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Mischling E, Ladich F. Sex-specific difference in agonistic sounds depends on size of sonic organs in fishes: Testing the hypothesis in the croaking gourami (Labyrinth fishes). J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol 2023; 339:838-852. [PMID: 37522465 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2734] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
In most vocal fish species, females possess smaller sound-generating organs and vocalize less than males. In certain cases females lack sonic organs, in others differences between sexes are unknown. This study analyzes in detail the relationship between sexual dimorphism of sonic organs and the characteristics of agonistic behavior and of sounds recorded under the same behavioral conditions in a vocal fish species, the croaking gourami Trichopsis vittata. During agonistic contests both sexes stretch and pluck two enhanced (sonic) tendons when beating pectoral fins alternately, resulting in a series of double-pulsed bursts, termed croaking sound. The following anatomical, behavioral, and acoustic variables were analyzed: diameter of enhanced tendons in each specimen, duration of same-sex dyadic contests, number and duration of lateral display bouts and of sounds, number of single- and double-pulsed bursts, burst period, peak-to-peak amplitudes of pulses, dominant frequency and sound pressure level (SPLrms). Female sonic tendons were approximately one-fifth smaller than male's of the same size. Six out of seven behavioral variables did not differ between sexes. Sound characteristics were similar in both sexes except for SPLs, which were on average 5 dB lower in females. The degree of sexual dimorphisms in sonic organs may explain differences in sound characteristics. Sounds differ only in one sound characteristic (SPLrms) in T. vittata, in contrast with the congeneric Trichopsis pumila which possesses a more pronounced sexual dimorphism in sonic organs and in which agonistic sounds differ in all sound properties between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elean Mischling
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friedrich Ladich
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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2
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Rørvang MV, Schild SLA, Stenfelt J, Grut R, Gadri MA, Valros A, Nielsen BL, Wallenbeck A. Odor exploration behavior of the domestic pig ( Sus scrofa) as indicator of enriching properties of odors. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1173298. [PMID: 37214639 PMCID: PMC10196037 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1173298] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction and aim Although the sense of smell in pigs is widely recognized as being highly developed, surprisingly little is known about their sensory ability. This study aimed to (a) identify which non-social odors pigs were able to detect and distinguish between, (b) investigate the types of behavior expressed when exploring odors and, (c) compare pigs' responses to the different odors to evaluate their interest in the odors. Methods Growing pigs (N = 192) of crossbred commercial breeds were enrolled in the experiment (32-110 days of age, weighing 64.9 ± 10.1kg). Littermate pairs of opposite sex were tested in test pens with two odor insertion points in the pen wall, 55 cm apart. All pigs were habituated to the test pens and experimenters. Twelve odors were tested (eight essential oils and four synthetic perfumes) in groups of three odors, with each pig pair tested once with one set of three odors (all possible orders of the three odors were tested on 24 pairs in total), always against a non-odor control (demineralized water). In a test, each of the three odors were presented during three trials in a row (a total of 9 trials per test; trial duration: 1 min; inter-trial breaks: 2 min; total test duration: 25 min). Response variables included: duration of sniffing, feeding-related behavior (licking, biting and rooting), agonistic behavior (biting, displacement and pushing) and no approach of the odor or control, recorded throughout each 1-min odor presentation. Results All pigs sniffed an odor less when repeatedly presented (LMM: all odors P < 0.05), and significantly longer at the subsequent presentation of a new odor [LMM (3rd vs. 1st presentations): P < 0.001]. Specific odor and odor type (essential oil vs. synthetic perfume) had no significant effect on sniffing duration. Overall, feeding-related behavior and agonistic behavior were expressed significantly more when pigs explored the odor compared with the control insertion point (Paired t-tests: P < 0.001), and specific odor only affected the expression of feeding-related behavior. Conclusion Collectively, pigs express sniffing, agonistic, and feeding-related behavior when exploring odors, which suggests that pigs perceive odors of non-social origin as a resource. Odors may thus constitute relevant enrichment material for pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vilain Rørvang
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | | | - Johanna Stenfelt
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Grut
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Moses A. Gadri
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Anna Valros
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Birte L. Nielsen
- Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), Wheathampstead, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Wallenbeck
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
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Ayuso PR, Feliu O, Riba D, Crailsheim D. Listening to Their Nights: Sleep Disruptions in Captive Housed Chimpanzees Affect Their Daytime Behavior. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040696. [PMID: 36830481 PMCID: PMC9952389 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040696] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimpanzee's nocturnal sleep is a dynamic and complex process, still not fully understood. As in humans, not getting enough quality sleep due to frequent or lasting disruptions may affect their physical and mental health, hence wellbeing, which may be reflected in their daytime behavior. This study aims to understand the impact of abiotic factors, such as temperature and humidity on the nocturnal activity as well as the impact of nocturnal awakening events on daytime behavior in sanctuary-housed chimpanzees. We monitored noisy nocturnal activity through audio recordings for one year, documenting the number and duration of sound events produced by chimpanzees to indicate sleep fragmentation and disruption intensity, respectively. Our results indicate that indoor temperature and humidity indeed influence the chimpanzee's nocturnal activity. Furthermore, sleep fragmentation and intensity of nocturnal events significantly influenced the following day's behavior. After nights marked by frequent and/or intense sleep disruptions, higher levels of inactivity, and abnormal and self-directed behaviors were observed, and chimpanzees spent more time on affiliative interactions and in social proximity. These findings highlight the importance of controlling factors influencing nocturnal sleep quality. Furthermore, we demonstrated that economic audio recordings used to monitor nocturnal activity, provide insights into the chimpanzee's behavior and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo R. Ayuso
- Research Department, Fundació Mona, 17457 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.R.A.); (D.C.); Tel.: +34-659420327 (P.R.A.)
| | - Olga Feliu
- Research Department, Fundació Mona, 17457 Girona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Riba
- Research Department, Fundació Mona, 17457 Girona, Spain
- Facultat de Lletres, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Dietmar Crailsheim
- Research Department, Fundació Mona, 17457 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.R.A.); (D.C.); Tel.: +34-659420327 (P.R.A.)
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Clua EEG, Bègue M, Jam O, Lambillon R, Meyer CG. First tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier bite in 75 years in French Polynesia (Eastern Central Pacific). Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e6830. [PMID: 36694655 PMCID: PMC9843076 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6830] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We analyzed a tiger shark (estimated 2.8 m total length) bite on a snorkeler. The removal of the terminal part of the leg suggests a predatory motivation for the bite. This is the first documented bite by a tiger shark in French Polynesia waters for the past 75 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E. G. Clua
- CRIOBE USR3278 EPHE‐CNRS‐UPVDEPHE, PSL Research UniversityPerpignanFrance,Labex Corail, CRIOBEMooreaFrench Polynesia
| | - Michel Bègue
- Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie FrançaiseTahitiFrench Polynesia
| | - Olivier Jam
- Centre Médical de RikiteaMangarevaGambierFrench Polynesia
| | | | - Carl G. Meyer
- Hawaii Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawaii at ManoaKaneoheHawaiiUSA
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Hongjamrassilp W, Skelton Z, Hastings PA. Function of an extraordinary display in sarcastic fringeheads (Neoclinus blanchardi) with comments on its evolution. Ecology 2023; 104:e3878. [PMID: 36203364 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Watcharapong Hongjamrassilp
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Zachary Skelton
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Ocean Associates Inc. under contract to Fisheries Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Philip A Hastings
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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Bester‐Meredith JK, Burns JN, Dang MN, Garcia AM, Mammarella GE, Rowe ME, Spatacean CF. Blocking olfactory input alters aggression in male and female California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Aggress Behav 2022; 48:290-297. [PMID: 34706094 DOI: 10.1002/ab.22004] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory input into the brain can be disrupted by a variety of environmental factors, including exposure to pathogens or environmental contaminants. Olfactory cues are often eliminated in laboratory rats and mice through highly invasive procedures like olfactory bulbectomy, which may also disrupt accessory olfactory pathways and detection of non-volatile odors. In the present study, we tested whether inducing anosmia through intranasal infusion of zinc gluconate alters aggression in a monogamous, biparental rodent species, the California mouse (Peromyscus californicus). This less invasive method of manipulating olfaction selectively targets the olfactory epithelium and reduces the detection of volatile odors. Treatment with zinc gluconate extended the time required for male and female California mice to find hidden pieces of apple and reduced the amount of time spent investigating bedding that was soiled by unfamiliar males. Moreover, inhibition of olfaction with zinc gluconate reduced aggressiveness in both sexes as demonstrated by an increased attack latency in the resident-intruder test among same-sex dyads from the same treatment group. These results suggest that volatile olfactory cues are necessary for agonistic responses in both male and female California mice. Therefore, even in species with complex social systems that include territorial aggression and monogamy, volatile olfactory cues modulate agonistic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer N. Burns
- Department of Biology Seattle Pacific University Seattle Washington USA
- Department of Psychiatry Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Minh N. Dang
- Department of Biology Seattle Pacific University Seattle Washington USA
- University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle Washington USA
| | | | - Grace E. Mammarella
- Department of Biology Seattle Pacific University Seattle Washington USA
- University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle Washington USA
| | - Melissa E. Rowe
- Department of Biology Seattle Pacific University Seattle Washington USA
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Fulenwider HD, Caruso MA, Ryabinin AE. Manifestations of domination: Assessments of social dominance in rodents. Genes Brain Behav 2022; 21:e12731. [PMID: 33769667 PMCID: PMC8464621 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Social hierarchies are ubiquitous features of virtually all animal groups. The varying social ranks of members within these groups have profound effects on both physical and emotional health, with lower-ranked individuals typically being the most adversely affected by their respective ranks. Thus, reliable measures of social dominance in preclinical rodent models are necessary to better understand the effects of an individual's social rank on other behaviors and physiological processes. In this review, we outline the primary methodologies used to assess social dominance in various rodent species: those that are based on analyses of agonistic behaviors, and those that are based on resource competition. In synthesizing this review, we conclude that assays based on resource competition may be better suited to characterize social dominance in a wider variety of rodent species and strains, and in both males and females. Lastly, albeit expectedly, we demonstrate that similarly to many other areas of preclinical research, studies incorporating female subjects are lacking in comparison to those using males. These findings emphasize the need for an increased number of studies assessing social dominance in females to form a more comprehensive understanding of this behavioral phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah D. Fulenwider
- Department of Behavioral NeuroscienceOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandORUSA
| | - Maya A. Caruso
- Department of Behavioral NeuroscienceOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandORUSA
| | - Andrey E. Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral NeuroscienceOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandORUSA
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8
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Franco M, Arce E. Aggressive interactions and consistency of dominance hierarchies of the native and nonnative cichlid fishes of the Balsas basin. Aggress Behav 2022; 48:103-110. [PMID: 34562274 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21997] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dominance hierarchies are generally established based on the levels of aggressiveness that animals present. Frequently, animals fight to establish a dominance hierarchy and obtain a disputed resource. The Mexican mojarra Cichlasoma istlanum is a native species of the Balsas river basin and coexists there with four nonnative cichlids: tilapia Oreochromis sp., convict cichlid Amatitlania nigrofasciata, spotcheek cichlid Thorichthys maculipinnis, and green terror Andinoacara rivulatus. These five cichlid species compete for spaces for reproduction, feeding, and shelter and frequently engage in aggressive interactions to obtain these resources. We quantified dominance indices to evaluate the hierarchical structure of dominance among these five cichlids and the duration of aggressive behaviors of the Mexican mojarra during experimental contests between the native species and each of the four nonnative species. The Mexican mojarra was consistently dominant over the other four cichlid species, performing a larger number of aggressive behaviors and investing more time in attacking than the nonnative cichlids, which resulted in a higher hierarchical position. Our results show that the native fish, Mexican mojarra, established dominance over all four nonnative cichlid fish of the Balsas basin. Thus, the establishment of nonnative cichlid species in the Balsas basin is likely associated with factors other than behavioral dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Franco
- Doctorado en Ciencias Naturales Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos Cuernavaca Morelos Mexico
| | - Elsah Arce
- Laboratorio de Acuicultura e Hidrobiología, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos Cuernavaca Morelos Mexico
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9
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Pedraja F, Herzog H, Engelmann J, Jung SN. The Use of Supervised Learning Models in Studying Agonistic Behavior and Communication in Weakly Electric Fish. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:718491. [PMID: 34707485 PMCID: PMC8542711 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.718491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable advances, studying electrocommunication of weakly electric fish, particularly in pulse-type species, is challenging as very short signal epochs at variable intervals from a few hertz up to more than 100 Hz need to be assigned to individuals. In this study, we show that supervised learning approaches offer a promising tool to automate or semiautomate the workflow, and thereby allowing the analysis of much longer episodes of behavior in a reasonable amount of time. We provide a detailed workflow mainly based on open resource software. We demonstrate the usefulness by applying the approach to the analysis of dyadic interactions of Gnathonemus petersii. Coupling of the proposed methods with a boundary element modeling approach, we are thereby able to model the information gained and provided during agonistic encounters. The data indicate that the passive electrosensory input, in particular, provides sufficient information to localize a contender during the pre-contest phase, fish did not use or rely on the theoretically also available sensory information of the contest outcome-determining size difference between contenders before engaging in agonistic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Pedraja
- Department of Neuroscience, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hendrik Herzog
- Department of Neuroethology/Sensory Ecology, Institute for Zoology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jacob Engelmann
- Active Sensing, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Sarah Nicola Jung
- Active Sensing, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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10
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Clua EEG, Demarchi S, Meyer CG. Suspected predatory bites on a snorkeler by an oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus off Moorea island (French Polynesia). J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:2493-2498. [PMID: 34418091 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14865] [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: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding why sharks bite humans is essential for developing strategies to prevent these incidents. Here, we use bite wound characteristics and eye witness descriptions of shark behavior to determine the likely motivation for several bites perpetrated by an oceanic whitetip (OWT) shark Carcharhinus longimanus on an adult female snorkeler off Moorea island (French Polynesia) in October 2019. The victim was snorkeling with others in pelagic waters as part of an organized whale-watching tour when the shark-without any warning behavior-bit her at least three times resulting in severe injuries with substantial loss of soft tissue from the chest and both forearms. The victim survived these injuries thanks to rapid and effective first aid provided by her companions. The sudden, unprovoked and repeated bites with substantial tissue removal are consistent with predatory behavior although the dominance hypothesis cannot be fully ruled out. This would be the first case of a predatory shark bite ever documented in French Polynesia in over 70 years of data collection. Given the routine association of OWT sharks with cetaceans, in-water whale watching activities should adopt appropriate risk management strategies in regions hosting this species of shark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E G Clua
- EPHE, CRIOBE USR3278 EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, PSL Research University, Perpignan, France.,Labex Corail, CRIOBE, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | | | - Carl G Meyer
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kaneohe, Hawaii, USA
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Borda-Molina D, Iffland H, Schmid M, Müller R, Schad S, Seifert J, Tetens J, Bessei W, Bennewitz J, Camarinha-Silva A. Gut Microbial Composition and Predicted Functions Are Not Associated with Feather Pecking and Ant agonistic Behavior in Laying Hens. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:235. [PMID: 33809351 PMCID: PMC8001194 DOI: 10.3390/life11030235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feather pecking is a well-known problem in layer flocks that causes animal welfare restrictions and contributes to economic losses. Birds' gut microbiota has been linked to feather pecking. This study aims to characterize the microbial communities of two laying hen lines divergently selected for high (HFP) and low (LFP) feather pecking and investigates if the microbiota is associated with feather pecking or agonistic behavior. METHODS Besides phenotyping for the behavioral traits, microbial communities from the digesta and mucosa of the ileum and caeca were investigated using target amplicon sequencing and functional predictions. Microbiability was estimated with a microbial mixed linear model. RESULTS Ileum digesta showed an increase in the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus in LFP, while Escherichia was abundant in HFP hens. In the caeca digesta and mucosa of the LFP line were more abundant Faecalibacterium and Blautia. Tryptophan metabolism and lysine degradation were higher in both digesta and mucosa of the HFP hens. Linear models revealed that the two lines differ significantly in all behavior traits. Microbiabilities were close to zero and not significant in both lines and for all traits. CONCLUSIONS Trait variation was not affected by the gut microbial composition in both selection lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Borda-Molina
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Hanna Iffland
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Markus Schmid
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Regina Müller
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Svenja Schad
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jana Seifert
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Werner Bessei
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Amélia Camarinha-Silva
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
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Ma CH, Huang PY, Chang YC, Pan YJ, Azra MN, Chen LL, Hsu TH. Improving Survival of Juvenile Scalloped Spiny Lobster ( Panulirus homarus) and Crucifix Crab ( Charybdis feriatus) Using Shelter and Live Prey. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:370. [PMID: 33540637 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fighting with each other is a major problem in lobster and crab aquaculture. Reducing the fighting behavior of lobsters and crabs can improve survival during the culturing process. Juvenile lobsters and crabs were both cultured under different shelters (seaweed and cotton filter) and live prey conditions. Groups with shelter and co-culturing with live prey showed a better survival rate for both juvenile lobsters and crabs. Although providing shelter is currently the main method for reducing agonistic behavior, it must be continually altered as the lobsters and crabs grow. Live prey can grow and attract lobsters and crabs to hunt them, and live prey can be supplemented at any time. They can also be used as an additional source of income during the harvest season. Abstract Cannibalism is a major problem in lobster and crab aquaculture. Reducing the aggressive characteristics of lobsters and crabs can improve survival during the culturing process. In this study, juvenile scalloped spiny lobsters (Panulirus homarus) and crucifix crabs (Charybdis feriatus) were both cultured under different shelter and live prey conditions. Groups with shelter (seaweed and cotton filter) showed a better survival rate than the control group (no shelter; p < 0.05) for both Pa. homarus and Char. feriatus. Co-culturing with live prey (Litopenaeus vannamei) significantly benefited the juveniles of Pa. homarus and visibly increased the survival of juvenile Char. feriatus. Although providing shelter is currently the main method for reducing agonistic behavior, it must be continually altered as the lobsters and crabs grow. Live prey can grow and attract lobsters and crabs to hunt them, and live prey can be supplemented at any time. They can also be used as an additional source of income during the harvest season.
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Marinelli L, Mongillo P, Carnier P, Schiavon S, Gallo L. A Short Period of Darkness after Mixing of Growing Pigs Intended for PDO Hams Production Reduces Skin Lesions. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101729. [PMID: 32977689 PMCID: PMC7598622 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mixing unacquainted growing pigs is a common practice in commercial herds to adjust the group size to the pen dimensions and to balance the body weights of pigs within pens. Aggressive behavior following regrouping may include fights that can result in skin lesions and detrimental economic effects. Strategies aimed at limiting such issues can therefore improve animal welfare in practice. In the present study, we investigated the effects of darkness, maintained for 48 h after the formation of new social groups, on the expression of agonistic behavior and on the accumulation of skin lesions of growing pigs. The provision of 48 h of darkness significantly reduced the number of skin lesions on the mid- and rear thirds of pigs’ body. However, no corresponding reduction was observed in agonistic behavior, suggesting that darkness decreases the efficacy of aggressions, rather than how often or for how long they are expressed. Furthermore, an analysis of the location of lesions indicates that aggressions towards a fleeing companion, rather than reciprocal ones, were those mostly affected by darkness. The present results identify in the provision of darkness an easily applicable and relatively inexpensive intervention, that leads to the reduction of one of the most problematic consequences of agonistic interactions, i.e., skin lesions. Abstract Agonistic behavior after the regrouping of unfamiliar pigs has been recognized as one of the major welfare issues for pig husbandry, as it may result in lesions, lameness, and health problems. One scarcely investigated strategy to curb agonistic behavior is reducing the availability of visual stimuli potentially eliciting aggressions. In this study, we investigated the expression of agonistic behavior by growing pigs and the resulting accumulation of skin lesions over a period of 14 days following the formation of new social groups, which occurred in a condition of darkness maintained for 48 h. Compared to a simulated natural photoperiod (12 h light/day), darkness significantly reduced the number of skin lesions on the mid- and rear thirds of pigs’ body (p ≤ 0.01). A lack of corresponding decrease in frequency and duration of agonistic interactions suggests that darkness acts by decreasing the efficacy, not the expression, of aggressions. Furthermore, the location of lesions mostly affected by darkness indicates that the latter mostly acted by reducing the possibility of pigs to convey damage to a fleeing conspecific, rather than to one involved in a reciprocal fighting. The lighting regime provided did not affect growth performance traits of a 17-weeks feeding trial. The present results identify in the provision of darkness an easily applicable, and relatively inexpensive intervention, that leads to the reduction of skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieta Marinelli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy; (L.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Paolo Mongillo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy; (L.M.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Paolo Carnier
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy; (L.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Stefano Schiavon
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy; (S.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Luigi Gallo
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy; (S.S.); (L.G.)
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Masin S, Bani L, Vardanega D, Chiodini N, Orioli V. Hierarchies and Dominance Behaviors in European Pond Turtle ( Emys orbicularis galloitalica) Hatchlings in a Controlled Environment. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1510. [PMID: 32859002 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Few species of reptiles are known to establish stable social structures and among these, chelonians provided scarce and conflicting results. Moreover, studies on turtles are usually performed on adult individuals. In this study, we checked whether and when hatchlings of the European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis galloitalica) established stable hierarchical structures in their first year of life, whether hierarchies were stable in time and how steady they were. We also verified whether social ranks were associated to the individuals' size. We observed dyadic interactions daily within three small groups of turtles reared in a controlled environment for seven months. After two months, the hatchlings started to interact and progressively established stable hierarchical structures. However, the effectiveness of the three types of observed aggressive behaviors in reversing social ranks was low and the resulting hierarchies were flat. We did not find a significant effect of the turtles' size on their interactions' outcome and hierarchy structure. Our results provide clear evidence of the development and the characteristics of social behaviors in young reptiles in captivity. This study could be a starting point for investigating social structures in wild populations.
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15
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Pang Y, He L, Song Y, Song X, Lv J, Cheng Y, Yang X. Identification and Integrated Analysis of MicroRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles During Agonistic Behavior in Chinese Mitten Crab ( Eriocheir sinensis) Using a Deep Sequencing Approach. Front Genet 2020; 11:321. [PMID: 32391050 PMCID: PMC7191074 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As a commercially important species, the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) has been cultured for a long time in China. Agonistic behavior often causes limb disability and requires much energy, which is harmful to the growth and survival of crabs. In this paper, we divided crabs into a control group (control, no treatment) and an experimental group (fight, agonistic behavior after 1 h) and then collected the thoracic ganglia (TG) to extract RNA. Subsequently, we first used a deep sequencing approach to examine the transcripts of microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in E. sinensis displaying agonistic behavior. According to the results, we found 29 significant differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and 116 significant differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs). The DEMs esi-miR-199a-5p, esi-let-7d, esi-miR-200a, and esi-miR-200b might participate in the regulation of agonistic behavior by mediating neuroregulation and energy metabolism. Focusing on the transcripts of the mRNAs, the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway might be involved in the regulation of agonistic behavior through glucose metabolism as this pathway was significantly enriched with DEGs. Besides, an integrated analysis of the miRNA and mRNA profiles revealed that the retinoid X receptor (RXR) was also involved in visual signal transduction, which was important for agonistic behavior. In addition, four vital agonistic behavior-related metabolic pathways, including the cAMP signaling, MAPK, protein digestion and absorption, and fatty acid metabolism pathways, were significantly enriched with the predicted target unigenes. In conclusion, the findings of this study might provide important insight enhancing our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of agonistic behavior in E. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Pang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Long He
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yameng Song
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaozhe Song
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahuan Lv
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongxu Cheng
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaozhen Yang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Villagrán M, Freitas‐de‐Melo A, Bartoš L, Ungerfeld R. Aggressive interactions among female, semi-captive pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) increase within the hierarchy and after short-term removal of the male. Aggress Behav 2020; 46:181-187. [PMID: 32048733 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Two trials were carried out to determine: (a) if there is a positive relation between the frequency of aggressive interactions among female pampas deer and their position within the hierarchy (HI), (b) if short-term removal of the male triggers an increase in the frequency of aggression, and (c) if the magnitude of this increase is related to the individual rank position of the female. Each of 19 breeding groups comprised one adult male and from four to six adult females. The HI was determined for each female and all aggressive interactions were recorded. These were recorded while the male was present (i.e., all of Trial 1 and the "with male" period in Trial 2) and after removal of the male (i.e., the "without male" period in Trial 2). The individual percentage change in the frequency of aggressive interactions after male removal was calculated. In Trial 1 the HI, the frequency of different types of aggressive interaction and the total of aggressive interactions were positively related (all: p < .001; General Linear Mixed Model [GLMM]). In Trial 2, the frequency of total aggressive interactions increased after male removal (F(1, 27) = 3.5; p < .001; GLMM). The individual percentage changes in aggressive interaction between periods were positively related to HI (F(6, 24) = 2.56; p = .05; GLMM). For female pampas deer maintained in breeding groups, we conclude that the frequency of aggressive interactions increases within the hierarchy. Aggression also increases after the short-term removal of the male, mainly among females of higher social status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Villagrán
- Departamento de BiocienciasFacultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Aline Freitas‐de‐Melo
- Departamento de BiocienciasFacultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Luděk Bartoš
- Department of EthologyInstitute of Animal Science Praha Czechia
- Department of Ethology and Companion Animal ScienceCzech University of Life Sciences Praha Czechia
| | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de BiocienciasFacultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República Montevideo Uruguay
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17
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Pang YY, Song YM, Zhang L, Song XZ, Zhang C, Lv JH, He L, Cheng YX, Yang XZ. 5-HT2B, 5-HT7, and DA2 Receptors Mediate the Effects of 5-HT and DA on Agonistic Behavior of the Chinese Mitten Crab ( Eriocheir sinensis). ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:4502-4510. [PMID: 31642670 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is a commercially important crab in China and is usually managed at high stocking densities. Agonistic behavior directly impacts crab integrity, survival, and growth and results in economic losses. In the present study, we evaluated the modulatory effects of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) though the 5-HT2 and DA2 receptor-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway on agonistic behavior. The results showed that injection of either 10-6 mol/crab 5-HT or DA reduced the agonistic behavior of E. sinensis (P < 0.05), as did 10-10 mol/crab DA and 10-8 mol/crab 5-HT and DA (P < 0.05); however, a dose of 10-10 mol/crab 5-HT promoted agonistic behavior. 5-HT significantly increased the mRNA expression level of 5-HT7 receptor and reduced that of the DA2 receptor in the cerebral ganglion (P < 0.05). In contrast to 5-HT, DA significantly decreased 5-HT2B mRNA levels and increased 5-HT7 and DA2 receptor levels in the thoracic ganglia (P < 0.05). In addition, injections of either 5-HT or DA increased the cAMP and PKA levels in hemolymph (P < 0.05). By using in vitro culture of the thoracic ganglia, the current study showed that ketanserin (5-HT2 antagonist) and [R(-)-TNPA] (DA2 agonist) had obvious effects on the expression levels of the two receptors (P < 0.05). In vivo experiments further demonstrated that ketanserin and [R(-)-TNPA] could both significantly reduce the agonistic behavior of the crabs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, both ketanserin and [R(-)-TNPA] promoted the cAMP and PKA levels (P < 0.05). The injection of CPT-cAMP (cAMP analogue) elevated the PKA levels and inhibited agonistic behavior. In summary, this study showed that 5HT-2B and DA2 receptors were involved in the agonistic behavior that 5-HT/DA induced through the cAMP-PKA pathway in E. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Yang Pang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Ya-Meng Song
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Long Zhang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiao-Zhe Song
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jia-Huan Lv
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Long He
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yong-Xu Cheng
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiao-Zhen Yang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
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18
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Clua EEG, Haguenauer A. Nonfatal Bites by a Sicklefin Lemon Shark Negaprion acutidens on a Surfer in Makemo Atoll (French Polynesia). J Forensic Sci 2019; 65:979-983. [PMID: 31670847 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the species and size of sharks responsible for biting humans is essential for developing strategies to prevent these incidents. Here, we use bite wound characteristics and genetic analysis of a tooth fragment extracted from the wounds to identify a sicklefin lemon shark Negaprion acutidens as the perpetrator of nonfatal bites on the legs of an adult male surfer at Makemo atoll (French Polynesia) in January 2018. The bite was superficial, and N. acutidens are fish predators not known to feed on large prey; hence, foraging is an unlikely explanation for this incident rather linked to territoriality. Lemon sharks are occasionally aggressive toward humans and are site attached with relatively small home ranges; hence, avoiding surfing in the area of a previous bite incident is recommended to decrease the risk of future injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E G Clua
- PSL, USR3278 EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement, BP 1013, 98729, Papetoai, Polynésie Française.,Laboratoire of Excellence (CORAIL), CRIOBE, 58 avenue Paul Alduy, 66800, Perpignan, France
| | - Anne Haguenauer
- PSL, USR3278 EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement, BP 1013, 98729, Papetoai, Polynésie Française.,Laboratoire of Excellence (CORAIL), CRIOBE, 58 avenue Paul Alduy, 66800, Perpignan, France
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19
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Lee SB, Mullins A, Aguilera-Olivares D, Chouvenc T, Su NY. Fused Colonies of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) for Laboratory Experiments. J Econ Entomol 2019; 112:2311-2315. [PMID: 31165146 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toz154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory studies of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) often employ the use of field-collected foraging populations of individuals as defined colonies. The biological relevance of this practice is often called into question, because these colonies lack a full composition of reproductive castes and brood, which may have physiological and behavioral consequences. Rearing intact laboratory colonies can be done; however, it is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The artificial fusion of field-collected foraging populations with a young, laboratory-reared incipient colony may provide whole, intact colonies for laboratory research. The current study measures survivorship of fused colonies using laboratory-reared complete incipient colonies ranging in age from 0 to 5 mo, fused with 100 workers and 10 soldiers from field-collected populations of different colonial origin. Results indicate that 60% of colony fusion was successful when the incipient colony introduced is 5 mo of age. This method of colony fusion will provide researchers with intact colonies using minimal resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Bin Lee
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, College Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
| | - Aaron Mullins
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, College Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
| | - Daniel Aguilera-Olivares
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, College Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
| | - Thomas Chouvenc
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, College Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
| | - Nan-Yao Su
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, College Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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20
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Nakata M, Ågmo A, Sagoshi S, Ogawa S. The Role of Estrogen Receptor β (ERβ) in the Establishment of Hierarchical Social Relationships in Male Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:245. [PMID: 30405370 PMCID: PMC6204783 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of social dominance is important for social species including mice, for preferential access to foods and mates. Male mice establish social rank through agonistic behaviors, which are regulated by gonadal steroid hormone, testosterone, as its original form and aromatized form. It is well known that estrogen receptors (ERs), particularly ER α (ERα), mediate effects of aromatized testosterone, i.e., 17β-estradiol, but precise role played by ER β (ERβ) is still unclear. In the present study, we investigated effects of ERβ gene disruption on social rank establishment in male mice. Adult male ERβ knockout (βERKO) mice and their wild type (WT) littermates were paired based on genotype- and weight-matched manner and tested against each other repeatedly during 7 days experimental period. They underwent 4 trials of social interaction test in neutral cage (homogeneous set test) every other day. Along repeated trials, WT but not βERKO pairs showed a gradual increase of agonistic behaviors including aggression and tail rattling, and a gradual decrease of latency to social rank determination in tube test conducted after each trial of the social interaction test. Analysis of behavioral transition further suggested that WT winners in the tube test showed one-sided aggression during social interaction test suggesting WT pairs went through a process of social rank establishment. On the other hand, a dominant-subordinate relationship in βERKO pairs was not as apparent as that in WT pairs. Moreover, βERKO mice showed lower levels of aggressive behavior than WT mice in social interaction tests. These findings collectively suggest that ERβ may play a significant role in the establishment and maintenance of hierarchical social relationships among male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Nakata
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Research Fellow, Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Anders Ågmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Shoko Sagoshi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Sonoko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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21
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Rillich J, Stevenson PA. Serotonin Mediates Depression of Aggression After Acute and Chronic Social Defeat Stress in a Model Insect. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:233. [PMID: 30349464 PMCID: PMC6186776 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In all animals, losers of a conflict against a conspecific exhibit reduced aggressiveness, often coupled with depression-like symptoms, particularly after multiple defeats. While serotonin (5HT) is involved, discovering its natural role in aggression and depression has proven elusive. We show how 5HT influences aggression in male crickets, before, and after single and multiple defeats using serotonergic drugs, at dosages that had no obvious deleterious effect on general motility: the 5HT synthesis inhibitor alpha-methyltryptophan (AMTP), the 5HT2 receptor blocker ketanserin, methiothepin which blocks 5HT receptor subtypes other than 5HT2, 5HT's precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) and re-uptake inhibitor fluoxetine. Contrasting reports for other invertebrates, none of the drugs influenced aggression at the first encounter. However, the recovery of aggression after single defeat, which normally requires 3 h in crickets, was severely affected. Losers that received ketanserin or AMTP regained their aggressiveness sooner, whereas those that received fluoxetine, 5HTP, or methiothepin failed to recover within 3 h. Furthermore, compared to controls, which show long term aggressive depression 24 h after 6 defeats at 1 h intervals, crickets that received AMTP or ketanserin regained their full aggressiveness and were thus more resilient to chronic defeat stress. In contrast, 5HTP and fluoxetine treated crickets showed long term aggressive depression 24 h after only 2 defeats, and were thus more susceptible to defeat stress. We conclude that 5HT acts after social defeat via a 5HT2 like receptor to maintain depressed aggressiveness after defeat, and to promote the susceptibility to and establishment of long-term depression after chronic social defeat. It is known that the decision to flee and establishment of loser depression in crickets is controlled by nitric oxide (NO), whereas dopamine (DA), but not octopamine (OA) is necessary for recovery after defeat. Here we show that blocking NO synthesis, just like ketanserin, affords resilience to multiple defeat stress, whereas blocking DA receptors, but not OA receptors, increases susceptibility, just like fluoxetine. We discuss the possible interplay between 5HT, NO, DA, and OA in controlling aggression after defeat, as well as similarities and differences to findings in mammals and other invertebrate model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Rillich
- Institute for Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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22
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Mendoza-Vargas L, Guarneros-Bañuelos E, Báez-Saldaña A, Galicia-Mendoza F, Flores-Soto E, Fuentes-Pardo B, Alvarado R, Valdés-Tovar M, Sommer B, Benítez-King G, Solís-Chagoyán H. Involvement of Melatonin in the Regulation of the Circadian System in Crayfish. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072147. [PMID: 30041485 PMCID: PMC6073447 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (MEL) is an ancient molecule, broadly distributed in nature from unicellular to multicellular species. MEL is an indoleamine that acts on a wide variety of cellular targets regulating different physiological functions. This review is focused on the role played by this molecule in the regulation of the circadian rhythms in crayfish. In these species, information about internal and external time progression might be transmitted by the periodical release of MEL and other endocrine signals acting through the pacemaker. We describe documented and original evidence in support of this hypothesis that also suggests that the rhythmic release of MEL contributes to the reinforcement of the temporal organization of nocturnal or diurnal circadian oscillators. Finally, we discuss how MEL might coordinate functions that converge in the performance of complex behaviors, such as the agonistic responses to establish social dominance status in Procambarus clarkii and the burrowing behavior in the secondary digging crayfish P. acanthophorus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonor Mendoza-Vargas
- Departamento El Hombre y su Ambiente, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco (UAM-Xochimilco), 04960 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Elizabeth Guarneros-Bañuelos
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 11340 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Armida Báez-Saldaña
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Fabiola Galicia-Mendoza
- Departamento El Hombre y su Ambiente, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco (UAM-Xochimilco), 04960 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Edgar Flores-Soto
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Beatriz Fuentes-Pardo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Ramón Alvarado
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Marcela Valdés-Tovar
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Bettina Sommer
- Departamento de Investigación en Hiperreactividad Bronquial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, 14080 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Gloria Benítez-King
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Héctor Solís-Chagoyán
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Márquez-Luna U, Lara C, Corcuera P, Valverde PL. Factors affecting the dominance hierarchy dynamics in a hummingbird assemblage. Curr Zool 2018; 65:261-268. [PMID: 31263484 PMCID: PMC6595422 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra and interspecific competition for nectar play an important role in hummingbird communities. Larger sized species usually exclude smaller species from the rich floral resources. However, it has been recently postulated that the competitive advantages of a large body size decline as the evolutionary distance between the contending species increases. In this study, we analyzed dominance hierarchy dynamics in a hummingbird assemblage in central Mexico. By monitoring hummingbird territories established in three plant species through 1 year, we assessed the effects of energy within territories and the territory owners identity in the frequency of inter and intraspecific encounters. We also evaluated if these factors affect the dominance of larger species when they compete against smaller distantly related contenders. Our results show that their frequency of intraspecific encounters was related with the identity of the territory’s owner. On the contrary, the frequency of interspecific encounters was related with both the territory and the identity of the territory’s owner. We did not find a significant difference between the number of encounters dominated by larger and smaller species and their contenders. However, the increase in genetic distance between contenders was positively associated with a higher frequency of encounters dominated by small hummingbirds. Our results showed that the ecological factors and evolutionary relationships among contenders play important roles in the dominance hierarchy dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ubaldo Márquez-Luna
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carlos Lara
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala. Km 10.5 Autopista Tlaxcala-San Martín Texmelucan, San Felipe Ixtacuixtla, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Pablo Corcuera
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México
| | - Pedro Luis Valverde
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México
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Jublier N, Clua EE. Size Assessment of the Gray Reef Shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos Inferred from Teeth Marks on Human Wounds. J Forensic Sci 2018; 63:1561-1567. [PMID: 29341126 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An accurate assessment of the biting shark size is paramount for better understanding the agonistic behavior of a species toward humans. The gray reef shark is involved in many accidental bites. Based on the capture of 35 gray sharks, we calculated the algorithm that allows the assessment of the shark size, through the interdental distance (IDD) inferred from teeth marks on human wounds. Our results show a negative allometric relationship and that IDD calculated from imprints perpetrated by the upper jaw are globally similar with those from the lower jaw, in spite of heterodonty. We applied our findings to two cases of accidental bites by this species. Both of the victims had declared that the shark length was "at least 2 m". Based on our algorithm, the assessment of the shark TL was approx. 180 and 160 cm, respectively, which correspond to an overestimation of ≥20% by the victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Jublier
- Laboratory of Excellence «CORAIL», PSL, USR3278 EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement, BP 1013, 98729, Papetoai, Moorea, Polynésie Française
| | - Eric E Clua
- Laboratory of Excellence «CORAIL», PSL, USR3278 EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement, BP 1013, 98729, Papetoai, Moorea, Polynésie Française
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25
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Perrone R, Silva AC. Status-Dependent Vasotocin Modulation of Dominance and Subordination in the Weakly Electric Fish Gymnotus omarorum. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:1. [PMID: 29403366 PMCID: PMC5778121 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dominant-subordinate status emerges from agonistic encounters. The weakly electric fish, Gymnotus omarorum, displays a clear-cut example of non-breeding territorial aggression. The asymmetry in the behavior of dominants and subordinates is outstanding. Dominants are highly aggressive and subordinates signal submission in a precise sequence of locomotor and electric traits: retreating, decreasing their electric organ discharge rate, and emitting transient electric signals. The hypothalamic neuropeptide arginine-vasotocin (AVT) and its mammalian homolog arginine-vasopressin, are key modulators of social behavior, known to adapt their actions to different contexts. By analyzing the effects of pharmacological manipulations of the AVT system in both dominants and subordinates, we show evidence of distinct status-dependent actions of AVT. We demonstrate an endogenous effect of AVT on dominants' aggression levels: blocking the V1a AVT receptor induced a significant decrease in dominants' attack rate. AVT administered to subordinates enhanced the expression of the electric signals of submission, without affecting subordinates' locomotor displays. This study contributes a clear example of status-dependent AVT modulation of agonistic behavior in teleosts, and reveals distinctive activation patterns of the AVT system between dominants and subordinates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Perrone
- Unidad Bases Neurales de la Conducta, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana C Silva
- Unidad Bases Neurales de la Conducta, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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26
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Abstract
Chicken agonistic behavior, a type of social behavior related to threatening and fighting, is among the most serious problems in the poultry industry. However, due to luck of effective models for investigating the brain mechanisms of the behavior, no effective measures have been taken. This study, therefore, aimed to select the behavioral tests available for monitoring chicken agonistic behavior. Two behavioral tests, resident-intruder (R-I) test and social interaction (SI) test, were performed for 10 minutes in 10 pairs of male layer chicks at 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 days of age, and total agonistic frequencies (TAF: Sum of the frequencies of agonistic displays like pecking, biting, kicking, threatening, and leaping) and latency (the period of time from the beginning of the behavioral test to the occurrence of the first agonistic behavior) were measured as indices of agonistic behavior. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences in TAF and latency between aggressors and opponents in both the behavioral tests. In the R-I test, the TAF of aggressors significantly increased from 8 to 20 days of age, and the latency significantly decreased from 8 to 24 days of age. In the SI test, however, the TAF of aggressors significantly increased and the latency significantly decreased only from 16 to 20 days of age. When the criterion of high agonistic behavior was defined as the TAF, where aggressors showed more than 30 times of TAF and the opponents did less than one-third TAF of aggressors, the aggression establishment rate (AER), which is equal to the number of aggressors showing high agonistic behavior per total behavioral trials, was significantly higher in the R-I test than in the SI test. These results suggest that the R-I test, rather than the SI test, is an effective tool for monitoring agonistic behavior of layer chicks.
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Balzarini V, Taborsky M, Villa F, Frommen JG. Computer animations of color markings reveal the function of visual threat signals in Neolamprologus pulcher. Curr Zool 2017; 63:45-54. [PMID: 29491962 PMCID: PMC5804153 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual signals, including changes in coloration and color patterns, are frequently used by animals to convey information. During contests, body coloration and its changes can be used to assess an opponent's state or motivation. Communication of aggressive propensity is particularly important in group-living animals with a stable dominance hierarchy, as the outcome of aggressive interactions determines the social rank of group members. Neolamprologus pulcher is a cooperatively breeding cichlid showing frequent within-group aggression. Both sexes exhibit two vertical black stripes on the operculum that vary naturally in shape and darkness. During frontal threat displays these patterns are actively exposed to the opponent, suggesting a signaling function. To investigate the role of operculum stripes during contests we manipulated their darkness in computer animated pictures of the fish. We recorded the responses in behavior and stripe darkness of test subjects to which these animated pictures were presented. Individuals with initially darker stripes were more aggressive against the animations and showed more operculum threat displays. Operculum stripes of test subjects became darker after exposure to an animation exhibiting a pale operculum than after exposure to a dark operculum animation, highlighting the role of the darkness of this color pattern in opponent assessment. We conclude that (i) the black stripes on the operculum of N. pulcher are a reliable signal of aggression and dominance, (ii) these markings play an important role in opponent assessment, and (iii) 2D computer animations are well suited to elicit biologically meaningful short-term aggressive responses in this widely used model system of social evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Balzarini
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Behavioral Ecology Division, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Taborsky
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Behavioral Ecology Division, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Villa
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Behavioral Ecology Division, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Joachim G. Frommen
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Behavioral Ecology Division, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
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Terranova JI, Ferris CF, Albers HE. Sex Differences in the Regulation of Offensive Aggression and Dominance by Arginine-Vasopressin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:308. [PMID: 29184535 PMCID: PMC5694440 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) plays a critical role in the regulation of offensive aggression and social status in mammals. AVP is found in an extensive neural network in the brain. Here, we discuss the role of AVP in the regulation of aggression in the limbic system with an emphasis on the critical role of hypothalamic AVP in the control of aggression. In males, activation of AVP V1a receptors (V1aRs) in the hypothalamus stimulates offensive aggression, while in females activation of V1aRs inhibits aggression. Serotonin (5-HT) also acts within the hypothalamus to modulate the effects of AVP on aggression in a sex-dependent manner. Activation of 5-HT1a receptors (5-HT1aRs) inhibits aggression in males and stimulates aggression in females. There are also striking sex differences in the mechanisms underlying the acquisition of dominance. In males, the acquisition of dominance is associated with the activation of AVP-containing neurons in the hypothalamus. By contrast, in females, the acquisition of dominance is associated with the activation of 5-HT-containing neurons in the dorsal raphe. AVP and 5-HT also play critical roles in the regulation of a form of social communication that is important for the maintenance of dominance relationships. In both male and female hamsters, AVP acts via V1aRs in the hypothalamus, as well as in other limbic structures, to communicate social status through the stimulation of a form of scent marking called flank marking. 5-HT acts on 5-HT1aRs as well as other 5-HT receptors within the hypothalamus to inhibit flank marking induced by AVP in both males and females. Interestingly, while AVP and 5-HT influence the expression of aggression in opposite ways in males and females, there are no sex differences in the effects of AVP and 5-HT on the expression of social communication. Given the profound sex differences in the incidence of many psychiatric disorders and the increasing evidence for a relationship between aggressiveness/dominance and the susceptibility to these disorders, understanding the neural regulation of aggression and social status will have significant import for translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph I. Terranova
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Craig F. Ferris
- Department of Psychology, Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - H. Elliott Albers
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: H. Elliott Albers,
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29
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Kumari A, Patel BHM, Maurya V, Godara AS, Verma MR, Singh M. Behavioral pattern of Rohilkhandi kids under different feeding systems. Vet World 2016; 9:773-6. [PMID: 27536041 PMCID: PMC4983131 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.773-776] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The present study designed to evaluate the effect of different feeding systems on the behavior of local Rohilkhandi kids. Materials and Methods: A total of 21 growing goats (local goat of Rohilkhand region), weighing around 7-11 kg and aging 4-5 months, were used. These animals were kept in three groups. Group I was fed un-chopped green fodder in circular feeder (newly designed). Group II was fed un-chopped green fodder in linear feeder that was similar to the existing farm practice. Group III was fed chopped green fodder in linear feeder (modified version). Amount of concentrate and dry fodder fed was kept constant for all the three groups subject to equal increment in accordance with their increasing age. Adlibitum green fodder was made available to the animals. The experiment was conducted for 3 months. On-going behavior was recorded each day 4 h (2 h in the morning from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, after offering the feed, and same was repeated for 2 h in the afternoon, i.e., from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm) was made between 9 am and 5 pm. The individual behaviors, viz., feeding, drinking, lying down, ruminating, idling, butting, pressing, pushing, frontal clashing, and physical displacement at feed barrier (active and passive: Without physical contact) of the goat were recorded using time-sampling method. Further, incidental activities such as defecation and urination were also recorded. Results: Among all the groups, butting, head to head, and pushing were the common agonistic behavior found but values did not differ significantly. The pushing while feeding was relatively less in Group II (0.22±0.04 min) which differed significantly (p<0.05) from the other two groups. The idling time was found significantly (p<0.05) lower in Group II (1.68±0.21) as compared to Group I (4.67±0.52) and Group III (4.27±0.56). Time spent in rumination near the feeding trough as well as away from the feeding trough was also significantly higher in Group I (p<0.05) than the other two groups. Other minor activities, viz., defecation and urination were negligible. No stereotypic activities were observed. Conclusion: It was concluded that provision of un-chopped fodder in circular feeder could only simulate natural feeding behavior of goat but did not give any added advantage. Further, feeding chopped fodder in linear feeding trough lead to increased consumption and more time is spent on feeding than on agonistic behavior as compared to the other two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Kumari
- Livestock Production and Management Section, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - B H M Patel
- Livestock Production and Management Section, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vipin Maurya
- Livestock Production and Management Section, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Asu Singh Godara
- Livestock Production and Management Section, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Med Ram Verma
- Division of Livestock Economics Statistics and Information Technology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mukesh Singh
- Livestock Production and Management Section, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
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30
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Stevenson PA, Rillich J. Controlling the decision to fight or flee: the roles of biogenic amines and nitric oxide in the cricket. Curr Zool 2016; 62:265-275. [PMID: 29491914 PMCID: PMC5804241 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggression is a common behavioral strategy employed by animals to secure limited resources, but must be applied with restraint to limit potential costs including injury. How animals make the adaptive decision to fight or flee is barely known. Here, we review our work on crickets that reveals the roles of biogenic amines, primarily octopamine (the insect analog of noradrenaline) and nitric oxide (NO). Using aminergic drugs, we found that amines are not essential for actually initiating aggression. However, octopamine is necessary for mediating the aggression-promoting effects of potentially rewarding experiences including stimulation with a male antenna, physical exertion, winning, and resource possession. Hence, octopamine can be considered as the motivational component of aggression. Imposed handicaps that impede aggressive signaling revealed that the agonistic actions of an opponent perceived during fighting act to reduce aggression, and that crickets make the decision to flee the moment the accumulated sum of such aversive experiences exceeds some critical level. Treatment with nitridergic drugs revealed that the impact of the opponent’s aggressive actions is mediated by NO. NO acts to suppress aggression by promoting the tendency to flee and is primarily responsible for the depressed aggressiveness of subordinates after social defeat. Octopamine and dopamine can each restore aggression in subordinates, but only dopamine is necessary for normal recovery. The role of serotonin remains unclear, and is discussed. We conclude that octopamine and NO control the decision to fight or flee by mediating the effects of potentially rewarding and aversive experiences, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Stevenson
- Institute for Biology, Leipzig University, Talstr. 33, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Rillich
- Institute for Biology, Leipzig University, Talstr. 33, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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31
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Abstract
A numerical model of neurovascular coupling (NVC) is presented based on neuronal activity coupled to vasodilation/contraction models via the astrocytic mediated perivascular K+ and the smooth muscle cell (SMC) Ca2+ pathway termed a neurovascular unit (NVU). Luminal agonists acting on P2Y receptors on the endothelial cell (EC) surface provide a flux of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) into the endothelial cytosol. This concentration of IP3 is transported via gap junctions between EC and SMC providing a source of sarcoplasmic derived Ca2+ in the SMC. The model is able to relate a neuronal input signal to the corresponding vessel reaction (contraction or dilation). A tissue slice consisting of blocks, each of which contain an NVU is connected to a space filling H-tree, simulating a perfusing arterial tree (vasculature) The model couples the NVUs to the vascular tree via a stretch mediated Ca2+ channel on both the EC and SMC. The SMC is induced to oscillate by increasing an agonist flux in the EC and hence increased IP3 induced Ca2+ from the SMC stores with the resulting calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) oscillation inhibiting NVC thereby relating blood flow to vessel contraction and dilation following neuronal activation. The coupling between the vasculature and the set of NVUs is relatively weak for the case with agonist induced where only the Ca2+ in cells inside the activated area becomes oscillatory however, the radii of vessels both inside and outside the activated area oscillate (albeit small for those outside). In addition the oscillation profile differs between coupled and decoupled states with the time required to refill the cytosol with decreasing Ca2+ and increasing frequency with coupling. The solution algorithm is shown to have excellent weak and strong scaling. Results have been generated for tissue slices containing up to 4096 blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Dormanns
- UC HPC Supercomputing Centre, University of Canterbury Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Richard G Brown
- Institution of Mathematical Sciences, Massey University Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Tim David
- UC HPC Supercomputing Centre, University of Canterbury Christchurch, New Zealand
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Weber DN, Hoffmann RG, Hoke ES, Tanguay RL. Bisphenol A exposure during early development induces sex-specific changes in adult zebrafish social interactions. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2015; 78:50-66. [PMID: 25424546 PMCID: PMC4246420 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2015.958419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Developmental bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is associated with adverse behavioral effects, although underlying modes of action remain unclear. Because BPA is a suspected xenoestrogen, the objective was to identify sex-based changes in adult zebrafish social behavior developmentally exposed to BPA (0.0, 0.1, or 1 μM) or one of two control compounds (0.1 μM 17β-estradiol [E2], and 0.1 μM GSK4716, a synthetic estrogen-related receptor γ ligand). A test chamber was divided lengthwise so each arena held one fish unable to detect the presence of the other fish. A mirror was inserted at one end of each arena; baseline activity levels were determined without mirror. Arenas were divided into three computer-generated zones to represent different distances from mirror image. Circadian rhythm patterns were evaluated at 1-3 (= AM) and 5-8 (= PM) h postprandial. Adult zebrafish were placed into arenas and monitored by digital camera for 5 min. Total distance traveled, percent of time spent at mirror image, and number of attacks on mirror image were quantified. E2, GSK4716, and all BPA treatments dampened male activity and altered male circadian activity patterns; there was no marked effect on female activity. BPA induced nonmonotonic effects (response curve changes direction within range of concentrations examined) on male percent of time at mirror only in AM. All treatments produced increased percent of time at the mirror during PM. Male attacks on the mirror were reduced by BPA exposure only during AM. There were sex-specific effects of developmental BPA on social interactions, and time of day of observation affected results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel N. Weber
- Children’s Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- To Whom Correspondence Should Be Addressed: , 600 E. Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204, (414) 382-1726
| | | | | | - Robert L. Tanguay
- College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University
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Wood RI, Armstrong A, Fridkin V, Shah V, Najafi A, Jakowec M. 'Roid rage in rats? Testosterone effects on aggressive motivation, impulsivity and tyrosine hydroxylase. Physiol Behav 2013; 110-111:6-12. [PMID: 23266798 PMCID: PMC3615053 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Revised: 11/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In humans and animals, anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) increase aggression, but the underlying behavioral mechanisms are unclear. AAS may increase the motivation to fight. Alternatively, AAS may increase impulsive behavior, consistent with the popular image of 'roid rage. To test this, adolescent male rats were treated chronically with testosterone (7.5mg/kg) or vehicle and tested for aggressive motivation and impulsivity. Rats were trained to respond on a nose-poke on a 10 min fixed-interval schedule for the opportunity to fight in their home cage with an unfamiliar rat. Although testosterone increased aggression (6.3±1.3 fights/5 min vs 2.4±0.8 for controls, p<0.05), there was no difference in operant responding (28.4±1.6 nose-pokes/10 min for testosterone, 32.4±7.0 for vehicle). This suggests that testosterone does not enhance motivation for aggression. To test for impulsivity, rats were trained to respond for food in a delay-discounting procedure. In an operant chamber, one lever delivered one food pellet immediately, the other lever gave 4 pellets after a delay (0, 15, 30 or 45 s). In testosterone- and vehicle-treated rats, body weights and food intake did not differ. However, testosterone-treated rats chose the larger, delayed reward more often (4.5±0.7 times in 10 trials with 45 s delay) than vehicle controls (2.5±0.5 times, p<0.05), consistent with a reduction in impulsive choice. Thus, although chronic high-dose testosterone enhances aggression, this does not include an increase in impulsive behavior or motivation to fight. This is further supported by measurement of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) by Western immunoblot analysis in brain regions important for motivation (nucleus accumbens, Acb) and executive function (medial prefrontal cortex, PFC). There were no differences in TH between testosterone- and vehicle-treated rats in Acb or PFC. However, testosterone significantly reduced TH (to 76.9±3.1% of controls, p<0.05) in the caudate-putamen, a brain area important for behavioral inhibition, motor control and habit learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth I Wood
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Abstract
Agonistic aggression has provided an excellent framework to study how conserved circuits and neurochemical mediators control species-specific and context-dependent behavior. The principal inhibitory control upon aggression is serotonin (5-HT) dependent, and the activation of 5-HT(1A) receptors is involved in its action. To address whether the serotonergic system differentially regulates different types of aggression, we used two species of weakly electric fish: the solitary Gymnotus omarorum and the gregarious Brachyhypopomus gauderio, which display distinctive types of aggression as part of each species' natural behavioral repertoire. We found that in the reproduction-related aggression displayed by B. gauderio after conflict resolution, the serotonergic activity follows the classic pattern in which subordinates exhibit higher 5-HT levels than controls. After the territorial aggression displayed by G. omarorum, however, both dominants and subordinates show lower 5-HT levels than controls, indicating a different response of the serotonergic system. Further, we found interspecific differences in basal serotonin turnover and in the dynamic profile of the changes in 5-HT levels from pre-contest to post-contest. Finally, we found the expected reduction of aggression and outcome shift in the territorial aggression of G. omarorum after 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT(1A) receptor agonist) administration, but no effect in the reproduction-related aggression of B. gauderio. Our results demonstrate the differential participation of the serotonergic system in the modulation of two types of aggression that we speculate may be a general strategy of the neuroendocrine control of aggression across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Zubizarreta
- Unidad Bases Neurales de la Conducta, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable Montevideo, Uruguay
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35
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Choleris E, Clipperton-Allen AE, Gray DG, Diaz-Gonzalez S, Welsman RG. Differential effects of dopamine receptor D1-type and D2-type antagonists and phase of the estrous cycle on social learning of food preferences, feeding, and social interactions in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:1689-702. [PMID: 21525863 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neurobiological bases of social learning, by which an animal can 'exploit the expertise of others' and avoid the disadvantages of individual learning, are only partially understood. We examined the involvement of the dopaminergic system in social learning by administering a dopamine D1-type receptor antagonist, SCH23390 (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/kg), or a D2-type receptor antagonist, raclopride (0.1, 0.3, and 0.6 mg/kg), to adult female mice prior to socially learning a food preference. We found that while SCH23390 dose-dependently inhibited social learning without affecting feeding behavior or the ability of mice to discriminate between differently flavored diets, raclopride had the opposite effects, inhibiting feeding but leaving social learning unaffected. We showed that food odor, alone or in a social context, was insufficient to induce a food preference, proving the specifically social nature of this paradigm. The estrous cycle also affected social learning, with mice in proestrus expressing the socially acquired food preference longer than estrous and diestrous mice. This suggests gonadal hormone involvement, which is consistent with known estrogenic regulation of female social behavior and estrogen receptor involvement in social learning. Furthermore, a detailed ethological analysis of the social interactions during which social learning occurs showed raclopride- and estrous phase-induced changes in agonistic behavior, which were not directly related to effects on social learning. Overall, these results suggest a differential involvement of the D1-type and D2-type receptors in the regulation of social learning, feeding, and agonistic behaviors that are likely mediated by different underlying states.
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Gogoleva SS, Volodin IA, Volodina EV, Kharlamova AV, Trut LN. Vocalization toward conspecifics in silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes) selected for tame or aggressive behavior toward humans. Behav Processes 2010; 84:547-54. [PMID: 20123117 PMCID: PMC2873138 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2010.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2009] [Revised: 01/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We examined the production of different vocalizations in three strains of silver fox (unselected, aggressive, and tame) attending three kinds of behavior (aggressive, affiliative, and neutral) in response to their same-strain conspecifics. This is a follow-up to previous experiments which demonstrated that in the presence of humans, tame foxes produced cackles and pants but never coughed or snorted, whilst aggressive foxes produced coughs and snorts but never cackled or panted. Thus, cackle/pant and cough/snort were indicative of the tame and aggressive fox strains respectively toward humans. Wild-type unselected foxes produced cough and snort toward humans similarly to aggressive foxes. Here, we found that vocal responses to conspecifics were similar in tame, aggressive and unselected fox strains. Both cackle/pant and cough/snort occurred in foxes of all strains. The difference in the use of cackle/pant and cough/snort among these strains toward humans and toward conspecifics suggest that silver foxes do not perceive humans as their conspecifics. We speculate that these vocalizations are produced in response to a triggering internal state, affiliative or aggressive, that is suppressed by default in these fox strains toward humans as a result of their strict selection for tame or aggressive behavior, whilst still remaining flexible toward conspecifics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana S. Gogoleva
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorobievy Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Ilya A. Volodin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorobievy Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Scientific Research Department, Moscow Zoo, B. Gruzinskaya, 1, Moscow, 123242, Russia
| | - Elena V. Volodina
- Scientific Research Department, Moscow Zoo, B. Gruzinskaya, 1, Moscow, 123242, Russia
| | - Anastasia V. Kharlamova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. Lavrentjeva, 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Lyudmila N. Trut
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. Lavrentjeva, 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
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Gutzler SJ, Karom M, Erwin WD, Albers HE. Photoperiodic regulation of adrenal hormone secretion and aggression in female Syrian hamsters. Horm Behav 2009; 56:481-9. [PMID: 19716370 PMCID: PMC2761516 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2009] [Revised: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 08/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal changes in the length of the daily photoperiod induce significant changes in social behavior. Hamsters housed in winter-like short photoperiods (SP) can express significantly higher levels of aggression than hamsters housed in long photoperiods (LP) that mimic summer. The mechanisms responsible for increasing aggressiveness in SP-exposed female hamsters are not well understood but may involve seasonal changes in the endocrine system. In experiment 1, the effects of SP exposure on the circulating levels of three adrenal hormones were determined. Short photoperiod exposure was found to significantly depress the circulating levels of cortisol and the adrenal androgen dehydropiandrosterone (DHEA) but significantly increased the circulating levels of the sulfated form of DHEA, DHEAS. Experiment 2 examined the effects of gonadal hormones on several different measures of aggression including its intensity in females housed in both long and short photoperiod. Exposure to SP resulted in high levels of aggression regardless of the endocrine state of the animal or the measure used to quantify aggression. In contrast, administration of estradiol to hamsters housed in LP significantly reduced aggression. The data of the present study support the hypothesis that SP-housed females are more aggressive than LP-housed females because SP exposure renders females insensitive to the aggression-reducing effects of ovarian hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Gutzler
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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Wahlsten D, Bachmanov A, Finn DA, Crabbe JC. Stability of inbred mouse strain differences in behavior and brain size between laboratories and across decades. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:16364-9. [PMID: 17053075 PMCID: PMC1618164 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0605342103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
If we conduct the same experiment in two laboratories or repeat a classical study many years later, will we obtain the same results? Recent research with mice in neural and behavioral genetics yielded different results in different laboratories for certain phenotypes, and these findings suggested to some researchers that behavior may be too unstable for fine-scale genetic analysis. Here we expand the range of data on this question to additional laboratories and phenotypes, and, for the first time in this field, we formally compare recent data with experiments conducted 30-50 years ago. For ethanol preference and locomotor activity, strain differences have been highly stable over a period of 40-50 years, and most strain correlations are in the range of r = 0.85-0.98, as high as or higher than for brain weight. For anxiety-related behavior on the elevated plus maze, on the other hand, strain means often differ dramatically across laboratories or even when the same laboratory is moved to another site within a university. When a wide range of phenotypes is considered, no inbred strain appears to be exceptionally stable or labile across laboratories in any general sense, and there is no tendency to observe higher correlations among studies done more recently. Phenotypic drift over decades for most of the behaviors examined appears to be minimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Wahlsten
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E9.
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Panksepp JB, Huber R. Chronic alterations in serotonin function: dynamic neurochemical properties in agonistic behavior of the crayfish, Orconectes rusticus. J Neurobiol 2002; 50:276-90. [PMID: 11891663 PMCID: PMC4782932 DOI: 10.1002/neu.10035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The biogenic amine serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] has received considerable attention for its role in behavioral phenomena throughout a broad range of invertebrate and vertebrate taxa. Acute 5-HT infusion decreases the likelihood of crayfish to retreat from dominant opponents. The present study reports the biochemical and behavioral effects resulting from chronic treatment with 5-HT-modifying compounds delivered for up to 5 weeks via silastic tube implants. High performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED) confirmed that 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) effectively reduced 5-HT in all central nervous system (CNS) areas, except brain, while a concurrent accumulation of the compound was observed in all tissues analyzed. Unexpectedly, two different rates of chronic 5-HT treatment did not increase levels of the amine in the CNS. Behaviorally, 5,7-DHT treated crayfish exhibited no significant differences in measures of aggression. Although treatment with 5-HT did not elevate 5-HT content in the CNS, infusion at a slow rate caused animals to escalate more quickly while 5-HT treatment at a faster rate resulted in slower escalation. 5,7-DHT is commonly used in behavioral pharmacology and the present findings suggest its biochemical properties should be more thoroughly examined. Moreover, the apparent presence of powerful compensatory mechanisms indicates our need to adopt an increasingly dynamic view of the serotonergic bases of behavior like crayfish aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jules B Panksepp
- J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind & Behavior and Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Life Sciences Building, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, USA.
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Kollack-Walker S, Watson SJ, Akil H. Social stress in hamsters: defeat activates specific neurocircuits within the brain. J Neurosci 1997; 17:8842-55. [PMID: 9348352 PMCID: PMC6573068] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During an agonistic encounter, subordinate male hamsters display defensive and submissive postures and show increased secretion of glucocorticoids, whereas dominant males do not. To determine whether specific neuronal pathways are activated during the behavioral and neuroendocrine responses of subordinate males, expression of c-fos mRNA within the brains of subordinate males was compared with the pattern in dominant males after fighting. After 1 week of handling, pairs of hamsters were either swapped between cages (handled control males), or were allowed to interact for 30 min [dominant (DOM) males and subordinate (SUB) males]. A second group of control animals that received no handling or social stimulation (unhandled control males) were also included. After testing, all animals were killed by decapitation, their brains were removed for c-fos in situ hybridization, and trunk blood was collected for analysis of plasma cortisol and corticosterone levels. Exposure of males to their partner's cage for 30 min resulted in increased expression of c-fos mRNA in multiple brain regions. In addition, fighting increased c-fos expression in the medial amygdaloid nucleus of both DOM and SUB males as well as having more selective effects. In DOM males, c-fos expression was elevated within the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. In SUB males, c-fos expression increased within a multitude of brain areas, including cingulate cortex, lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial preoptic area, several hypothalamic nuclei, central amygdaloid nucleus, amygdalohippocampal area, dorsal periaqueductal gray, dorsal raphe, cuneiform nucleus, and locus coeruleus. These findings are discussed in relation to neurocircuits associated with behavioral arousal and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kollack-Walker
- Mental Health Research Institute, University of Michigan, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0720, USA
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Yeh SR, Musolf BE, Edwards DH. Neuronal adaptations to changes in the social dominance status of crayfish. J Neurosci 1997; 17:697-708. [PMID: 8987791 PMCID: PMC6573243] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/1996] [Revised: 09/10/1996] [Accepted: 09/12/1996] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of superfused serotonin (5-HT; 50 microns) on the synaptic responses of the lateral giant (LG) interneuron in crayfish was found to depend on the social status of the animal. In socially isolated animals. 5-HT persistently increased the response of LG to sensory nerve shock. After social isolates were paired in a small cage, they fought and determined their dominant and subordinate status. After 12 d of pairing, 5-HT reversibly inhibited the response of LG in the social subordinate and reversibly increased the response of LG in the social dominant crayfish. The effect of 5-HT changed approximately linearly from response enhancement to inhibition in the new subordinate over the 12 d of pairing. If, after 12 d pairing, the subordinate was reisolated for 8 d, the response enhancement was restored. If the subordinate, instead, was paired with another subordinate and became dominant in this new pair, the inhibitory effect of 5-HT changed to an enhancing effect over the next 12 d of pairing. If, however, two dominant crayfish were paired and one became subordinate, the enhancing effect of 5-HT persisted in the new subordinate even after 38 d pairing. These different effects of serotonin result from the action of two or more molecular receptors for serotonin. A vertebrate 5-HT, agonist had no effect on social isolates but reversibly inhibited the response of LG in both dominant and subordinate crayfish. The inhibitory effects of the agonist developed approximately linearly over the first 12 d of pairing. A vertebrate 5-HT2 agonist persistently increased the response of LG in isolate crayfish and reversibly increased the response of the cell in dominant and subordinate crayfish. Finally, although neurons that might mediate these effects of superfused 5-HT are unknown, one pair of 5-HT-immunoreactive neurons appears to contact the LG axon and initial axon segment in each abdominal ganglion in its projection caudally from the thorax.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Yeh
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta 30302-4010, USA
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Krasne FB, Shamsian A, Kulkarni R. Altered excitability of the crayfish lateral giant escape reflex during agonistic encounters. J Neurosci 1997; 17:709-16. [PMID: 8987792 PMCID: PMC6573235] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The excitability of the lateral giant escape reflex of socially dominant and submissive crayfish at rest and during agonistic encounters was studied and compared. During agonistic encounters the excitability of the lateral giant reflex falls, substantially in subordinates and slightly in dominants, whereas at rest excitability seems to be independent of social status. Thus, paradoxically, socially dominant animals are more likely to execute lateral giant escape reactions during interactions than are subordinates. It is suggested that subordinates under threat of attack tend to engage circuitry involved in flexible, nonreflex ("voluntary") types of escape not mediated by giant neurons and therefore inhibit giant neuron-mediated reflex circuitry that produces prompt, but less adaptive, responses. In contrast, dominants go about their business, mainly ignoring their conspecifics and relying on reflex escape to protect them from unexpected attack. Consistent with this view, escape of subordinates during agonistic encounters is mediated by nongiant, not reflex, circuitry. These observations and their interpretation suggest a possible functional role for recently described social status-dependent serotonergic modulation of the lateral giant reflex, which is inhibitory in sign in subordinates and facilitatory in dominants.
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Affiliation(s)
- F B Krasne
- Department of Psychology and Brain-Research Institute, University of California at Los Angeles 90095-1563, USA
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