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Usategui-Martín A, Liria-Loza A, Valverde RA, Tort L, Tuya F, Montero D. Husbandry Protocols for Juvenile Loggerhead Sea Turtles ( Caretta caretta) Based on Stress Response to Stocking Density and Dry-Dock Time. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38368563 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2024.2315048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
When necessary, sea turtles are held captive for veterinarian care and research purposes. Protocols and basic guidelines have been described for husbandry of sea turtles with veterinarian needs but not considering physiological indicators of animal welfare. Because all sea turtle are imperiled species, monitoring their welfare is important. The aim of this study was to standardize husbandry protocols for loggerhead (Caretta caretta) juveniles held under seminatural conditions, based on circulating concentration of plasma corticosterone (Cort) and behavior. Two experiments were performed to analyze physiological and behavioral responses of the animals facing changes in stocking density and different dry-docking times. Cort analyses suggested that the number of animals per tank can be modified occasionally, without affecting their health and welfare. However, dry-docking time should be < 30 min, as indicated by the significant elevation of circulating Cort at ≥ 30 min, rising from 1.51- ng/ml to 5.28-ng/ml. Protocols tested did not affect behavioral responses, except for the breaths per move, which increased while Cort increased, despite differences exhibited by experimental animals in behavioral responses according to daily times (morning vs afternoon) and the sex of the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Usategui-Martín
- IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Parque Científico Tecnológico Marino, Las Palmas, Spain
- NGO ADS Biodiversidad, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Ana Liria-Loza
- IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Parque Científico Tecnológico Marino, Las Palmas, Spain
- NGO ADS Biodiversidad, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Roldán A Valverde
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA, USA
- Sea Turtle Conservancy, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lluis Tort
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Fernando Tuya
- IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Parque Científico Tecnológico Marino, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Daniel Montero
- IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Parque Científico Tecnológico Marino, Las Palmas, Spain
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2
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Trait Covariances in Eastern Box Turtles Do Not Support Pleiotropic Effects of the Melanocortin System on Color, Behavior, and Stress Physiology. J HERPETOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1670/22-010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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3
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Xu DL, Hu XK. Effect of Natural Seasonal Changes in Photoperiod and Temperature on Immune Function in Striped Hamsters. Zoolog Sci 2022; 39. [DOI: 10.2108/zs220005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Kai Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong Province, China
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4
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Scheun J, Campbell R, Ganswindt A, McIntyre T. Hot and bothered: alterations in faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations of the sungazer lizard, Smaug giganteus, in response to an increase in environmental temperature. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2021.1980103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Scheun
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - R Campbell
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - A Ganswindt
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - T McIntyre
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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5
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Cann AA, Weber RR, Harden LA, Thompson D, Nadolski J, Mattes J, Karwowska A, Shahjahan S, Milanovich JR. Physiological Health and Survival of Captive-Reared and Released Juvenile Blanding's Turtles. Physiol Biochem Zool 2021; 94:411-428. [PMID: 34569914 DOI: 10.1086/716832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AbstractConservation translocations are important in maintaining viable wildlife populations of vulnerable species within their indigenous ranges. To be effective, population restoration efforts (e.g., head start programs) must consider the species' life history, regional ecology, and physiology and the health status of wild and translocated populations. The decline of Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) has prompted the initiation of head start programs, but the health and short-term survival of head-started juveniles released to the wild is largely unknown. From May to October 2016 and 2017, we radio tracked captive-reared, recently released juvenile Blanding's turtles and monitored their survivorship and monthly physiological health. We aimed to (1) compare physiological metrics of juveniles before and after release from captivity and between head-started cohorts, (2) identify seasonal trends in physiological metrics of recently released juveniles, (3) compare physiological metrics of recently released and formerly released juveniles, and (4) identify predictors of juvenile survivorship after release from captivity. Juvenile short-term survival was low compared with other studies. Most physiological metrics did not change after release from captivity, negating significant juvenile stress before or after release. Physiological metrics for recently released cohorts varied seasonally, suggesting that these juveniles were likely in good health. Some physiological metrics differed between recently released and formerly released juveniles, demonstrating a potential postrelease acclimatization period. Finally, no physiological metrics significantly predicted survival, but surviving juveniles had a higher percentage of fat. In all, juvenile deaths were not due to poor turtle health but rather to predation from human-subsidized mesocarnivores. Therefore, head-started juvenile Blanding's turtles released in suburban areas may benefit from antipredator training and mesocarnivore control at release sites.
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Holden KG, Gangloff EJ, Gomez-Mancillas E, Hagerty K, Bronikowski AM. Surviving winter: Physiological regulation of energy balance in a temperate ectotherm entering and exiting brumation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 307:113758. [PMID: 33771532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Characterizing the physiological response to prolonged cold exposure is essential for understanding the maintenance of long-term energy balance. As part of their natural life cycle, temperate ectotherms are often exposed to seasonal variation in temperatures, including extended periods of cold well below their activity range. Relatively little is known about variation in physiological responses as vertebrate ectotherms enter and exit brumation in response to sustained cold temperatures. We tested the influence of temperature on physiology before, during, and after a simulated brumation in the checkered garter snake (Thamnophis marcianus), a widespread ectothermic vertebrate. We tested for the relative effect of immediate temperature and physiological context (entering or exiting brumation) on hormones regulating energy balance, indicators of energy availability, and resting metabolic rate (V̇O2). Plasma corticosterone, glucose, and insulin, as well as immune cell heterophil: lymphocyte ratios responded to temperature, though they did so with different thermal response curves. Thermal sensitivity varied both among and within physiological measures depending on whether animals were going into or coming out of brumation. Additionally, V̇O2 was regulated beyond simple temperature-dependence, whereby post-brumation measures were depressed relative to pre-brumation measures at the same temperature. This pattern was characterized by a change in the temperature coefficient (Q10), with a larger pre-brumation Q10, suggesting reduced thermal sensitivity of metabolic rate following a period of extended cold exposure. The integrated physiological response presented here demonstrates not only temperature dependence across physiological axes, but seasonal variation in thermal responsiveness. Our results suggest that energy allocation decisions and hormonal regulation of underlying processes promote differing levels of thermal sensitivity when entering or exiting brumation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn G Holden
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| | - Eric J Gangloff
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; Department of Zoology, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH 43015, USA
| | | | - Kelsi Hagerty
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Anne M Bronikowski
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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BLOOD LACTATE CONCENTRATIONS IN EASTERN BOX TURTLES ( TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA) FOLLOWING CAPTURE BY A CANINE SEARCH TEAM. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:259-267. [PMID: 33827184 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies to assess wildlife health commonly evaluate clinical pathology changes, immune responses, pathogen presence, and contaminant exposure, but novel modalities are needed to characterize the unique physiologic responses of reptiles. Lactate is an indicator of hypoperfusion and/or anaerobic respiration and can be quickly and easily measured using a point-of-care analyzer. This study evaluated baseline blood lactate concentrations in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina, n = 116) using a point of care analyzer and then determined the effect of handling time, physical examination (PE) abnormalities, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction pathogen detection (Terrapene herpesvirus 1, Mycoplasma sp., Terrapene adenovirus) on lactate concentrations. Blood lactate concentrations were higher in turtles with Terrapene herpesvirus 1 (n = 11), quiet mentation, and increased packed cell volume (P < 0.05). Lactate concentrations increased between initial capture and PE, with peak values reaching 129 min after capture. Lactate at PE was positively associated with baseline lactate concentrations. Turtles with Terrapene herpesvirus 1 may have alterations in blood flow, oxygen delivery, or activity patterns, driving increases in baseline lactate. Increased handling time likely leads to more escape behaviors and/or breath holding, causing turtles to undergo anaerobic metabolism and raising lactate concentrations. Overall, lactate measured by a point of care analyzer shows variability caused by capture and health factors in eastern box turtles and may be a useful adjunctive diagnostic test in this species after full methodologic validation.
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Zimmerman LM. The reptilian perspective on vertebrate immunity: 10 years of progress. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:223/21/jeb214171. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.214171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Ten years ago, ‘Understanding the vertebrate immune system: insights from the reptilian perspective’ was published. At the time, our understanding of the reptilian immune system lagged behind that of birds, mammals, fish and amphibians. Since then, great progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms of reptilian immunity. Here, I review recent discoveries associated with the recognition of pathogens, effector mechanisms and memory responses in reptiles. Moreover, I put forward key questions to drive the next 10 years of research, including how reptiles are able to balance robust innate mechanisms with avoiding self-damage, how B cells and antibodies are used in immune defense and whether innate mechanisms can display the hallmarks of memory. Finally, I briefly discuss the links between our mechanistic understanding of the reptilian immune system and the field of eco-immunology. Overall, the field of reptile immunology is poised to contribute greatly to our understanding of vertebrate immunity in the next 10 years.
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Adamovicz L, Baker SJ, Merchant M, Darville L, Allender MC. Plasma complement activation mechanisms differ in ornate (Terrapene ornata ornata) and eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:720-731. [PMID: 33075215 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Eastern (Terrapene carolina carolina) and ornate (Terrapene ornata ornata) box turtles have robust plasma antibacterial activity, however, the mechanism behind this activity is unknown. We used sheep red blood cell (SRBC) hemolysis assays, mannan-affinity chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) to explore the mechanisms of complement activity in box turtles. Plasma from both species demonstrated volume, time, and temperature-dependent SRBC hemolysis, with significantly greater hemolytic activity in ornate box turtle plasma. Hemolytic activity was highly attenuated following treatment with heat, EDTA, and salicylaldoxime in both species, but was unchanged after treatment with methylamine and ammonium hydroxide. Two abundant mannan-binding proteins (presumed C-type lectins) were identified in eastern box turtle plasma using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF, but ornate box turtles did not express either protein. Eastern box turtles appear to rely on the lectin pathway of complement activation while ornate box turtles utilize the alternative pathway. This study provides further evidence that mechanisms underlying immune function are not always conserved between closely related species. This finding may have important implications for explaining species differences in susceptibility to emerging threats such as disease, toxicants, and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Sarah J Baker
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, USA.,Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Mark Merchant
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA
| | - Lancia Darville
- Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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10
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Natusch DJD, Aust PW, Khadiejah S, Ithnin H, Isa A, Zamzuri CK, Ganswindt A, DeNardo DF. Behavioral and corticosterone responses to carbon dioxide exposure in reptiles. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240176. [PMID: 33022690 PMCID: PMC7538201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of carbon dioxide (CO2) exposure as a means of animal euthanasia has received considerable attention in mammals and birds but remains virtually untested in reptiles. We measured the behavioral responses of four squamate reptile species (Homalopsis buccata, Malayopython reticulatus, Python bivitattus, and Varanus salvator) to exposure to 99.5% CO2 for durations of 15, 30, or 90 minutes. We also examined alterations in plasma corticosterone levels of M. reticulatus and V. salvator before and after 15 minutes of CO2 exposure relative to control individuals. The four reptile taxa showed consistent behavioral responses to CO2 exposure characterized by gaping and minor movements. The time taken to lose responsiveness to stimuli and cessation of movements varied between 240–4260 seconds (4–71 minutes), with considerable intra- and inter-specific variation. Duration of CO2 exposure influenced the likelihood of recovery, which also varied among species (e.g., from 0–100% recovery after 30-min exposure). Plasma corticosterone concentrations increased after CO2 exposure in both V. salvator (18%) and M. reticulatus (14%), but only significantly in the former species. Based on our results, CO2 appears to be a mild stressor for reptiles, but the relatively minor responses to CO2 suggest it may not cause considerable distress or pain. However, our results are preliminary, and further testing is required to understand optimal CO2 delivery mechanisms and interspecific responses to CO2 exposure before endorsing this method for reptile euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. D. Natusch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
- EPIC Biodiversity, Frogs Hollow, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Patrick W. Aust
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Bushtick Environmental Services, Grantham, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
| | - Syarifah Khadiejah
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hartini Ithnin
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ain Isa
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Che Ku Zamzuri
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Centre of Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Dale F. DeNardo
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
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11
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Bernheim M, Livne S, Shanas U. Mediterranean Spur-thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca) exhibit pre-copulatory behavior particularly under specific experimental setups. J ETHOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-020-00657-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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12
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Thomas S, LeBlanc L, Perez-Umphrey A, Williams ST, Nevarez JG, Taylor SS. DNA Yield and Turtle Handling Time: Buccal Swabs Versus Blood Samples from Red-Eared Sliders and Eastern Musk Turtles. SOUTHEAST NAT 2020. [DOI: 10.1656/058.019.0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Thomas
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Layni LeBlanc
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Anna Perez-Umphrey
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Steven Tyler Williams
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Javier G. Nevarez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Sabrina S. Taylor
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
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13
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Hudson SB, Kluever BM, Webb AC, French SS. Steroid hormones, energetic state, and immunocompetence vary across reproductive contexts in a parthenogenetic lizard. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 288:113372. [PMID: 31866306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Reproduction is energetically expensive and investing in this life history trait is likely accompanied by significant changes in physiological activity. Investment strategy necessary for achieving reproductive success in reptiles can vary with reproductive form and pattern, potentiating different consequences for competing fitness-related traits such as those key to survival. The goal of this study was to assess if and how energetic state (i.e., energy metabolites) and self-maintenance (i.e., immunocompetence) are hormonally modulated across reproductive contexts in an oviparous, parthenogenetic lizard, the Colorado Checkered Whiptail Aspidoscelis neotesselata. Here blood plasma samples were collected from lizards within the US Army Fort Carson Military Installation near Colorado Springs, CO, USA, during seasons of reproductive activity (i.e., June) and inactivity (i.e., August). Measures of reproductive (i.e., estradiol) and energy-mobilizing (i.e., corticosterone) hormones, energy metabolites (i.e., glucose, triglycerides, and free glycerol), and innate immunity (i.e., bactericidal ability) were compared by season and reproductive stage. Levels of energy metabolites and bactericidal ability were compared to levels of E2 and CORT. Bactericidal ability was also compared to levels of energy metabolites. Corticosterone and glucose levels were lower during the reproductive season while triglyceride levels and bactericidal ability were higher, but both estradiol and free glycerol levels did not differ between seasons. Throughout vitellogenesis, corticosterone and glucose levels as well as bactericidal ability did not differ, but estradiol levels were higher during early and mid-stage and both triglyceride and free glycerol levels were lower during gravidity. Corticosterone levels were negatively associated with circulating triglycerides and bactericidal ability, but were not related to glucose nor free glycerol levels. Estradiol levels were positively associated with free glycerol levels and bactericidal ability, but were not related to glucose nor triglyceride levels. Finally, bactericidal ability was negatively associated with glucose, but positively associated with triglycerides. Differences in energetic state and immunocompetence are thus reflected by shifts in hormone secretion across reproductive investment. These findings provide partial support for the hypothesis that energetic state is differentially regulated by steroid hormones to afford reproduction, potentially at the cost of future survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Hudson
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5205, USA; Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322‑5205, USA.
| | - B M Kluever
- United States Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division, Conservation Branch, Fort Carson, CO 80913, USA; United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Florida Field Station, Gainesville, FL 32641-6033, USA
| | - A C Webb
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5205, USA; Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322‑5205, USA
| | - S S French
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5205, USA; Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322‑5205, USA
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14
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Adamovicz L, Baker SJ, Merchant M, Allender MC. Plasma antibacterial activities in ornate (Terrapene ornata) and eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:295-305. [PMID: 32037741 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chelonians are one of the most imperiled vertebrate taxa and many species are increasingly threatened by disease, however, the immune response in this group is understudied. We quantified the innate immune response of eastern (Terrapene carolina; EBT) and ornate (Terrapene ornate; OBT) box turtles using plasma antibacterial activity assays. Plasma from both species abolished or significantly reduced the growth of all eight bacterial species evaluated, including Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundi, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Bactericidal capacity was greater in OBT compared to EBT, and OBT plasma retained high antibacterial activities at a broader temperature range (20-40°C) compared to EBT (30-40°C). Plasma antibacterial activity was abolished following treatment with heat, protease, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, indicating that complement is likely responsible for the observed effects. Further characterization of the box turtle immune response may provide insight into the importance of infectious diseases for species conservation, enabling the development of more efficient and effective population management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Sarah J Baker
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois.,Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Mark Merchant
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois
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15
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Telemeco RS, Simpson DY, Tylan C, Langkilde T, Schwartz TS. Contrasting Responses of Lizards to Divergent Ecological Stressors Across Biological Levels of Organization. Integr Comp Biol 2019; 59:292-305. [PMID: 31127305 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It is frequently hypothesized that animals employ a generalized "stress response," largely mediated by glucocorticoid (GC) hormones, such as corticosterone, to combat challenging environmental conditions. Under this hypothesis, diverse stressors are predicted to have concordant effects across biological levels of an organism. We tested the generalized stress response hypothesis in two complementary experiments with juvenile and adult male Eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus). In both experiments, animals were exposed to diverse, ecologically-relevant, acute stressors (high temperature or red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta) and we examined their responses at three biological levels: behavioral; physiological (endocrine [plasma corticosterone and blood glucose concentrations] and innate immunity [complement and natural antibodies]); and cellular responses (gene expression of a panel of five heat-shock proteins in blood and liver) at 30 or 90 min post stress initiation. In both experiments, we observed large differences in the cellular response to the two stressors, which contrasts the similar behavioral and endocrine responses. In the adult experiment for which we had innate immune data, the stressors affected immune function independently, and they were correlated with CORT in opposing directions. Taken together, these results challenge the concept of a generalized stress response. Rather, the stress response was context specific, especially at the cellular level. Such context-specificity might explain why attempts to link GC hormones with life history and fitness have proved difficult. Our results emphasize the need for indicators at multiple biological levels and whole-organism examinations of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory S Telemeco
- Department of Biology, California State University, Fresno, CA 93740, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Dasia Y Simpson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Catherine Tylan
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Tracy Langkilde
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.,Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Tonia S Schwartz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Boers KL, Allender MC, Novak LJ, Palmer J, Adamovicz L, Deem SL. Assessment of hematologic and corticosterone response in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) at capture and after handling. Zoo Biol 2019; 39:13-22. [PMID: 31609016 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21518] [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: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Hematology is a common tool for wildlife health assessments. Manual leukocyte counts are required in reptiles, however, disagreement between quantification methods has been observed in some chelonians. This study determined agreement between two methods of leukocyte quantification, eosinophilic leukopet, and blood film white blood cell (WBC) estimates, in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). Simultaneously, we assessed the impact of handling duration on both leukocyte quantity and corticosterone levels. We collected blood at capture (<2 min from disturbance) and again before release 30-150 min later from 92 box turtles at six sites in Illinois and Tennessee. Constant and proportional error was present in the leukopet results for WBC, lymphocytes, and basophils compared to the estimate method. Both methods were in agreement for heterophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. Agreement between the methods was significantly more likely at WBC counts below 23,241/µl. All hematologic parameters were significantly higher at the final blood draw compared to the initial blood draw using both WBC determination methods, except relative eosinophil and basophil counts. Corticosterone levels varied with time, with maximum concentrations reached at 54 min postcapture, followed by a rapid return to baseline levels. Corticosterone level was not significantly associated with any hematologic parameter or sex. This study provides a framework for understanding the effects of animal handling methodology and diagnostic modality when evaluating hematologic health in box turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla L Boers
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Lauren J Novak
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Jamie Palmer
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Sharon L Deem
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri
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Baker S, Kessler E, Darville-Bowleg L, Merchant M. Different mechanisms of serum complement activation in the plasma of common (Chelydra serpentina) and alligator (Macrochelys temminckii) snapping turtles. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217626. [PMID: 31170203 PMCID: PMC6553747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Reptiles are declining worldwide yet our understanding of their immune function lags far behind other taxa. The innate immune system is the primary mode of defense in reptiles, and the serum complement cascade is its major component. We assessed serum complement activity of plasma in two closely related aquatic turtle species, the common snapping turtle (CST; Chelydra serpentina) and alligator snapping turtle (AST; Macrochelys temminckii). We used a sheep red blood cell (SRBC) hemolysis assay to assess serum complement activity. Although the antibacterial activities of the plasma of these turtle species are similar, the hemolytic activity was much stronger in CST than AST. Treatment with inhibitors of the serum complement cascade indicated differences in the mechanisms of complement activation between the turtle species. We subjected plasma from both turtle species to mannan affinity chromatography and analyzed the eluate with SDS-PAGE, which revealed that plasma from the CSTs contained only small amounts of one C-type lectin protein while the AST plasma contained high concentrations of two C-type lectins (31.0 and 35.9 kDa). Edman degradation analyses confirmed that the two AST proteins contained identical N-terminal sequences. Thus, the CST appears to rely more heavily on the alternative mechanism of serum complement activation, while the AST appears to rely more on the lectin-mediated pathway, which is a pattern recognition response to prokaryotes not activated by the SRBCs. These results are unique in that the use of serum complement pathways are generally assumed to be conserved within clades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Baker
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ethan Kessler
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
| | | | - Mark Merchant
- Department of Chemistry, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States of America
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