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Evidence for placental transfer of maternal corticosterone in a viviparous lizard

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 07:17 authored by Itonaga, K, Erik WapstraErik Wapstra, Susan JonesSusan Jones
In mammals, there is experimental evidence that circulating maternal cortisol is transferred to the embryos across the placenta during gestation. Direct effects of this maternal cortisol may allow embryos to display phenotypic plasticity to cope with postnatal environments (i.e., pre-programming). The potential for maternal hormone induced-adaptation may be of considerable evolutionary significance in viviparous animals. However, to date, there is no such direct evidence that circulating maternal corticosterone passes through the placenta and into the embryos of viviparous reptiles. In this study, we assessed the transfer of (3)H-corticosterone injected into females of the lizard Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii into maternal blood, maternal liver, the embryo, the yolk and the amniotic fluid during mid-to-late gestation. We provide direct evidence that circulating maternal corticosterone passes through the placenta into the embryos in this species. Transfer of maternal corticosterone into the embryos significantly decreased at the end of embryonic development. We discuss these results in terms of the relationships between the degree of corticosterone transfer and embryonic stage. These results demonstrate the potential for direct effects of maternal corticosterone, including endocrine pre-programming, upon the developing embryos in viviparous lizards.

History

Publication title

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology

Volume

160

Pagination

184-189

ISSN

1095-6433

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Elsevier Science Inc

Place of publication

360 Park Ave South, New York, USA, Ny, 10010-1710

Rights statement

The definitive version is available at http://www.sciencedirect.com

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Terrestrial biodiversity

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