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Effects of variation in maternal carotenoid intake during gestation on offspring innate immune response in a matrotrophic viviparous reptile
Citation
Itonaga, K and Jones, SM and Wapstra, E, Effects of variation in maternal carotenoid intake during gestation on offspring innate immune response in a matrotrophic viviparous reptile, Functional Ecology, 25, (6) pp. 1318-1326. ISSN 0269-8463 (2011) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
The definitive published version is available online at: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1365-2435.2011.01882.x
Abstract
1. The evolution of matrotrophy may be related to high resource availability during gestation
and consequently increased opportunity for reproductive investment via the placenta. Thus,
matrotrophic species have smaller yolk volume than lecithotrophic species. Innate immune
response of offspring at birth, which is important in protection against disease and parasites,
may be influenced by the degree of reproductive investment of carotenoids, such as b-carotene.
However, to date, no study has investigated the effects of maternal carotenoid intake during
reproduction on the innate immune responses of offspring in reptiles.
2. Some matrotrophic viviparous (live-bearing) reptiles provide significant support for embryo-
genesis through both yolk and placenta. These species are excellent models for research into the
evolutionary transitions from lecithotrophic reproduction (i.e. supply of resources from the
yolks, e.g. birds) to highly matrotrophic reproduction (i.e. direct supply of most resources from
the mother, e.g. mammals).
3. We used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to examine carotenoid concentra-
tion in newly ovulated eggs of a matrotrophic viviparous lizard (Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii).
Most eggs did not contain any carotenoids, including b-carotene.
4. We then experimentally manipulated maternal b-carotene availability (i.e. supplementation
of b-carotene in the diet or no supplementation) during gestation and investigated innate
immune response of offspring (i.e. tissue swelling and proportion of monocytes in response to
antigenic stimulation) at 2 days after birth. Subsequently, we investigated the effects of post-
natal b-carotene intake on innate immune response of offspring using reciprocal transplant
experiments in which we manipulated offspring b-carotene availability for 2 weeks after birth.
This experimental design also allowed us to assess the persistence of effects of maternal b-caro-
tene effects on innate immune response in offspring. We found that the immune response as mea-
sured by the proportion of monocytes was enhanced by high maternal b-carotene intake during
gestation, and this effect persisted for 2 weeks after birth. Furthermore, post-natal b-carotene
intake enhanced innate immune response.
5. The maternally transferred ß-carotene via the placenta during embryogenesis may be an
important physiological adaptation to counter the costs of a reduction in organic substances
supplied in the yolk that occurs as matrotrophy evolves.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
---|---|
Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
Research Group: | Zoology |
Research Field: | Animal physiology - systems |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Terrestrial systems and management |
Objective Field: | Terrestrial biodiversity |
UTAS Author: | Itonaga, K (Mr Keisuke Itonaga) |
UTAS Author: | Jones, SM (Professor Susan Jones) |
UTAS Author: | Wapstra, E (Associate Professor Erik Wapstra) |
ID Code: | 74099 |
Year Published: | 2011 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 8 |
Deposited By: | Zoology |
Deposited On: | 2011-11-11 |
Last Modified: | 2017-10-31 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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