Relationship between plasma leptin-like protein levels, begging and provisioning in nestling thin-billed prions Pachyptila belcheri.
While there have been many studies in various species examining the physiological role of leptin, there are so far no data in free-living seabirds. In the present study, we assess whether leptin is expressed in thin-billed prions (Pachyptila belcheri) and we investigate its relationship with feeding-related parameters including body condition, begging intensities and provisioning rates. We showed by Western Blot analysis using leptin-specific antibody that leptin-like protein (14-16kDa) is expressed in adipose tissue and liver of nestling thin-billed prions. Plasma leptin-like protein levels, determined by RIA, were in the same range (1-3ng/ml) as in other avian species and increased with age. In two breeding seasons, the plasma leptin-like protein levels were negatively correlated with provisioning rates (R=-0.67 and -0.35 in 2003 and 2004, respectively, P<0.05) indicating that endogenous leptin may be an anorexigenic hormone in wild birds. Plasma leptin-like protein levels were positively correlated with begging intensities (R=0.43 and 0.37 in 2003 and 2004, respectively, P<0.05), and this may be because hungry nestling seabird chicks with low body conditions increased their begging intensities. Plasma leptin-like protein levels did not correlate either with plasma triglyceride or glucose levels in thin-billed prions. Overall, these findings show the presence of leptin-like protein in free-living seabirds and provide new insights into its function and its possible role in feeding-associated behaviours.
Quillfeldt
Petra
P
Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Radolfzell, Germany. petra.quillfeldt@gmx.de
Everaert
Nadia
N
Buyse
Johan
J
Masello
Juan F
JF
Dridi
Sami
S
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D030161:Avian Proteins / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism*; D001717:Birds; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D015153:Blotting, Western; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012621:Seasons; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D030161:Avian Proteins; D001786:Blood Glucose; D020738:Leptin; D014280:Triglycerides