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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.)

Stress and immunity: Field comparisons among populations of invasive cane toads in Florida

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Author(s):
Assis, Vania R. [1, 2] ; Gardner, Steven T. [3] ; Smith, Kyra M. [3] ; Gomes, Fernando R. [1] ; Mendonca, Mary T. [3]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Fisiol, Inst Biociencias, Rua Matao, Trav 14, 101, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Auburn Univ, Dept Biol & Environm Sci, 7400 East Dr, Montgomery, AL 36117 - USA
[3] Auburn Univ, Dept Biol Sci, Auburn, AL 36849 - USA
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART A-ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY; v. 333, n. 10, SI JUN 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

Cane toads (Rhinella marina) were introduced worldwide and have become invasive in multiple locations, representing a major driver of biodiversity loss through competition (food, shelter, territory), predation, and the poisoning of native species. These toads have been used in Australia as a model for studies concerning invasion biology and ecoimmunology, as longer-established (core) and invasion front (edge) populations show altered stress and immune response profiles. Although cane toads were also introduced into the United States in the 1950s, these patterns have yet to be evaluated for the populations spanning Florida. Toads introduced into Florida have dispersed primarily northward along a latitudinal gradient, where they encounter cooler temperatures that may further impact stress and immune differences between core and edge populations. In this study, we sampled cane toads from nine different locations spanning their invasion in Florida. Cane toads from southern populations showed higher plasma bacterial killing ability and natural antibody titers than the toads from the northern populations, indicating they have a better immune surveillance system. Also, southern toads were more responsive to a novel stressor (1 hr restraint), showing a higher increase in corticosterone levels. These results indicate that possible trade-offs have occurred between immune and stress responses as these toads have become established in northern cooler areas in Florida. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/04802-5 - Long-term corticosterone treatment effects on stress and immune response in cane toads (Rhinella marina)
Grantee:Vania Regina de Assis
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor