Abstract
A functional immune system is important for the survival of mammalian young, particularly at weaning when they lose the immunological support provided by the mother's colostrum and milk. In altricial mammals, litter size and maternal characteristics are important components of an animal's early environment, which affect postnatal growth and development. In a study of unculled litters of Long-Evans laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus), we asked whether such parameters are also associated with the immune status of the young shortly before weaning. On postnatal day 17, we assessed numbers of several leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets, the activity of the complement system, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in the serum. Averaging the values of all pups per litter, we found negative correlations between litter size and lymphocyte counts, complement system activity and IgG concentration. Maternal effects were seen in the positive correlation between maternal postpartum body mass and granulocyte and monocyte counts. In addition, lymphocyte and monocyte counts as well as complement activity were lower for the young of multiparous than of primiparous mothers. This suggests a trend towards a better developed immune system in such o...Continue Reading
References
Sep 1, 1991·Immunology Today·M M Frank, L F Fries
Nov 1, 1980·Animal Behaviour·A N GilbertN T Adler
Sep 1, 1995·Developmental Psychobiology·S L Klein, D R Rager
Nov 17, 1998·Physiology & Behavior·V Stefanski, H Engler
Jul 1, 1999·Physiology & Behavior·R HudsonM Martínez-Gómez
Aug 11, 1999·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·J Lindström
Mar 29, 2000·Reproduction, Nutrition, Development·G CoureaudP Orgeur
Dec 21, 2000·Immunology·L ZhouM Shimamura
Apr 13, 2001·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·N B. Metcalfe, P Monaghan
Mar 5, 2003·Brain, Behavior, and Immunity·Christopher L Coe, Gabriele R Lubach
Apr 16, 2003·Oecologia·Petteri IlmonenJürgen Wiehn
May 14, 2003·Journal of Neuroimmunology·Volker StefanskiStefan Reber
Jul 17, 2004·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Marc NaguibDiego Gil
Aug 26, 2004·Physiology & Behavior·Margarita Martínez-GómezRobyn Hudson
Apr 19, 2005·Journal of Neuroimmunology·Volker StefanskiMarcus Schulte
May 4, 2005·The Cleft Palate-craniofacial Journal : Official Publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association·Carroll-Ann TrotmanCeib Phillips
Jan 31, 2006·Parasite Immunology·J M BehnkeD Wakelin
Mar 14, 2007·Journal of Neuroimmunology·Alexander A GötzVolker Stefanski
Apr 27, 2007·Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology·Karoly Baintner
Jan 30, 2008·Oecologia·H G RödelD von Holst
Feb 26, 2008·Physiology & Behavior·Alexander A GötzVolker Stefanski
Feb 9, 2010·Physiology & Behavior·Heiko G RödelRobyn Hudson
Citations
Apr 18, 2012·PLoS Biology·Simon A Babayan, David S Schneider
Aug 26, 2011·Developmental Psychobiology·Jana A Eccard, Heiko G Rödel
Aug 26, 2011·Developmental Psychobiology·Robyn HudsonHeiko G Rödel
Mar 5, 2013·Neuroscience·L C VianaC W Picanço-Diniz
Mar 3, 2011·Physiology & Behavior·Robyn HudsonHeiko G Rödel
Dec 30, 2014·ILAR Journal·Timo Nevalainen
Jun 23, 2016·Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews·Saulo G TractenbergRodrigo Grassi-Oliveira
Oct 25, 2016·Physiology & Behavior·Marylin RangassamyHeiko G Rödel
Jul 13, 2018·Developmental Psychobiology·José A ZepedaHeiko G Rödel
Jul 23, 2021·Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part A, Ecological and Integrative Physiology·Alena S SobolevaSergey V Naidenko