Effects of extreme seasonality on metabolism and immunity of amphibians in a tropical semi-arid zone

• Grant number: 14/50643-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2015
• End date: March 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Compared Physiology
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
• Grantee: Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/00900-1 - Comparative study of the relationships between immunocompetence and plasmatic levels of gonadal and inter-renal steroids in toads, AP.R

Abstract

In this study, we will determine the effects of seasonality and elevated temperature on metabolic regulation, reproduction and immunity of three species of amphibians (Pleurodema diplolister, Rhinella granulosa and R. jimi). We will test the following hypotheses: 1) elevated temperature and low humidity during the dry season negatively affect energy metabolismo and immunocompetence in amphibians; 2) seasonal patterns of metabolic regulation and immunomodulation are more pronounced in aestivating P. diplolister compared to the R. granulosa and R. jimi that are active all year round. We will collect males in three periods: A) dry season; B) during the rainfall, when males are calling; and C) in the interval between rainfalls, when reproductive males are foraging, and assess key parameters of metabolic regulation, levels of reproductive and stress hormones and immunocompetence. These proof-of-the-concept data, combined with the earlier results of the Brazilian Pls on this study system, will serve as a foundation for a proposal to the National Science Foundation IOS-IEP Program to be submitted in January 2016 and collaborative proposals to FAPESP. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

MADELAIRE, CARLA BONETTI; GOMES, FERNANDO RIBEIRO; SOKOLOVA, INNA. Biomarker-based assessment of the muscle maintenance and energy status of anurans from an extremely seasonal semi-arid environment, the Brazilian Caatinga. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY, v. 240, FEB 2020. (14/50643-8, 15/02484-0)

MADELAIRE, CARLA BONETTI; SOKOLOVA, INNA; GOMES, FERNANDO RIBEIRO. Seasonal Patterns of Variation in Steroid Plasma Levels and Immune Parameters in Anurans from Brazilian Semiarid Area. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY, v. 90, n. 4, p. 415-433, JUL-AUG 2017. (11/03030-2, 14/50643-8)