Journal article

Publication year: 2009

Pages: 176-181

Journal: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology

Volume number: 152

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 1095-6433

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2008.09.018

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
The different leucocyte types are an important part of the immune system. Thus, they have been used in ecological studies to assess immune function and physiological stress in wild birds. It is generally assumed that increased stress and decreased condition are associated with an increase in the ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes, the H/L ratio. We studied leucocyte profiles in relation to body condition in nestling Burrowing Parrots (Cyanoliseus patagonus) in North-eastern Patagonia, Argentina. As in other wild parrots, heterophils were the most numerous leucocyte type, suggesting strong investment into innate immunity. Leucocyte profiles did not change with the age, while nestlings in better body condition increased the number of heterophils. Because the number of lymphocytes was independent of body condition, as a result we observed a positive correlation between body condition and the H/L ratio. The total number of leucocytes relative to erythrocytes increased in nestlings in better body condition, indicating a larger overall investment into immune function in well-nourished nestlings. The observed heterophilic profiles of nestling Burrowing Parrots together with the positive relationship between H/L ratio and body condition may indicate a favoured investment in a robust innate immunity that reduces the risk of infection taking hold in these long-lived birds.

Harvard Citation style: Masello, J., Choconi, R., Helmer, M., Kremberg, T., Lubjuhn, T. and Quillfeldt, P. (2009) Do leucocytes reflect condition in nestling burrowing parrots Cyanoliseus patagonus in the wild?, Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 152(2), pp. 176-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2008.09.018

APA Citation style: Masello, J., Choconi, R., Helmer, M., Kremberg, T., Lubjuhn, T., & Quillfeldt, P. (2009). Do leucocytes reflect condition in nestling burrowing parrots Cyanoliseus patagonus in the wild?. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 152(2), 176-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2008.09.018