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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Hormonal correlates of the annual cycle of activity and body temperature in the South-American tegu lizard (Salvator merianae)

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Author(s):
Zena, Lucas A. [1, 2] ; Dillon, Danielle [2] ; Hunt, Kathleen E. [3] ; Navas, Carlos A. [1] ; Buck, C. Loren [2] ; Bicego, Kenia C. [4]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biosci, Dept Physiol, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] No Arizona Univ, Dept Biol Sci, Box 5640, Flagstaff, AZ 86011 - USA
[3] George Mason Univ, Dept Biol, Fairfax, VA 22030 - USA
[4] Sao Paulo State Univ, Coll Agr & Vet Sci, Dept Anim Morphol & Physiol, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: General and Comparative Endocrinology; v. 285, JAN 1 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Life history transitions and hormones are known to interact and influence many aspects of animal physiology and behavior. The South-American tegu lizard (Salvator merianae) exhibits a profound seasonal shift in metabolism and body temperature, characterized by high daily activity during warmer months, including reproductive endothermy in spring, and metabolic suppression during hibernation in winter. This makes S. merianae an interesting subject for studies of interrelationships between endocrinology and seasonal changes in physiology/behavior. We investigated how plasma concentrations of hormones involved in regulation of energy metabolism (thyroid hormones T-4 and T-3; corticosterone) and reproduction (testosterone in males and estrogen/progesterone in females) correlate with activity and body temperature (Tb) across the annual cycle of captive held S. merianae in semi-natural conditions. In our initial model, thyroid hormones and corticosterone showed a positive relationship with activity and Tb with independent of sex: T-3 positively correlated with activity and Tb, while T-4 and corticosterone correlated positively with changes in Tb only. This suggests that thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids may be involved in metabolic transitions of annual cycle events. When accounting for sex-steroid hormones, our sex separated models showed a positive relationship between testosterone and Tb in males and progesterone and activity in females. Coupling seasonal endocrine measures with activity and Tb may expand our understanding of the relationship between animal's physiology and its environment. Manipulative experiments are required in order to unveil the directionality of influences existing among abiotic factors and the hormonal signaling of annual cyclicity in physiology/behavior. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/04849-6 - Role of TRPV4 channels in thermoregulation in endotherms
Grantee:Kênia Cardoso Bícego
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 18/06192-2 - Seasonal physiology in the tegu lizard Salvator merianae: an animal model for assessing physiological functions in a dynamic and changing environment
Grantee:Lucas Aparecido Zena
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
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: 17/01652-2 - Seasonal physiology in the tegu lizard Salvator merianae: an animal model for assessing physiological functions in a dynamic and changing environment
Grantee:Lucas Aparecido Zena
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral