Journal Article
Analysis of stress responses in Astyanax larvae reveals heterogeneity among different populations
Chin, J.S.R., Loomis, C.L., Albert, L.T., Medina‐Trenche, S., Kowalko, J., Keene, A.C. and Duboué, E.R.
Record Number:
5122
Year:
2020
Journal:
Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B Molecular and Developmental Evolution
Pages:
486-496
Volume:
334
Alternate Journal:
JEZB.MDE
Abstract:
Stress responses are conserved physiological and behavioral outcomes as a result of
facing potentially harmful stimuli, yet in pathological states, stress becomes debilitating.
Stress responses vary considerably throughout the animal kingdom, but how
these responses are shaped evolutionarily is unknown. The Mexican cavefish has
emerged as a powerful system for examining genetic principles underlying behavioral
evolution. Here, we demonstrate that cave Astyanax have reduced behavioral
and physiological measures of stress when examined at larval stages. We also find
increased expression of the glucocorticoid receptor, a repressible element of the
neuroendocrine stress pathway. Additionally, we examine stress in three different
cave populations, and find that some, but not all, show reduced stress measures.
Together, these results reveal a mechanistic system by which cave‐dwelling fish
reduced stress, presumably to compensate for a predator poor environment.
KEYWORDS
Astyanax, cavefish, cortisol, glucocorticoid receptor, novel tank assay, stress
Times Cited:
1
Relevent Species: