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Urošević A, Ajduković M, Vučić T, Scholtes SJ, Arntzen JW, Ivanović A. Regionalization and morphological integration in the vertebral column of Eurasian small-bodied newts (Salamandridae: Lissotriton). J Exp Zool B Mol Dev Evol 2023; 340:403-413. [PMID: 37272301 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Serially homologous structures may have complex patterns of regionalization and morphological integration, influenced by developmental Hox gene expression and functional constraints. The vertebral column, consisting of a number of repeated, developmentally constrained, and highly integrated units-vertebrae-is such a complex serially homologous structure. Functional diversification increases regionalization and modularity of the vertebral column, particularly in mammals. For salamanders, three concepts of regionalization of the vertebral column have been proposed, recognizing one, two, or three presacral regions. Using three-dimensional geometric morphometrics on vertebra models acquired with microcomputerized tomography scanning, we explored the covariation of vertebrae in four closely related taxa of small-bodied newts in the genus Lissotriton. The data were analyzed by segmented linear regression to explore patterns of vertebral regionalization and by a two-block partial least squares method to test for morphological integration. All taxa show a morphological shift posterior to the fifth trunk vertebra, which corresponds to the two-region concept. However, morphological integration is found to be strongest in the mid-trunk. Taken jointly, these results indicate a highly integrated presacral vertebral column with a subtle two-region differentiation. The results are discussed in relation to specific functional requirements, developmental and phylogenetic constraints, and specific requirements posed by a biphasic life cycle and different locomotor modes (swimming vs. walking). Further research should be conducted on different ontogenetic stages and closely related but ecologically differentiated species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Urošević
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković," National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Ajduković
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković," National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana Vučić
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Animal Sciences, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherland
| | | | - Jan W Arntzen
- Animal Sciences, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherland
| | - Ana Ivanović
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Ajduković M, Ukropina M, Cvijanović M, Vučić T, Ivanović A. Histological changes of the skin during postembryonic development of the crested newt Triturus ivanbureschi (Urodela, Salamandridae). Ann Anat 2023; 249:152097. [PMID: 37011824 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amphibian skin has been studied for many decades, especially the metamorphic changes in the skin of frogs. Less attention has been paid to salamander skin. Here, we describe changes in the skin structure during postembryonic development in a salamandrid species, the Balkan crested newt Triturus ivanbureschi. METHOD Using traditional histological techniques we examined the skin in the trunk region of three premetamorphic larval stages (hatchling, mid larval and late larval) and two postmetamorphic stages (juvenile, just after metamorphosis, and adult). RESULTS In larval stages, skin consists only of the epidermis, which gradually develops from the single epithelial cell layer in hatchlings, to a stratified epidermis with gland nests and characteristic Leydig cells at the late larval stage. During metamorphosis, Leydig cells disappear, and the dermal layer develops. In postmetamorphic stages, skin is differentiated on stratified epidermis and the dermis with well-developed glands. Three types of glands were observed in the skin of the postmetamorphic stages: mucous, granular and mixed. Gland composition appears to be stage- and sex-specific, with juveniles and adult female being more similar to each other. In juveniles and adult female, there are a similar proportion of glands in both dorsal and ventral skin, whereas in adult male granular glands dominated the dorsal skin, while mixed glands dominated the ventral skin. CONCLUSION Our results provide a baseline for future comparative research of skin anatomy in salamanders.
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Cvijanović M, Ajduković M, Arntzen JW, Ivanović A, Vučić T. Ladies in armor: A micro-computed tomographic study of skin calcification in European toads (genus Bufo). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023. [PMID: 36753449 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Micro-computed tomography is a powerful tool toward the detailed reconstruction of internal and external morphology, in particular for ossified and other dense tissues. Here, we document and compare the level of calcification in the skin of the head and the parotoids (the external skin glands) in males and females of common and spined toads, Bufo bufo and B. spinosus. In some anurans, including Bufo species, a specific acellular calcified tissue layer within the dermis has been documented (the Eberth-Katschenko, or EK-layer). By a combination of micro-computed tomography and classical histology, we detected additional calcium deposits located in the dermal layer stratum spongiosum, positioned above the EK-layer. We showed that the level of calcification and the presence of additional calcium deposits are size and sex related, increasing in the order B. bufo males, B. spinosus males, B. bufo females to B. spinosus females. The last of these groups is the least variable. Bufo spinosus females have dense calcium deposits in the parotoids and the dorsal and ventral skin. Three-dimensional volume renderings and cross-sectional slices obtained by micro-CT scanning indicate that this approach is a promising technique for further studies on bufonid skin anatomy and geographic variation in skin calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Cvijanović
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Ajduković
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jan W Arntzen
- Leiden University, Institute of Biology, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Ivanović
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana Vučić
- Leiden University, Institute of Biology, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
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Petrović TG, Vučić T, Burraco P, Gavrilović BR, Despotović SG, Gavrić JP, Radovanović TB, Šajkunić S, Ivanović A, Prokić MD. Higher temperature induces oxidative stress in hybrids but not in parental species: A case study of crested newts. J Therm Biol 2023; 112:103474. [PMID: 36796919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ectotherms are particularly sensitive to global warming due to their limited capacity to thermoregulate, which can impact their performance and fitness. From a physiological standpoint, higher temperatures often enhance biological processes that can induce the production of reactive oxygen species and result in a state of cellular oxidative stress. Temperature alters interspecific interactions, including species hybridization. Hybridization under different thermal conditions could amplify parental (genetic) incompatibilities, thus affecting a hybrid's development and distribution. Understanding the impact of global warming on the physiology of hybrids and particularly their oxidative status could help in predicting future scenarios in ecosystems and in hybrids. In the present study, we investigated the effect of water temperature on the development, growth and oxidative stress of two crested newt species and their reciprocal hybrids. Larvae of Triturus macedonicus and T. ivanbureschi, and their T. macedonicus-mothered and T. ivanbureschi-mothered hybrids were exposed for 30 days to temperatures of 19°C and 24°C. Under the higher temperature, the hybrids experienced increases in both growth and developmental rates, while parental species exhibited accelerated growth (T. macedonicus) or development (T. ivanbureschi). Warm conditions also had different effects on the oxidative status of hybrid and parental species. Parental species had enhanced antioxidant responses (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase and SH groups), which allowed them to alleviate temperature-induced stress (revealed by the absence of oxidative damage). However, warming induced an antioxidant response in the hybrids, including oxidative damage in the form of lipid peroxidation. These findings point to a greater disruption of redox regulation and metabolic machinery in hybrid newts, which can be interpreted as the cost of hybridization that is likely linked to parental incompatibilities expressed under a higher temperature. Our study aims to improve mechanistic understanding of the resilience and distribution of hybrid species that cope with climate-driven changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara G Petrović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Tijana Vučić
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, the Netherlands; Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Pablo Burraco
- Doñana Biological Station (CSIC), C/ Americo Vespucci 26, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Branka R Gavrilović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Svetlana G Despotović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Jelena P Gavrić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Tijana B Radovanović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Sanja Šajkunić
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Ana Ivanović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Marko D Prokić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Ajduković M, Vučić T, Cvijanović M, Filipović B, Šošić-Jurjević B. Changes in thyroid histomorphology and thyroglobulin immunostaining upon exposure to thiourea in Triturus newts. ZOOLOGY 2022; 155:126050. [PMID: 36108420 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2022.126050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Amphibians are useful bioindicators for monitoring aquatic health and the influence of xenobiotics such as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Because aquatic ecosystems experience the majority of global pollution, aquatic organisms are most exposed and vulnerable to endocrine disruptors. Furthermore, penetration of endocrine disruptors into aquatic organisms especially in amphibians is even easier because of more permeable skin, resulting in high bioavailability and bioaccumulation of chemicals. One of the most potent endocrine disruptors is thiourea, which chemically blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormones and prevents metamorphosis in amphibians. We investigated the influence of thiourea on histomorphology of the thyroid gland in Triturus newts at the metamorphic stage, when thyroid hormone concentrations should reach their maximum level. Chronic exposure to thiourea induced hypertrophy and hyperplasia of follicular cells as well as a significant reduction of interstitial tissue. The intensity of the thyroglobulin immunostaining signal significantly decreases upon chronic exposure to thiourea. Successful cross-reactivity of human primary antibody in immunochemical detection of thyroglobulin in Urodela confirms potential homology in thyroglobulin structure throughout the vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Ajduković
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Tijana Vučić
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Milena Cvijanović
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branko Filipović
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branka Šošić-Jurjević
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Vučić T, Ivanović A, Ajduković M, Bajler N, Cvijanović M. The Reproductive Success of Triturus ivanbureschi × T. macedonicus F1 Hybrid Females (Amphibia: Salamandridae). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040443. [PMID: 35203151 PMCID: PMC8868055 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Two moderately related large-bodied newt species endemic to the Balkan Peninsula, the Balkan crested newt (Triturus ivanbureschi) and the Macedonian crested newt (T. macedonicus), coexist and hybridize in central Serbia. Many generations of mutual hybrid crossings and backcrossings with parental species shaped the genetic composition of hybrid populations. Natural populations have admixed nuclear DNA (nuDNA) of parental species and T. ivanbureschi mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is usually maternally inherited. The mechanisms that direct gene flow and shape the first generations of hybrids could explain the formation of hybrid zones and their maintenance in nature. We followed and compared life history traits related to reproduction of the first generation of reciprocal hybrids obtained by experimental crossing. Our results suggested that possible incompatibilities between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, which could lead to the exclusion of T. macedonicus mtDNA in natural populations, most likely act at later stages of development or subsequent hybrid generations. Results from this study add to the growing knowledge of Triturus hybrid biology and ecology, which is the baseline for conservation programs necessary to protect these highly endangered amphibians. Abstract Two large-bodied newt species, Triturus ivanbureschi and T. macedonicus, hybridize in nature across the Balkan Peninsula. Consequences of hybridization upon secondary contact of two species include species displacement and asymmetrical introgression of T. ivanbureschi mtDNA. We set an experimental reciprocal cross of parental species and obtained two genotypes of F1 hybrids (with T. ivanbureschi or T. macedonicus mtDNA). When hybrids attained sexual maturity, they were engaged in mutual crossings and backcrossing with parental species. We followed reproductive traits over two successive years. Our main aim was to explore the reproductive success of F1 females carrying different parental mtDNA. Additionally, we tested for differences in reproductive success within female genotypes depending on the crossing with various male genotypes (hybrids or parental species). Both female genotypes had similar oviposition periods, number of laid eggs and hatched larvae but different body and egg sizes. Overall reproductive success (percentage of egg-laying females and viability of embryos) was similar for both genotypes. The type of crossing led to some differences in reproductive success within female genotypes. The obtained results suggest that processes that led to exclusion of T. macedonicus mtDNA in natural populations may be related to the survival at postembryonic stages of F2 generation or reproductive barriers that emerged in subsequent hybrid generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Vučić
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.I.); (N.B.)
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Correspondence: (T.V.); (M.C.)
| | - Ana Ivanović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.I.); (N.B.)
| | - Maja Ajduković
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Nikola Bajler
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.I.); (N.B.)
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Milena Cvijanović
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Correspondence: (T.V.); (M.C.)
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Bugarčić M, Ivanović A, Cvijanović M, Vučić T. Consequences of hybridization on life history and growth in postmetamorphic Triturus macedonicus. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-bja10082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The Macedonian crested newt T. macedonicus forms a complex hybrid zone with the Balkan crested newt T. ivanbureschi in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. In this study, we compared life history parameters (sex ratio, survival rate and age of sexual maturation) and growth parameters (body length and mass) of T. macedonicus and T. macedonicus × T. ivanbureschi hybrids over the first three postmetamorphic years. Survival rates were high and similar for both genotypes. Sexual dimorphism in body size (length and mass) was evident at the beginning of the third postmetamorphic year, after the first breeding year, for both T. macedonicus and hybrids. We did not find clear and consistent difference in any of the analysed traits suggesting that hybridization with T. ivabureschi does not affect postmetamorphic growth and survival of T. macedonicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Bugarčić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Ivanović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Cvijanović
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Department of Evolutionary Biology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana Vučić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Department of Evolutionary Biology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Abstract
Background In amphibians, thyroid hormone (TH) has a profound role in cranial development, especially in ossification of the late-appearing bones and remodeling of the skull. In the present study, we explored the influence of TH deficiency on bone ossification and resulting skull shape during the ontogeny of Triturus newt hybrid larvae obtained from interspecific crosses between T. ivanbureschi and T. macedonicus. Methods Larvae were treated with two concentrations of thiourea (an endocrine disruptor that chemically inhibits synthesis of TH) during the midlarval and late larval periods. Morphological differences of the cranium were assessed at the end of the midlarval period (ontogenetic stage 62) and the metamorphic stage after treatment during the late larval period. Results There was no difference in the ossification level and shape of the skull between the experimental groups (control and two treatment concentrations) at stage 62. During the late larval period and metamorphosis, TH deficit had a significant impact on the level of bone ossification and skull shape with no differences between the two treatment concentrations of thiourea. The most pronounced differences in bone development were: the palatopterygoid failed to disintegrate into the palatal and pterygoid portions, retardation was observed in development of the maxilla, nasal and prefrontal bones and larval organization of the vomer was retained in thiourea-treated larvae. Conclusions This implies that deficiency of TH caused retardation in development and arrested metamorphic cranium skeletal reorganization, which resulted in divergent cranial shape compared to the control group. Our results confirmed that skull remodeling and ossification of late-appearing bones is TH–dependent, as in other studied Urodela species. Also, our results indicate that TH plays an important role in the establishment of skull shape during the ontogeny of Triturus newts, especially during the late larval period and metamorphosis, when TH concentrations reach their maximum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Ajduković
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana Vučić
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Cvijanović
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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9
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Prokić MD, Petrović TG, Despotović SG, Vučić T, Gavrić JP, Radovanović TB, Gavrilović BR. The effect of short-term fasting on the oxidative status of larvae of crested newt species and their hybrids. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 251:110819. [PMID: 33022409 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In nature, animals often face periods without food caused by seasonal fluctuations and/or prey scarcity. An organism's physiological response to imposed energetic limitations is followed by changes in mitochondrial functioning (adjustment of energy metabolism) and a reduction of non-essential processes. However, this energy-saving strategy can have its costs. In this study, we examined oxidative stress as one of the possible physiological costs of short-term, two-week-long food deprivation on developing amphibian larvae of the crested newts Triturus macedonicus and Triturus ivanbureschi and their hybrids. We investigated whether this exogenous factor additionally affected the oxidative status (fitness-related trait) of hybrid individuals. The fasting treatment led to lower growth and a lower body mass and body condition index of individuals. The results revealed that the antioxidant system (AOS) of food-deprived larvae could not cope in a proper manner with reactive oxygen species production under limited energy availability, leading to higher lipid oxidative damage. The lowest AOS response was observed for H2O2 scavenging parameters (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total glutathione), which together with the elevated activity of superoxide dismutase suggested increased H2O2 concentrations. Comparison between parental species and their hybrids showed that hybrid individuals suffered greater oxidative damage (as demonstrated by higher concentrations of lipid peroxides), indicating that they were more susceptible to fasting-induced oxidative stress. Overall, this study illustrates that: (i) an oxidative event is one of the costs amphibian larvae face during short-term periods of fasting, (ii) hybrids are less capable of dealing with this stressful condition, which can lower their chances of survival in a changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko D Prokić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Tamara G Petrović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Svetlana G Despotović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana Vučić
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Biology, Institute for Zoology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena P Gavrić
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana B Radovanović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branka R Gavrilović
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
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Vučić T, Sibinović M, Vukov TD, Tomašević Kolarov N, Cvijanović M, Ivanović A. Testing the evolutionary constraints of metamorphosis: The ontogeny of head shape in Triturus newts. Evolution 2019; 73:1253-1264. [PMID: 30990882 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates with complex, biphasic, life cycles, larvae have a distinct morphology and ecological preferences compared to metamorphosed juveniles and adults. In amphibians, abrupt and rapid metamorphic changes transform aquatic larvae to terrestrial juveniles. The main aim of this study is to test whether, relative to larval stages, metamorphosis (1) resets the pattern of variation between ontogenetic stages and species, (2) constrains intraspecific morphological variability, and (3) similar to the "hour-glass" model reduces morphological disparity. We explore postembryonic ontogenetic trajectories of head shape (from hatching to completed metamorphosis) of two well-defined, morphologically distinct Triturus newts species and their F1 hybrids. Variation in head shape is quantified and compared on two levels: dynamic (across ontogenetic stages) and static (at a particular stage). Our results show that the ontogenetic trajectories diverge early during development and continue to diverge throughout larval stages and metamorphosis. The high within-group variance and the largest disparity level (between-group variance) characterize the metamorphosed stage. Hence, our results indicate that metamorphosis does not canalize head shape variation generated during larval development and that metamorphosed phenotype is not more constrained relative to larval ones. Therefore, metamorphosis cannot be regarded as a developmental constraint, at least not for salamander head shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Vučić
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.,Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11060, Serbia
| | - Maša Sibinović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Tanja D Vukov
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11060, Serbia
| | - Nataša Tomašević Kolarov
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11060, Serbia
| | - Milena Cvijanović
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11060, Serbia
| | - Ana Ivanović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
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Vučić T, Vukov TD, Tomašević Kolarov N, Cvijanović M, Ivanović A. The study of larval tail morphology reveals differentiation between two Triturus species and their hybrids. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-17000190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In amphibians, morphological differentiation and disparity at the larval and post-metamorphic ontogenetic stages can diverge, owing to various contrasting environments and different selective pressures. In the monophyletic clade of nineTriturusnewt species, five different morphotypes can be recognized, but information on larval morphology is limited. Here we explore divergence of larval morphology inTriturus ivanbureschi,T. macedonicus, and their F1 hybrids. These two genetically and morphologically distinct crested newt species hybridize in nature and form a relatively wide hybrid zone in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. Using a geometric morphometric approach and multivariate statistics, we evaluated differences of tail size and shape, colouration pattern, and the presence of a tail filament at the mid-larval stage in larvae reared under controlled laboratory conditions. We chose the tail as the main propulsive organ crucial for locomotion, feeding, and escaping predators. We found thatTriturus ivanbureschiandT. macedonicuslarvae differ in tail shape, but not in tail size. Two groups of F1 hybrid larvae (obtained from reciprocal crossing) were similar to each other, but differed from the parental species in size and shape of the tail, colouration pattern, and the presence of a tail filament. Our results indicate that, like adults, larvae diverge morphologically and hybrid larvae do not exhibit intermediate morphology of the parental species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Vučić
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tanja D. Vukov
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nataša Tomašević Kolarov
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Cvijanović
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Ivanović
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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