Melanin‐based coloration is related to parasite intensity and cellular immune response in an urban free living bird: the feral pigeonColumba livia
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Abstract:
Melanin‐based coloration is widespread among vertebrates, but the adaptive function of this trait remains poorly known. Recently, it has been shown that differently coloured individuals have different abilities to cope with parasites. This correlation between melanin‐based coloration and immunity could be explained by the pleiotropic effects of genes coding for melanin pigmentation on the immune system (‘genetic link’ hypothesis) but also because differently coloured individuals may exploit alternative habitats varying in parasite exposure, which leads to different development of the immune function (‘exposure’ hypothesis). As feral pigeons Columba livia are genetically polymorphic with respect to melanic coloration, they constitute an ideal model system to address such hypotheses. In this study, we showed that darker melanic individuals had a lower endoparasite intensity (reflecting host susceptibility) and had a greater cellular immune response to PHA injection than paler ones, whereas parasite prevalence (reflecting exposure to vectors) was similar between colorations. These results provide a correlative support of the ‘genetic link’ hypothesis: differently coloured individuals might be similarly exposed to parasites but darker ones might have a better ability to control the infection. This suggests that parasitism could play a crucial role in the maintenance of colour polymorphism in natural populations, which opens the interesting possibility that differently coloured individuals could be adapted to alternative environments varying in parasite diversity and exposure.Keywords:
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Melanin has a photo-screening, a biophysical/biochemical and a cosmetic effect. Melanin content of cultured pigmented cells can be measured by spectrophotometry and expressed either as melanin content per cell or melanin content per culture (area). Melanin production can be calculated from melanin content and cell number at the beginning and at the end of a culture using various formulas and expressed as melanin production per cell per day or melanin production per culture per day. Melanin content or production per cell have been used widely to compare melanin content in various cell lines or to compare the melanin content during different stages in the culture (e.g. growing stage and senescent stage). For the evaluation of changes in melanin content and production in a given pigment cell line after treatment with a special chemical, physical or biological stimulator or inhibitor, different parameters used for the evaluation of experimental data can lead to conflicting results. Melanin content per area is determined by melanin content per cell and the number of cells in this area. The biological and cosmetic effects of melanin in vivo are determined mainly by melanin content per area, not melanin content per cell. For example, if melanin content per cell is the same, but the number of cells in a given area is increased after the treatment, then the melanin content per area is also increased. Under this circumstance, the color of skin turns darker and the total antioxidant activity provided by melanin in this area is increased even though the melanin content per cell measured remains the same; therefore, melanin content or production per culture is more important than melanin content or production per cell under this circumstance.
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Tachinidae
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Results of research showing an evident influence of the host's species, strain and age on the biology of the parasite have been presented. Various Hymenolepididae and Amidostomum anseris served as models. Irregular growth and development of the parasite in a given host species cannot be used as a sure criterion to determine the quality of the host-parasite system, because this irregularity occurs sometimes in a specific host, too. It is proposed that a host can only be regarded as specific for a particular species of parasite if its life cycle can be completed and development of successive generations can be assured. Not only the main host but an auxiliary, incidental or side one can play the role of a specific host.
Obligate parasite
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Abstract Background : This study aims at evaluating the phytochemicals composition at the host-parasite interfaces of parasitic plant Tapinanthus globiferus (mistletoe) and four host plants. Wood tissues of the hosts and the parasite at the host-parasite interface were collected and analyzed to determine the presence secondary metabolites. Results : The result showed that flavonoids, saponins, and glycosides were present in the plants and parasite samples. The results revealed higher concentration of flavonoids ( P < 0.05) in the parasite of C. acuminata (1190.33 ± 48.23 mgQE/g) and P. macrophylla (1482.55 ± 31.35 mgQE/g) than in the host plant. Saponins was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in the parasites as compared to their respective host. Conclusion: At the host-parasite interface, significantly higher phytochemicals in the wood portion of T. globiferus was observed as compared to the host plants wood; however, the variability in phytochemical content of T. globiferus is dependent on the host. Therefore, milestoe would be a better source of bioactive compounds with high medicinal values than their host plants if explored further.
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Parasitic plant
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This chapter discusses specific larval-host parasite relationships in myiasis caused by different subfamilies in the Oestridae family, including those for Hypodermatinae, Cuterebrinae, Gasterophilinae and Oestrinae. Important interactions between the larval parasite, the host immune system, and the host's tissues on which the larvae feed are described.
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Journal Article Ecology of Elasmopalpus lignosellus Parasite Complex on Peanuts in Texas Get access S. J. Johnson, S. J. Johnson 3 Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843 3Present address: Department of Entomology, Room 402, Life Scisnces Building, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar J. W. Smith, Jr. J. W. Smith, Jr. Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Volume 74, Issue 5, 15 September 1981, Pages 467–471, https://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/74.5.467 Published: 15 September 1981 Article history Received: 31 October 1980 Published: 15 September 1981
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Entomology
Baton rouge
West virginia
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Through the study on the relationship between the parasites and the host and their effective factors,the authors find that,different kinds of parasites have different affinity and can parasitize in different organs and tissues of host. In the period of infection caused by two or more than two kinds of parasite, the parasite versus host reaction (PVHR),mechanical trauma, malnutrition allergic reaction etc. will emerge with the interaction of the above parasites. On the other hand, in order to eliminate invasive parasite and establish immunity to parasite, a series of immune reaction appear in the host.
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The possible coexistence of one host, one aggressive parasite and one non-lethal parasite is simulated using the Penna model of biological ageing. If the aggressive parasites survive the difficult initial times where they have to adjust genetically to the proper host age, all three species may survive, though the host number may be diminished by increasing parasite aggressivity.
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