Maternal and transgenerational effects of corticosterone on immunity and hormonal levels of lizards (Tropidurus catalanensis)

• Grant number: 20/12775-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: February 01, 2021
• End date: January 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Compared Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
• Grantee: Débora Meyer de Almeida Prado
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In different life history stages, animals go through situations that challenge the maintenance of homeostasis. The activation of the stress response and the consequent release of glucocorticoids result in several physiological adjustments that help organisms to deal with challenges. Ectothermic vertebrates, when dealing with stressful situations, increase the secretion of corticosterone (CORT). While the acute increase in plasma CORT concentrations can be adaptive, the maintenance of these high concentrations for long periods of time can have deleterious effects on the individual's reproduction and immunity. Additionally, the transfer of this hormone to the embryos can lead to permanent phenotypic changes, known as transgenerational effects. We aim to understand how the chronic increase in plasma CORT concentrations affects the reproductive physiology and immunity of females (Tropidurus catalanensis) and its transgenerational effects. For this we will 1) test how chronic treatment with exogenous CORT affects the hormonal concentrations (estradiol [E], progesterone [P]) and immunity (plasma bactericidal capacity [BKA], leukocyte profile and hemagglutination [Hm]) of pregnant females and 2) regarding the transgenerational effects of maternal treatment with CORT, we will observe concentrations of P, testosterone (T), CORT and E in the yolk, survival (number of stillbirths), CORT concentrations in the feces, body condition and immune function (phytohemagglutinin [PHA]) of the offspring. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

PRADO, Débora Meyer de Almeida. Effects of chronic corticosterone treatment and body condition on immunity, fat deposition and feeding behaviour of female lizards (Tropidurus catalanensis). 2023. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB) São Paulo.