Correlates of oxidative stress in wild kestrel nestlings (Falco tinnunculus).
The fitness of an organism can be affected by conditions experienced during early development. In light of the impact that oxidative stress can have on the health and ageing of a bird species, this study evaluated factors accounting for the variation in oxidative stress levels in nestlings of the Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) by measuring the serum concentration of reactive oxygen metabolites and the serum antioxidant barrier against hypochlorite-induced oxidation. The ratio between these two variables was considered as an index of oxidative stress, with higher values meaning higher oxidative damage. Six-chick broods showed the highest level of oxidative stress, while no effect of sex was found. Age showed an inverse relationship with the oxidants and the levels of oxidative stress, with younger birds having higher levels. Hatching date, body condition, body mass and carotenoid concentration did not show any relationship with oxidants, antioxidants or degree of oxidative stress. These findings suggest that intrabrood sibling competition could play a role in determining oxidative stress, and that in carnivorous birds other antioxidant molecules could be more important than carotenoids to reduce oxidative stress.
Costantini
David
D
Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell'Uomo, Università La Sapienza, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy. david.costantini@uniroma1.it
Casagrande
Stefania
S
De Filippis
Stefania
S
Brambilla
Gianfranco
G
Fanfani
Alberto
A
Tagliavini
James
J
Dell'Omo
Giacomo
G
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D001717:Birds / Q000502:physiology*; D009425:Nesting Behavior; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000097:blood*
D000975:Antioxidants; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species