Humoral immune response suppresses reproductive physiology in male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii).
In order to evaluate the potential costs of humoral immune response, which is important for survival in small wild mammals, we studied the physiological function of adult male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) challenged with human immunoglobulin G (IgG). Compared with controls, the immunochallenged voles showed significantly higher antibody levels 15 days after injection. Serum testosterone levels, and mass of testes and epididymides were lower in immunochallenged voles than in control animals. Body mass remained stable during the course of the experiment. Total and digestible energy intake showed a transient decrease following IgG injection, while resting metabolic rate (RMR) increased. Taken together, these data suggest a shift in metabolic priorities in response to immune challenge. Our results provide evidence that mounting a humoral immune response to an immunological challenge may have fitness costs in male Brandt's voles.
Cai
Xiao-Quan
XQ
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Datun Lu, Chaoyang, Beijing 100101, China.
Yang
Ming
M
Zhong
Wen-Qin
WQ
Wang
De-Hua
DH
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000502:physiology*; D003411:Arvicolinae / Q000502:physiology*; D002149:Energy Intake; D007121:Immunocompetence; D008297:Male; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012919:Social Behavior