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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.)

Physiological markers suggest energetic and nutritional adjustments in male sharks linked to reproduction

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Author(s):
Rangel, Bianca S. [1] ; Hammerschlag, Neil [2, 3] ; Sulikowski, James A. [4] ; Moreira, Renata Guimaraes [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Metab & Reprod Organismos Aquat, Dept Fisiol, Inst Biociencias, Rua Matao, Travessa 14, 321, Cidade Univ, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Miami, Leonard & Jayne Abess Ctr Ecosyst Sci & Policy, Coral Gables, FL 33146 - USA
[3] Univ Miami, Rosenstiel Sch Marine & Atmospher Sci, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149 - USA
[4] Arizona State Univ, Sch Math & Nat Sci, Glendale, AZ 85306 - USA
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Oecologia; v. 196, n. 4 JUL 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Energetic condition is one of the most important factors that influence fitness and reproductive performance in vertebrates. Yet, we lack evidence on how energetic states change in response to reproduction in large marine vertebrates. In the present study, we used a non-lethal approach to assess relationships among reproductive stage, circulating steroid hormones (testosterone and relative corticosteroid levels), plasma fatty acids, and the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate in male sharks of two species with divergent ecologies, the benthic nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) and the epipelagic blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus). We found higher relative corticosteroid levels in adult nurse sharks during the pre-mating period and in blacktip sharks during the mating period. Higher levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate were found in adult nurse sharks during the mating period, but concentrations of this ketone body did not significantly vary across reproductive stages in blacktip sharks. We also detected reduced percentages of essential fatty acids during the mating period of both nurse and blacktip sharks. Taken together, our findings suggest that nurse and blacktip sharks differ in their energetic strategy to support reproduction, however, they likely rely on physiologically important fatty acids during mating, to support spermatogenesis. (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: 17/25273-0 - Ecophysiology and trophic relationships of elasmobranchs: biomarkers as tools for conservation
Grantee:Bianca de Sousa Rangel
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate