Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Interplay among steroids, body condition and immunity in response to long-term captivity in toads

Full text
Author(s):
Monteiro Titon, Stefanny Christie [1] ; Titon Junior, Braz [1] ; Assis, Vania Regina [1] ; Kinker, Gabriela Sarti [1] ; Carlos Magno Fernandes, Pedro Augusto [1] ; Gomes, Fernando Ribeiro [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Fisiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 8, NOV 21 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Stressful experiences can promote harmful effects on physiology and fitness. However, stress-mediated hormonal and immune changes are complex and may be highly dependent on body condition. Here, we investigated captivity-associated stress effects, over 7, 30, 60, and 90 days on plasma corticosterone (CORT) and testosterone (T) levels, body index, and innate immunity (bacterial killing ability and phagocytosis of peritoneal cells) in toads (Rhinella icterica). Toads in captivity exhibited elevated CORT and decreased T and immunity, without changes in body index. The inter-relationships between these variables were additionally contrasted with those obtained previously for R. schneideri, a related species that exhibited extreme loss of body mass under the same captive conditions. While T and phagocytosis were positively associated in both species, the relationship between CORT and bacterial killing ability was dependent on body index alterations. While CORT and bacterial killing ability were positively associated for toads that maintained body index, CORT was negatively associated with body index in toads that lost body mass over time in captivity. In these same toads, body index was positively associated with bacterial killing ability. These results demonstrate that steroids-immunity inter-relationships arising from prolonged exposure to a stressor in toads are highly dependent on body condition. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/16320-7 - Impacts of climate/environmental change on the fauna: an integrative approach
Grantee:Carlos Arturo Navas Iannini
Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 13/00900-1 - Comparative study of the relationships between immunocompetence and plasmatic levels of gonadal and inter-renal steroids in toads
Grantee:Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants