Impact of immunological state on eco-physiological variables in one of the southernmost lizards in the world

DURAN, FERNANDO; BORETTO, JORGELINA M.; FERNÁNDEZ, JIMENA B.; IBÁÑEZ MOLINA, MORA; MEDINA, MARLIN S.; IBARGÜENGOYTÍA, NORA R.

ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS.

ACAD BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS

Lugar: Rio de Janeiro; Año: 2019 vol. 91

0001-3765

Abstract: The immune state is an essential component of survival as it directly influences physiologicalperformance and health status. Variation in the leukocyte profile, a significantly increase in bodytemperature, and a detriment of the eco-physiological performance are among the possible consequencesof an unhealthy state. In this study we analyse and discuss how field body temperature, preferred bodytemperature, the speed for sprint and long runs, locomotor stamina, and body condition can be affected bythe immunological state (i.e. leukocyte profile) in a wild population of Liolaemus sarmentoi. Juveniles andadult males with a high percentage of eosinophils, basophils, and a low percentage of monocytes preferredhigher body temperatures in a thermal gradient, while pregnant females maintained thermal preferencesindependently of leukocyte profile. Although juveniles with a high percentage of heterophils showed lesslocomotor stamina, adult males and pregnant females showed no differences in locomotor performancein relation to leukocyte profile. This study represents a starting point in eco-immunology of a wild lizardpopulation of Liolaemus in cold and temperate environments of Patagonia where the southward shift inthe geographic ranges of pathogen populations due to global warming represents a threat to resident hostpopulations.Key words: body condition, leukocyte profile, Liolaemus sarmientoi, locomotor performance,thermoregulation.