INVESTIGADORES
BELDOMENICO Pablo Martin
artículos
Título:
Azurocytes in wild field voles: factors associated with their occurrence
Autor/es:
BELDOMENICO, P.M.; TELFER, S.; GEBERT, S.; LUKOMSKI, L.; BENNETT, M.; BEGON, M
Revista:
EcoHealth
Referencias:
Año: 2008 vol. 5 p. 317 - 327
ISSN:
1612-9202
Resumen:
The occurrence of azurocytes (AZ), a type of leukocyte unique to voles and previously described for
three Microtus species, is now reported in Microtus agrestis. The goal of this study was to shed new light on the
possible function and significance of these cells and on how they play a role in the natural history of rodent
species. Individuals from three vole populations were sampled monthly for 2 years. A hemogram was produced
for each individual, and AZ counts estimated. The counts of AZ were much higher in pregnant females, and
these levels were higher the higher the past vole density. Males had low prevalences and counts, both for
breeding and nonbreeding individuals, but they showed a seasonality that varied with age, body condition, and
current and past vole density. Also, the occurrence of AZ in males was more likely after they had had low levels
of indicators of condition, suggesting that azurocytes may result from a response to infection. Hence, overall
our results suggest that, in females, these cells may be important for reproduction and may have a role in
inducing abortion when conditions are not favorable, while in males they might be a response to infection.Microtus species, is now reported in Microtus agrestis. The goal of this study was to shed new light on the
possible function and significance of these cells and on how they play a role in the natural history of rodent
species. Individuals from three vole populations were sampled monthly for 2 years. A hemogram was produced
for each individual, and AZ counts estimated. The counts of AZ were much higher in pregnant females, and
these levels were higher the higher the past vole density. Males had low prevalences and counts, both for
breeding and nonbreeding individuals, but they showed a seasonality that varied with age, body condition, and
current and past vole density. Also, the occurrence of AZ in males was more likely after they had had low levels
of indicators of condition, suggesting that azurocytes may result from a response to infection. Hence, overall
our results suggest that, in females, these cells may be important for reproduction and may have a role in
inducing abortion when conditions are not favorable, while in males they might be a response to infection.