of amphibian reproduction and the stimuli required to initiate and complete reproductive events. While the amphibian hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis shares fundamental similarities with both teleosts and tetrapods, there are more species differences than previously assumed. As a result, many amphibian captive breeding programs fail to reliably initiate breeding behaviour, achieve high rates of fertilization or generate large numbers of healthy, genetically diverse offspring. Reproductive technologies have the potential to overcome these challenges but should be used in concert with traditional methods that manipulate environmental conditions (including temperature, nutrition and social environment). Species-dependent methods for handling, restraint and hormone administration (including route and frequency) are discussed to ensure optimal welfare of captive breeding stock. We summarize advances in hormone therapies and discuss two case studies that illustrate some of the challenges and successes with amphibian reproductive technologies: the mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa; USA) and the northern corroboree frog (Pseudophryne pengilleyi; Australia). Further research is required to develop hormone therapies for a greater number of species to boost global conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee J Silla
- Corresponding author: School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - Natalie E Calatayud
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Taronga, Western Plains Zoo, Obley Rd, Dubbo, New South Wales 2830, Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global-Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
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13
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Prado DMA, Gomes FR, Madelaire CB. Effects of corticosterone treatment and wound healing on reproductive traits of American bullfrogs. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 335:275-285. [PMID: 33411410 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
During reproductive season, calling anuran males display high testosterone (T) and episodically high corticosterone (CORT) plasma levels, which are positively associated with higher calling rates and immunocompetence. However, exposure to constant stress stimuli can result in chronically elevated CORT levels, possibly leading to inhibition of reproductive and immune activity. Reproduction and immune responses are energetically expensive, so when an animal is immunologically challenged, a tradeoff might be expressed, with CORT potentially mediating it. Our aim was to test how episodic and chronic CORT treatments, alongside wound healing, would affect reproduction in American bullfrog males (Lithobates catesbeianus). Forty animals were divided in four groups: Episodic CORT (daily transdermic application of CORT), placebo (daily transdermic application of sesame oil), chronic CORT (subcutaneous CORT silastic implants), and sham control (subcutaneous empty silastic implants). One week after treatments began, animals were punctured in the leg with a biopsy needle and the wound was photographed after 45 days to determine wound healing status (WS). Blood samples were collected throughout the experiment to measure CORT and T plasma levels. After animal euthanasia, testes were dissected, fixed, and analyzed histologically to determine spermatogenic activity (germinative cyst [GmC] morphometrics). As expected, the episodic CORT treatment had no effect on T plasma levels or spermatogenic activity. On the other hand, chronic CORT treatment reduced GmC morphometric traits, indicating suppression of reproduction, although T levels were not altered. In addition, animals from sham control and chronic CORT treatments with higher T levels presented higher WS, which indicates an immune-enhancing T effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora M A Prado
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Fernando R Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Carla B Madelaire
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
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Laid-back invaders: Cane toads (Rhinella marina) down-regulate their stress responses as they colonize a harsh climate. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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15
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Félix AS, Roleira A, Oliveira RF. Rising to the challenge? Inter-individual variation of the androgen response to social interactions in cichlid fish. Horm Behav 2020; 124:104755. [PMID: 32380085 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Challenge Hypothesis (Wingfield et al. Am. Nat. 136, 829-846) aims to explain the complex relationship between androgens and social interactions. Despite its well acceptance in the behavioral endocrinology literature, several studies have failed to found an androgen response to staged social interactions. Possible reasons for these inconsistencies are the use of single sampling points that may miss the response peak, and the occurrence of inter-individual variability in the androgen response to social interactions. In this study we addressed these two possible confounding factors by characterizing the temporal pattern of the androgen response to social interactions in the African cichlid, Oreochromis mossambicus, and relating it to inter-individual variation in terms of the individual scope for androgen response (i.e. the difference between baseline and maximum physiological levels for each fish) and behavioral types. We found that the androgen response to territorial intrusions varies between individuals and is related to their scope for response. Individuals that have a lower scope for androgen response did not increase androgens after a territorial intrusion but were more aggressive and exploratory. In contrast males with a higher scope for response had fewer aggressive and exploratory behaviors and exhibited two peaks of KT, an early response 2-15 min after the interaction and a late response at 60-90 min post-interaction. Given that the pharmacological challenge of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonad axis only elicits the late response, we suggest that these two peaks may be regulated by different physiological mechanisms, with the early response being mediated by direct brain-gonad neural pathways. In summary, we suggest that determining the temporal pattern of the androgen response to social interactions and considering inter-individual variation may be the key to understanding the contradictory results of the Challenge Hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Félix
- ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - António Roleira
- ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rui F Oliveira
- ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal; Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal.
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16
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Assis VR, Gardner ST, Smith KM, Gomes FR, Mendonça MT. Stress and immunity: Field comparisons among populations of invasive cane toads in Florida. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:779-791. [PMID: 32488987 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cane toads (Rhinella marina) were introduced worldwide and have become invasive in multiple locations, representing a major driver of biodiversity loss through competition (food, shelter, territory), predation, and the poisoning of native species. These toads have been used in Australia as a model for studies concerning invasion biology and ecoimmunology, as longer-established (core) and invasion front (edge) populations show altered stress and immune response profiles. Although cane toads were also introduced into the United States in the 1950s, these patterns have yet to be evaluated for the populations spanning Florida. Toads introduced into Florida have dispersed primarily northward along a latitudinal gradient, where they encounter cooler temperatures that may further impact stress and immune differences between core and edge populations. In this study, we sampled cane toads from nine different locations spanning their invasion in Florida. Cane toads from southern populations showed higher plasma bacterial killing ability and natural antibody titers than the toads from the northern populations, indicating they have a better immune surveillance system. Also, southern toads were more responsive to a novel stressor (1 hr restraint), showing a higher increase in corticosterone levels. These results indicate that possible trade-offs have occurred between immune and stress responses as these toads have become established in northern cooler areas in Florida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania R Assis
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Steven T Gardner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Kyra M Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Fernando R Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mary T Mendonça
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
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17
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Leary CJ, Baugh AT. Glucocorticoids, male sexual signals, and mate choice by females: Implications for sexual selection. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 288:113354. [PMID: 31830474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We review work relating glucocorticoids (GCs), male sexual signals, and mate choice by females to understand the potential for GCs to modulate the expression of sexually selected traits and how sexual selection potentially feeds back on GC regulation. Our review reveals that the relationship between GC concentrations and the quality of male sexual traits is mixed, regardless of whether studies focused on structural traits (e.g., coloration) or behavioral traits (e.g., vocalizations) or were examined in developmental or activational frameworks. In contrast, the few mate choice experiments that have been done consistently show that females prefer males with low GCs, suggesting that mate choice by females favors males that maintain low levels of GCs. We point out, however, that just as sexual selection can drive the evolution of diverse reproductive strategies, it may also promote diversity in GC regulation. We then shift the focus to females where we highlight evidence indicating that stressors or high GCs can dampen female sexual proceptivity and the strength of preferences for male courtship signals. Hence, even in cases where GCs are tightly coupled with male sexual signals, the strength of sexual selection on aspects of GC physiology can vary depending on the endocrine status of females. Studies examining how GCs relate to sexual selection may shed light on how variation in stress physiology, sexual signals, and mate choice are maintained in natural populations and may be important in understanding context-dependent relationships between GC regulation and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Leary
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, PO Box 1848, University, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Alexander T Baugh
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA
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18
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Muñoz MI, Quispe M, Maliqueo M, Penna M. Biotic and abiotic sounds affect calling activity but not plasma testosterone levels in male frogs (Batrachyla taeniata) in the field and in captivity. Horm Behav 2020; 118:104605. [PMID: 31644890 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In animals, the expression of diverse reproductive behaviors is hormonally regulated. In particular, vocalizing during courtship has been related to circulating androgen levels, and reciprocally, conspecific vocalizations are known to modulate androgen secretion in vertebrates. The effect of natural sounds of abiotic origin on hormonal status has virtually not received attention. Therefore, we evaluated the vocal responses of male Batrachyla taeniata frogs to conspecific chorus and rainfall sounds in natural and controlled laboratory settings, measuring the testosterone levels of exposed individuals. In field and laboratory conditions, testosterone levels of frogs exposed to 31.5 min of chorus and rain sounds and non-exposed individuals were similar. In the field, frogs increased their call rate in response to playbacks of chorus and rain sound, but the evoked calling activity was unrelated to plasma testosterone. In contrast to the field, frogs showed limited responsiveness to 31.5-min acoustic exposures in the laboratory. Similarly to the field, for vocally active males tested in the laboratory there was no association between call rate and testosterone levels. Additionally, in this group, testosterone levels were higher in vocally active males relative to non-calling individuals. Overall, these results indicate that in B. taeniata testosterone levels are not altered following a short-term exposure to conspecific biotic and to abiotic sounds. Our results are suggestive of a threshold influence of testosterone on the vocal activity of the species studied. Further explorations of the influence of abiotic sounds on endocrine activation are required to understand how animals respond to variable acoustic environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías I Muñoz
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 838000, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maricel Quispe
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 838000, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Manuel Maliqueo
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, School of Medicine, San Juan de Dios Hospital, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Penna
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 838000, Santiago, Chile
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19
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Biomarker-based assessment of the muscle maintenance and energy status of anurans from an extremely seasonal semi-arid environment, the Brazilian Caatinga. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 240:110590. [PMID: 31669706 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.110590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Strongly seasonal environments pose challenges for performance and survival of animals, especially when resource abundance seasonally fluctuates. We investigated the seasonal variation of key metabolic biomarkers in the muscles of males from three species (Rhinella jimi, R. granulosa and Pleurodema diplolister) of anurans from the drastically seasonal Brazilian semi-arid area, Caatinga. We examined the expression of proteins regulating energy turnover (AMP-activated protein kinase [AMPK] and protein kinase B [AKT]), protein synthesis and homeostasis (total and phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α [eIF2α and p-eIF2α] and chaperone proteins [HSP 60, 70, and 90]) in muscles predominantly related to reproduction and locomotion. Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity was also assessed as an index of the muscle aerobic capacity. The expression pattern of metabolic biomarkers indicates that the maintenance of muscular function is regulated in a species-specific manner during the drastic seasonal variation. Rhinella jimi and R. granulosa that remain active during the drought appear to maintain muscles through more energy expensive pathways including elevated protein synthesis, while the aestivating P. diplolister employs energy conservation strategy suppressing protein synthesis, decreasing chaperone expression and increasing expression of AMPK. Two (P. diplolister and R. granulosa) of the three studied species activate cell survival pathways during the drought likely to prevent muscle atrophy, and all three studied species maintain the muscle aerobic capacity throughout the year, despite the resource limitation. These strategies are important considering the unpredictability of the reproductive event and high demand on muscular activity during the reproductive season in these amphibians. SUMMARY STATEMENT: We studied seasonal variation of key metabolic biomarkers in the muscles of anurans that experience drastic variation in environmental conditions and differ in seasonal activity patterns.
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20
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Walkowski WG, Crother BI, Valverde RA. Testosterone and Corticosterone Profiles and Body Condition of Calling and Non-calling Lithobates grylio. COPEIA 2019. [DOI: 10.1643/cp-18-134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Whitney G. Walkowski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402; (WGW) . Send reprint requests to WGW
| | - Brian I. Crother
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402; (WGW) . Send reprint requests to WGW
| | - Roldán A. Valverde
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402; (WGW) . Send reprint requests to WGW
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21
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Titon SCM, Titon B, Barsotti AMG, Gomes FR, Assis VR. Time-related immunomodulation by stressors and corticosterone transdermal application in toads. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222856. [PMID: 31539413 PMCID: PMC6754171 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune responses have been mostly studied at a specific time in anuran species. However, time-changes related to immunomodulation associated with glucocorticoid (GC) alterations following stressors and GC treatment are complex. The present study describes time-related changes in immune response and corticosterone (CORT) plasma levels following restraint challenge, short, mid and long-term captivity, and CORT exogenous administration by transdermal application (TA) in Rhinella ornata toads. We observed increased neutrophil: lymphocyte ratios after restraint challenge and CORT TA, without changes following short and mid-term captivity. Plasma bacterial killing ability was sustained in all treatments, except long-term captivity, with decreased values after 90 days under such conditions. Phagocytic activity of peritoneal cells increased after mid-term captivity, and the phytohemagglutinin swelling response was impaired in those animals treated with CORT TA for 20 consecutive days. Plasma CORT levels increased or were sustained after restraint challenge (depending on initial values), decreased following mid and long-term captivity (for those animals showing high CORT in the field) and increased after 20 days of CORT TA. By performing assessments of time-changes in immune processes and CORT plasma levels in R. ornata, we demonstrate immuno-enhancing effects following restraint, short and mid-term stressors, while long-term stressors and CORT TA promoted immunosuppression in these toads.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Braz Titon
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Vania Regina Assis
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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22
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Still MB, Lea AM, Hofmann HA, Ryan MJ. Multimodal stimuli regulate reproductive behavior and physiology in male túngara frogs. Horm Behav 2019; 115:104546. [PMID: 31233717 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Unlike in terrestrial animals, the boundary between internal (e.g., hormones) and external (e.g., social) stimulation can be blurred for aquatic and amphibious species. When chemicals such as hormones and glandular secretions leach into the water, they can further interact with other signaling systems, creating multimodal stimuli. It is unclear, however, whether water-borne chemical secretions from courting male frogs affect the physiology and behavior of their rivals. In order to address this question we first established non-invasive, continuous sampling methods for simultaneously measuring both hormones and behavior in amphibious species. Then, we examined whether interactions between water-borne chemical secretions and conspecific calls affect reproductive behavior and physiology (testosterone and corticosterone) of courting male túngara frogs. Our results demonstrate that conspecific acoustic stimulation alone increases locomotor activity, decreases latency to call, and increases calling behavior but does not alter the amount of hormones excreted. In response to water containing chemical secretions from rivals, but in the absence of calls from other males, males excrete more testosterone. Interestingly, the combined acoustic and chemical stimulus causes a multiplicative increase in both calling behavior and hormonal excretion. Taken together, our results suggest that a multimodal chemical-acoustic stimulus physiologically primes males for aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan B Still
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Amanda M Lea
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Hans A Hofmann
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Michael J Ryan
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa Ancon, Panama
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23
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Madelaire CB, Cassettari BDO, Gomes FR. Immunomodulation by testosterone and corticosterone in toads: Experimental evidences from transdermal application. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:227-235. [PMID: 30195026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Androgens and glucocorticoids play important roles in vertebrate's reproduction and display complex immunomodulatory functions that may affect survival. In anurans, testosterone and corticosterone are correlated to sexual behavior, reproduction, and immune function. Male toads (Rhinella jimi) were treated with acute doses of testosterone (T) and corticosterone (CORT) and immune variables (plasma bacterial killing ability [BKA], swelling after phytohemagglutinin [PHA] injection and the time point of maximum PHA swelling response) were measured. Transdermal T and CORT application increased androgen (T-DHT) and CORT plasma levels after 1 h of treatment, respectively, without a dose-specific effect. Transdermal T treatment did not affect BKA or PHA swelling response. Individuals treated with transdermal CORT showed an earlier maximum PHA swelling response and a tendency of lower BKA 15 h after treatment. Our results indicated that an acute experimental increase of CORT plasma levels diminished time for inflammatory resolution and suppressed non-cellular innate response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bonetti Madelaire
- USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Rua do Matão, trav 14 n 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil.
| | - Bruna de Oliveira Cassettari
- USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Rua do Matão, trav 14 n 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Rua do Matão, trav 14 n 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil
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24
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Assis VR, Titon SCM, Gomes FR. Acute stress, steroid plasma levels, and innate immunity in Brazilian toads. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:86-97. [PMID: 29750968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Stress from habitat fragmentation has been shown to impact amphibian declines. Studies from a variety of vertebrates indicate that stressed animals exhibit an acute increase in circulating plasma glucocorticoid (GC) levels and consequent immunomodulation. To further explore the relationship between GCs and immunity, we subjected three species of newly captured Brazilian toads, Rhinella ornata, R. icterica and R. schneideri to restraint with or without movement restriction (maintenance in a moistened cloth bag vs. maintenance in a bin) for 24 h. We compared various parameters from baseline (field conditions) with values after restraint, including those associated with stress (corticosterone [CORT] plasma levels), and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio [N:L ratio]), potential reproduction (testosterone [T] plasma levels), and innate immunity (bacterial killing ability [BKA]). General responses to the restraint challenge (baseline vs. restraint) included increased CORT levels and N:L ratio, and decreased T levels and BKA. Additionally, CORT levels and N:L ratio tended to increase more from restraint with movement restriction than to restraint without movement restriction, indicating toads showed increased stress response to the more intense stressor. All variables showed interspecific variation at baseline conditions: R. ornata had higher CORT levels when compared to the other two species, while R. icterica had the highest BKA values. After restraint (with or without movement restriction), R. ornata displayed higher values for T and N:L ratio, and showed higher CORT values after restraint without movement restriction; however, the CORT values were similar among species after restraint with movement restriction. In terms of immunity, in response to restraint, BKA was different among species only after restraint with movement restriction, with R. schneideri showing the lowest BKA values. Our results show that restraint increases common markers of the stress response, and could reduce potential reproduction and innate immune responses in toads from all studied species. Our results also showed variation at the interspecific level, with the amplitude of change in the studied variables being consistent and more pronounced following restraint with movement restriction for the three-studied species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Regina Assis
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Stefanny Christie Monteiro Titon
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 101, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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25
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Titon SCM, Titon Junior B, Assis VR, Kinker GS, Fernandes PACM, Gomes FR. Interplay among steroids, body condition and immunity in response to long-term captivity in toads. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17168. [PMID: 30464319 PMCID: PMC6249311 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35495-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stressful experiences can promote harmful effects on physiology and fitness. However, stress-mediated hormonal and immune changes are complex and may be highly dependent on body condition. Here, we investigated captivity-associated stress effects, over 7, 30, 60, and 90 days on plasma corticosterone (CORT) and testosterone (T) levels, body index, and innate immunity (bacterial killing ability and phagocytosis of peritoneal cells) in toads (Rhinella icterica). Toads in captivity exhibited elevated CORT and decreased T and immunity, without changes in body index. The inter-relationships between these variables were additionally contrasted with those obtained previously for R. schneideri, a related species that exhibited extreme loss of body mass under the same captive conditions. While T and phagocytosis were positively associated in both species, the relationship between CORT and bacterial killing ability was dependent on body index alterations. While CORT and bacterial killing ability were positively associated for toads that maintained body index, CORT was negatively associated with body index in toads that lost body mass over time in captivity. In these same toads, body index was positively associated with bacterial killing ability. These results demonstrate that steroids-immunity inter-relationships arising from prolonged exposure to a stressor in toads are highly dependent on body condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Braz Titon Junior
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vania Regina Assis
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Sarti Kinker
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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26
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Animal personality and behavioral syndromes in amphibians: a review of the evidence, experimental approaches, and implications for conservation. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2493-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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27
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Spermatogenic and Testosterone Cycles in a Desert-Adapted Amphibian Odontophrynus barrioi from the Monte Desert, Argentina. J HERPETOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1670/16-070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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28
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O'Neil NP, Charrier I, Iwaniuk AN. Behavioural responses of male ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus, L.) to playbacks of drumming displays. Ethology 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P. O'Neil
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Lethbridge; Lethbridge AB Canada
| | - Isabelle Charrier
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay; Université Paris-Saclay; Université Paris-Sud; CNRS; UMR 9197; Orsay France
| | - Andrew N. Iwaniuk
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Lethbridge; Lethbridge AB Canada
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29
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Troïanowski M, Mondy N, Dumet A, Arcanjo C, Lengagne T. Effects of traffic noise on tree frog stress levels, immunity, and color signaling. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2017; 31:1132-1140. [PMID: 28074559 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, many studies have focused on the detrimental effects of noise pollution on acoustic communication. Surprisingly, although it is known that noise exposure strongly influences health in humans, studies on wildlife remain scarce. In order to gain insight into the consequences of traffic noise exposure, we experimentally manipulated traffic noise exposure as well as the endocrine status of animals to investigate physiological and phenotypic consequences of noise pollution in an anuran species. We showed that noise exposure increased stress hormone level and induced an immunosuppressive effect. In addition, both traffic noise exposure and stress hormone application negatively impacted H. arborea vocal sac coloration. Moreover, our results suggest profound changes in sexual selection processes because the best quality males with initial attractive vocal sac coloration were the most impacted by noise. Hence, our study suggests that the recent increases in anthropogenic noise worldwide might affect a broader range of animal species than previously thought, because of alteration of visual signals and immunity. Generalizing these results to other taxa is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity in an increasingly noisy world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Troïanowski
- UMR 5023 Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés, Université de Lyon; ENTPE, CNRS, Université Lyon1, 6 Rue Raphaël Dubois, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Nathalie Mondy
- UMR 5023 Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés, Université de Lyon; ENTPE, CNRS, Université Lyon1, 6 Rue Raphaël Dubois, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Adeline Dumet
- UMR 5023 Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés, Université de Lyon; ENTPE, CNRS, Université Lyon1, 6 Rue Raphaël Dubois, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Caroline Arcanjo
- UMR 5023 Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés, Université de Lyon; ENTPE, CNRS, Université Lyon1, 6 Rue Raphaël Dubois, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Thierry Lengagne
- UMR 5023 Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés, Université de Lyon; ENTPE, CNRS, Université Lyon1, 6 Rue Raphaël Dubois, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
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Deviche P, Desaivre S, Giraudeau M. Experimental Manipulation of Corticosterone Does Not Influence the Clearance Rate of Plasma Testosterone in Birds. Physiol Biochem Zool 2017; 90:575-582. [DOI: 10.1086/693043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Cayuela H, Léna JP, Lengagne T, Kaufmann B, Mondy N, Konecny L, Dumet A, Vienney A, Joly P. Relatedness predicts male mating success in a pond-breeding amphibian. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Aspbury AS, Grayson KL, Fantaye S, Nichols I, Myers-Burton M, Ortiz-Mangual X, Gabor CR. The association between male-biased sex ratio and indicators of stress in red-spotted newts. Physiol Behav 2017; 173:156-162. [PMID: 28167148 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In populations with a male-biased operational sex ratio, coercive mating by males can have fitness consequences for females. One component of reduced fitness for females in populations with a male-biased OSR may be greater activation of the stress response, resulting in higher corticosterone release rates (CORT; a glucocorticoid stress hormone in amphibians). We test the hypothesis that a male-biased sex ratio affects female activity and release rates of CORT and testosterone (T) in male and female red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens). First, we evaluated if chemical cues from a male-biased sex ratio affect activity and CORT release rates in females. We predicted that females exposed to chemical cues of three males would be less active and have higher CORT release rates than those exposed to chemical cues of one male. Second, we measured CORT release rates of red-spotted newts in field enclosures with either a male-biased or a female-biased sex ratio. We predicted that females in the male-biased treatment would have higher CORT and T release rates than those in a female-biased treatment, owing to higher levels of male harassment. We also predicted that males would have higher CORT and T release rates in male-biased treatments due to higher levels of male-male competition. Females were not less active in response to chemical cues from more males over fewer males, but there was a positive relationship between female activity and CORT when they were exposed to the cues of three males. We also found that females, but not males, in the male-biased sex ratio treatment had higher CORT and T release rates than those in the female-biased treatment. Our results support the hypothesis that a male-biased sex ratio leads to a higher stress response, which may underlie the observed decrease in immune function and body condition in previous work exposing female red-spotted newts to a male-biased sex ratio. This study furthers our understanding of the mechanistic basis for costs associated with a male-biased sex ratio in a pond-breeding amphibian.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Aspbury
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666-4684, USA; Mountain Lake Biological Station, 240 Salt Pond Road, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA.
| | - Kristine L Grayson
- Mountain Lake Biological Station, 240 Salt Pond Road, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA; Department of Biology, University of Richmond, 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA, 23173, USA
| | - Selamawit Fantaye
- Mountain Lake Biological Station, 240 Salt Pond Road, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA
| | - Ian Nichols
- Mountain Lake Biological Station, 240 Salt Pond Road, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA
| | | | | | - Caitlin R Gabor
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666-4684, USA; Mountain Lake Biological Station, 240 Salt Pond Road, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA
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Wilczynski W, Quispe M, Muñoz MI, Penna M. Arginine Vasotocin, the Social Neuropeptide of Amphibians and Reptiles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:186. [PMID: 28824546 PMCID: PMC5545607 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine vasotocin (AVT) is the non-mammalian homolog of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and, like vasopressin, serves as an important modulator of social behavior in addition to its peripheral functions related to osmoregulation, reproductive physiology, and stress hormone release. In amphibians and reptiles, the neuroanatomical organization of brain AVT cells and fibers broadly resembles that seen in mammals and other taxa. Both parvocellular and magnocellular AVT-containing neurons are present in multiple populations located mainly in the basal forebrain from the accumbens-amygdala area to the preoptic area and hypothalamus, from which originate widespread fiber connections spanning the brain with a particularly heavy innervation of areas associated with social behavior and decision-making. As for mammalian AVP, AVT is present in greater amounts in males in many brain areas, and its presence varies seasonally, with hormonal state, and in males with differing social status. AVT's social influence is also conserved across herpetological taxa, with significant effects on social signaling and aggression, and, based on the very small number of studies investigating more complex social behaviors in amphibians and reptiles, AVT may also modulate parental care and social bonding when it is present in these vertebrates. Within this conserved pattern, however, both AVT anatomy and social behavior effects vary significantly across species. Accounting for this diversity represents a challenge to understanding the mechanisms by which AVT exerts its behavioral effects, as well are a potential tool for discerning the structure-function relationships underlying AVT's many effects on behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Wilczynski
- Neuroscience Institute, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: Walter Wilczynski,
| | - Maricel Quispe
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Matías I. Muñoz
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Penna
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Titon SCM, de Assis VR, Titon B, Barsotti AMG, Flanagan SP, Gomes FR. Calling rate, corticosterone plasma levels and immunocompetence of Hypsiboas albopunctatus. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2016; 201:53-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Madelaire CB, Gomes FR. Breeding under unpredictable conditions: Annual variation in gonadal maturation, energetic reserves and plasma levels of androgens and corticosterone in anurans from the Brazilian semi-arid. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 228:9-16. [PMID: 26808964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Anurans living in arid and semi-arid habitats are subjected to unpredictable rain patterns. Consequently, they should be prepared to reproduce at the onset of rain events. We investigated the covariation between calling behavior, testicular maturation, abdominal fat body index (FBI), plasma levels of androgens (T-DHT) and corticosterone (CORT) of males from three species of anurans in the Brazilian semi-arid during the reproductive period and drought. One of these species aestivates during the drought, while the other two species remain foraging. Although the three species display different behavioral strategies during the dry period, they present the same general reproductive patterns. T-DHT levels on the plasma and germinative cyst diameters were higher during the reproductive and breeding period compared to the drought. Additionally, the germinative cysts had all cell stages including sperm bundles during the dry season, however, it was only during the breeding event that free spermatozoa were found in the cyst lumen. These results suggest that these species present the reproductive pattern typical of desert anurans, consisting of opportunistic breeders that reproduce when triggered by a rain stimulus. Rhinella jimi and Pleurodema diplolister had higher CORT when males were calling. Moreover, Rhinella granulosa and P. diplolister showed lower FBI during breeding event, when males were calling. The high levels of CORT and lower FBI during reproductive period are associated, indicating that CORT modulates the recruitment of energy stores to prepare and maintain reproduction, particularly the expensive calling effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bonetti Madelaire
- USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, n° 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil.
| | - Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Fisiologia, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, n° 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil.
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Moore FR, Shuker DM, Dougherty L. Stress and sexual signaling: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Close-range vocal signals elicit a stress response in male green treefrogs: resolution of an androgen-based conflict. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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