A tale of two islands: evidence for impaired stress response and altered immune functions in an insular pit viper following ecological disturbance

Abstract The frequency and intensity of ecological perturbations affecting wild animal populations is expected to increase in the future with animals facing numerous global threats. Seahorse Key is a continental island off mainland Florida that has historically been a major rookery for several species of waterbirds. As a result of an unknown disturbance, the entire rookery abandoned Seahorse Key in April 2015 and shifted nesting activities to nearby Snake Key, resulting in an influx of food resources in the form of fish carrion to resident Florida cottonmouth snakes (Agkistrodon conanti), while snakes on Seahorse Key experienced a drastic reduction in food resources. Our objective was to assess plasma corticosterone concentrations, corticosterone negative feedback using dexamethasone, blood glucose, body condition, packed cell volume, natural antibody agglutination, white blood cell counts and ratios and erythrocyte sedimentation rate to characterize the long-term effects of differential resource availability in these two snake populations 3 years after this major ecological disturbance. We collected blood samples at three time points from cottonmouths on Seahorse Key (n = 6 individuals) and Snake Key (n = 13 individuals) in fall 2018. In due consideration of the small sample size, our study shows evidence that 3 years after the shift in waterbird nesting Seahorse Key cottonmouths exhibit a dampened acute stress response and presumptive impaired innate immune functions relative to cottonmouths on Snake Key. These results highlight the context-dependent nature of biomarkers and implicate the significant decrease in food resources on Seahorse Key in altering hormonal stress responses and innate immune functions, possibly leading to unknown long-term downstream effects. This study assessed the response of a wild population of pit viper to ecological disturbance in situ with the aim to improve our understanding of how animals cope with such perturbations and improve our capacity to make informed decisions for conservation.

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In utero heat stress alters the postnatal innate immune response of pigs

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa356 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (12) ◽

Author(s):

Jay S Johnson ◽

Jacob M Maskal ◽

Alan W Duttlinger ◽

Kouassi R Kpodo ◽

Betty R McConn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Heat Stress ◽

Stress Response ◽

Body Temperature ◽

Innate Immune Response ◽

In Utero ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Postnatal Life ◽

Lps Challenge ◽

Cell Counts

Abstract The effects of in utero heat stress (IUHS) range from decreased growth performance to altered behavior, but the long-term impact of IUHS on postnatal innate immune function in pigs is unknown. Therefore, the study objective was to determine the effects of early gestation IUHS on the immune, metabolic, and stress response of pigs subjected to an 8 hr lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge during postnatal life. Twenty-four pregnant gilts were exposed to thermoneutral (TN; n = 12; 17.5 ± 2.1 °C) or heat stress (HS; n = 12; cyclic 26 to 36 °C) conditions from days 6 to 59 of gestation, and then TN conditions (20.9 ± 2.3 °C) from day 60 of gestation to farrowing. At 12 wk of age, 16 IUHS and 16 in utero thermoneutral (IUTN) pigs were selected, balanced by sex and given an intravenous injection of LPS (2 µg/kg BW mixed with sterile saline [SAL] and injected at 2 µL/kg BW) or SAL (2 µL/kg BW). Body temperature was monitored every 30 min, and blood was obtained at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 hr following the LPS challenge. Blood samples were analyzed for glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), cortisol, and cytokine concentrations. In addition, white blood cell counts were determined at 0 and 4 hr. Hour 0 data were used as covariates. Body temperature was increased (P < 0.01) in LPS (40.88 ± 0.08 °C) vs. SAL (39.83 ± 0.08 °C) pigs. Eosinophils tended to be decreased overall (P = 0.09; 43.9%) in IUHS vs. IUTN pigs. Glucose concentrations were reduced overall (P = 0.05; 5.9%) in IUHS vs. IUTN pigs. The NEFA concentrations tended to be greater (P = 0.07; 143.4%) in IUHS-LPS pigs compared with all other treatments, and IUTN-LPS pigs tended to have greater (127.4%) circulating NEFA concentrations compared with IUTN-SAL and IUHS-SAL pigs. Cortisol was increased (P = 0.04) in IUHS-LPS compared with IUTN-LPS pigs at 3 hr (21.5%) and 4 hr (64.3%). At 1 hr, tumor necrosis factor α was increased (P = 0.01; 115.1%) in IUHS-LPS compared with IUTN-LPS pigs. Overall, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were greater (P < 0.04; 281.3% and 297.8%, respectively) in IUHS-LPS pigs compared with all other treatments, and IUTN-LPS pigs had increased IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations compared with IUTN-SAL and IUHS-SAL pigs. In summary, IUHS altered the postnatal cytokine, metabolic, and physiological stress response of pigs during postnatal life, which may have negative implications toward the innate immune response of IUHS pigs to pathogens.

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Short- and Long-Term Transcriptomic Responses of Escherichia coli to Biocides: a Systems Analysis

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.00708-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 86 (14) ◽

Author(s):

Beatriz Merchel Piovesan Pereira ◽

Xiaokang Wang ◽

Ilias Tagkopoulos

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Stress Response ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Zinc Homeostasis ◽

Cross Resistance ◽

Transcriptional Responses ◽

Systematic Analysis ◽

Content Type ◽

Short Term Exposure

ABSTRACT The mechanisms of the bacterial response to biocides are poorly understood, despite their broad application. To identify the genetic basis and pathways implicated in the biocide stress response, we exposed Escherichia coli populations to 10 ubiquitous biocides. By comparing the transcriptional responses between a short-term exposure (30 min) and a long-term exposure (8 to 12 h) to biocide stress, we established the common gene and pathway clusters that are implicated in general and biocide-specific stress responses. Our analysis revealed a temporal choreography, starting from the upregulation of chaperones to the subsequent repression of motility and chemotaxis pathways and the induction of an anaerobic pool of enzymes and biofilm regulators. A systematic analysis of the transcriptional data identified a zur-regulated gene cluster to be highly active in the stress response against sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid, presenting a link between the biocide stress response and zinc homeostasis. Susceptibility assays with knockout mutants further validated our findings and provide clear targets for downstream investigation of the implicated mechanisms of action. IMPORTANCE Antiseptics and disinfectant products are of great importance to control and eliminate pathogens, especially in settings such as hospitals and the food industry. Such products are widely distributed and frequently poorly regulated. Occasional outbreaks have been associated with microbes resistant to such compounds, and researchers have indicated potential cross-resistance with antibiotics. Despite that, there are many gaps in knowledge about the bacterial stress response and the mechanisms of microbial resistance to antiseptics and disinfectants. We investigated the stress response of the bacterium Escherichia coli to 10 common disinfectant and antiseptic chemicals to shed light on the potential mechanisms of tolerance to such compounds.

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Effects of culling on vigilance behaviour and endogenous stress response of female fallow deer

Wildlife Research ◽

10.1071/wr15118 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 43 (3) ◽

pp. 189 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

I. Pecorella ◽

F. Ferretti ◽

A. Sforzi ◽

E. Macchi

Keyword(s):

Stress Response ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Mediterranean Area ◽

Fallow Deer ◽

Wild Ungulates ◽

Dama Dama ◽

Vigilance Behaviour ◽

Faecal Samples ◽

Predator Behaviour

Context Human activities can induce behavioural and stress responses in wild animals. Information is scarce on the effects of culling on anti-predator behaviour and endogenous stress response of wild ungulates. Aims In a Mediterranean area, we evaluated the effects of culling on vigilance, foraging and endogenous stress response of female fallow deer (Dama dama). Methods Effects of culling were evaluated through behavioural observations and hormone analyses of faecal samples. Key results In an area where culling occurred (C), individuals showed significantly greater vigilance rates and foraged closer to wood than in an area with no culling (NC). In C, 24 h after culling, faecal cortisol concentrations were greater than those recorded in NC, but they decreased significantly to values comparable to (48 h post-shot) and lower than (72 h post-shot) those observed in NC. Conclusions Most likely, culling determined behavioural responses in female fallow deer, but did not trigger long-term physiological effects. Implications Increased anti-predator behaviour may complicate the implementation of long-term culling programs.

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Electric shock causes physiological stress responses in shore crabs, consistent with prediction of pain

Biology Letters ◽

10.1098/rsbl.2015.0800 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 20150800 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Robert W. Elwood ◽

Laura Adams

Keyword(s):

Stress Response ◽

Electric Shock ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Physiological Stress ◽

Pain Experience ◽

Motivational Change ◽

Animal Pain ◽

Physiological Stress Response ◽

Shore Crabs

Animal pain is defined by a series of expectations or criteria, one of which is that there should be a physiological stress response associated with noxious stimuli. While crustacean stress responses have been demonstrated they are typically preceded by escape behaviour and thus the physiological change might be attributed to the behaviour rather than a pain experience. We found higher levels of stress as measured by lactate in shore crabs exposed to brief electric shock than non-shocked controls. However, shocked crabs showed more vigorous behaviour than controls. We then matched crabs with the same level of behaviour and still found that shocked crabs had stronger stress response compared with controls. The finding of the stress response, coupled with previous findings of long-term motivational change and avoidance learning, fulfils the criteria expected of a pain experience.

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A Metabolic Stress Response

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.404 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 123-123

Author(s):

Scott Leiser ◽

Christopher Choi ◽

Ajay Bhat ◽

Charles Evans

Keyword(s):

Stress Response ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Metabolic Stress ◽

Pentose Phosphate ◽

Nucleotide Metabolism ◽

Metabolic Effects ◽

Term Survival ◽

Endogenous Role ◽

One Carbon Metabolism

Abstract An organism’s ability to respond to stress is crucial for long-term survival. These stress responses are coordinated by distinct but overlapping pathways, many of which have been found to also regulate longevity in multiple organisms across species. Despite extensive effort, our understanding of these pathways and how they affect aging remains incomplete and thus is a key area of study in Geroscience. Our previous work identified flavin-containing monooxygenase-2 (fmo-2) as a key longevity-promoting gene downstream of at least three longevity promoting pathways, including the hypoxic response, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the dietary restriction pathway. Based on the commonalities of these pathways, we hypothesized that fmo-2, a classically annotated xenobiotic enzyme, might play a key endogenous role in responding to metabolic stress. Our resulting data, using metabolic profiling and further epistatic analysis, both support this hypothesis and link fmo-2’s mechanism to modifications to one-carbon metabolism (OCM), a key intermediate pathway between the nucleotide metabolism, methylation, and transsulfuration pathways. Using mathematical modeling and a novel metabolomics approach, we were able to further identify the likely mechanism of fmo-2-mediated metabolic effects, and connect them to both OCM and downstream components. We propose a model whereby nematode fmo-2 represents a class of enzymes that are able to modify large aspects of metabolism, similar to how transcription factors modify gene expression, and that fmo-2 is a key member of a conserved metabolic stress response.

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Functional changes in neutrophils and psychoneuroendocrine responses during 105 days of confinement

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.00755.2014 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 118 (9) ◽

pp. 1122-1127 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

C. Strewe ◽

F. Muckenthaler ◽

M. Feuerecker ◽

B. Yi ◽

M. Rykova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Space Mission ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Future Research ◽

Immune Functions ◽

Plasma Cytokine ◽

Space Module ◽

Functional Changes ◽

Cell Counts ◽

Mission Success ◽

Cytokine Levels

The innate immune system as one key element of immunity and a prerequisite for an adequate host defense is of emerging interest in space research to ensure crew health and thus mission success. In ground-based studies, spaceflight-associated specifics such as confinement caused altered immune functions paralleled by changes in stress hormone levels. In this study, six men were confined for 105 days to a space module of ∼500 m3mimicking conditions of a long-term space mission. Psychic stress was surveyed by different questionnaires. Blood, saliva, and urine samples were taken before, during, and after confinement to determine quantitative and qualitative immune responses by analyzing enumerative assays and quantifying microbicide and phagocytic functions. Additionally, expression and shedding of L-selectin (CD62L) on granulocytes and different plasma cytokine levels were measured. Cortisol and catecholamine levels were analyzed in saliva and urine. Psychic stress or an activation of the psychoneuroendocrine system could not be testified. White blood cell counts were not significantly altered, but innate immune functions showed increased cytotoxic and reduced microbicide capabilities. Furthermore, a significantly enhanced shedding of CD62L might be a hint at increased migratory capabilities. However, this was observed in the absence of any acute inflammatory state, and no rise in plasma cytokine levels was detected. In summary, confinement for 105 days caused changes in innate immune functions. Whether these changes result from an alert immune state in preparation for further immune challenges or from a normal adaptive process during confinement remains to be clarified in future research.

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The effect of chronic and acute stressors, and their interaction, on gonadal function: an experimental test during gonadal recrudescence

10.1101/156034 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Mikus Abolins-Abols ◽

Rachel E. Hanauer ◽

Kimberly A. Rosvall ◽

Mark P. Peterson ◽

Ellen D. Ketterson

Keyword(s):

Stress Response ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Cellular Stress Response ◽

Gonadal Function ◽

Transcriptomic Response ◽

Stress Changes ◽

Chronic Disturbance ◽

Gonadal Recrudescence ◽

Acute Stressor

AbstractOrganisms are expected to invest less in reproduction in response to a stressor, but theory predicts that this effect should depend on the frequency of stressors in the environment. Here we investigated how an acute stressor affected gonadal function in a songbird, and how long-term differences in the stress environment influenced these acute stress responses. We exposed male Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) either to chronic or minimal (control) disturbance during gonadal recrudescence, after which we measured baseline testosterone, testosterone after an acute handling stressor, and the ability to elevate testosterone in response to hormonal stimulation. In a 2x2 design, we then euthanized males from the two chronic treatment groups either immediately or after an acute stressor to investigate the effect of these treatments on the gonadal transcriptome. We found that chronically disturbed birds had marginally lower testosterone. The acute stressor suppressed testosterone in control birds, but not in the chronic disturbance group. The ability to elevate testosterone did not differ between the chronic treatments. Surprisingly, chronic disturbance had a weak effect on the testicular transcriptome, and did not affect transcriptomic response to the acute stressor. The acute stressor, on the other hand, upregulated cellular stress response, and affected expression of genes associated with hormonal stress-response. Overall, we show that both chronic and acute stressors affect reproductive function, and that chronic stress changes how acute stressors affect testosterone physiology. Our findings also suggest that acute and chronic stressors affect testes differently, and that gonadal function is relatively robust to long-term stressors.Summary statementAn acute stressor downregulated testosterone production, but this effect was absent in chronically disturbed birds. The acute stressor had a strong effect on the gonadal transcriptome, whereas chronic disturbance had a negligible effect.

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Novel Innate Immune Functions Revealed by Dynamic, Real-Time Live Imaging of Bacterial Infections

Critical Reviews™ in Immunology ◽

10.1615/critrevimmunol.v30.i2.10 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 107-117 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Keira Melican ◽

Jorrit Boekel ◽

Monica Ryden-Aulin ◽

Agneta Richter-Dahlfors

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Live Imaging ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Immune Functions

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Hemotropic Mycoplasma and Bartonella Species Diversity in Free-Roaming Canine and Feline from Luanda, Angola

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10060735 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 735

Author(s):

João R. Mesquita ◽

Ana C. Oliveira ◽

Frederico Neves ◽

Jose R. Mendoza ◽

Maria F. Luz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Population Control ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Bartonella Henselae ◽

Control Program ◽

Health Impact ◽

Small Sample ◽

Stray Cats ◽

Hemotropic Mycoplasma ◽

Animal Populations ◽

Vector Borne

Free-roaming dogs and cats represent potential reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne pathogens shedding to the human population. Given the health impact of these pathogens, we searched free-roaming dogs and cats included in an animal population control program from Luanda, Angola, for Bartonella and hemotropic mycoplasma infection. We report the detection of Bartonella henselae (2/66; 3%), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (5/66; 7.5%) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (1/66; 1.5%) in cats. One dog was found positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis (1/20; 5%). This is the first report of Bartonella henselae infections in stray cats and of hemotropic mycoplasmas in cats and dogs from Angola. Despite the relatively small sample size, our results sustain the hypothesis of uncontrolled circulation of these agents in highly mobile synanthropic animal populations of Luanda. Population and vector control could contribute to reducing the likelihood for animal-to-animal and animal-to-human transmission.

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Case Report: Delayed Alemtuzumab-Induced Concurrent Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Journal of Pharmacy Practice ◽

10.1177/08971900211021235 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089719002110212

Author(s):

Akaansha Ganju ◽

James C. Stock ◽

Kim Jordan

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Case Reports ◽

Severe Neutropenia ◽

Cell Counts ◽

Immune Mediated ◽

Relapsing Remitting ◽

Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Study Participants ◽

Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Alemtuzumab is an anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis following failure of second-line medications. It is administered intravenously in 2 treatment sequences 1 year apart. This drug is frequently associated with mild infusion reactions within days of administration, increased infection risk, and long term adverse events from secondary autoimmunity. Alemtuzumab-induced serious immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) is well-reported and occurred in 1.0-2.2% of participants in initial phase 2 and 3 trials for multiple sclerosis. Significant neutropenia, however, is rare and was only observed in 0.1% of study participants. Delayed neutropenia and/or ITP is thought to occur from secondary autoimmunity. Few case reports have described severe neutropenia occurring beyond 2 months of last alemtuzumab dose. We present an unusual case of delayed combined neutropenia and thrombocytopenia that occurred 15 months after the second infusion of alemtuzumab. The patient was asymptomatic and presented following discovery of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia during routine laboratory studies. The patient responded to steroids initially and was discharged, although outpatient cell counts subsequently revealed recurrent neutropenia and ITP. The adverse drug reaction probability (Naranjo) scale was completed and showed probable likelihood that the adverse event was alemtuzumab-related. Long term screening for delayed hematologic abnormalities, at least 4 years after initial dose, is necessary when using alemtuzumab. Greater research is needed to understand the mechanism of drug-associated neutropenia.

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