Phytohaemagglutinin skin-swelling test in scarlet rosefinch males: low-quality birds respond more strongly

0368525 - ÚBO 2013 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Vinkler, Michal - Schnitzer, J. - Munclinger, P. - Albrecht, Tomáš
Phytohaemagglutinin skin-swelling test in scarlet rosefinch males: low-quality birds respond more strongly.
Animal Behaviour. Roč. 83, č. 1 (2012), s. 17-23. ISSN 0003-3472. E-ISSN 1095-8282
R&D Projects: GA AV ČR IAA600930608; GA ČR GA206/06/0851; GA ČR GAP505/10/1871; GA MŠMT LC06073
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519
Keywords : Carpodacus erythrinus * condition * ecoimmunology * ecological immunology * health signalling * immunocompetence * ornamentation * phytohaemagglutinin * ptilochronology * scarlet rosefinch
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology
Impact factor: 3.068, year: 2012

The phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) skin-swelling test is one of the most widely used methods for cell-mediated immunity measurement in immunoecology. Here we examined the linkage between several condition-dependent traits, including the red ornamental coloration of the plumage, and the magnitude of the PHA-induced immune response in scarlet rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus, males. Histological analysis showed that the swelling response was dependent on basophil activity. The magnitude of the response was associated with individual size, carotenoid-based ornamental coloration and a ptilochronological marker of feather growth at the time of moulting. As the magnitude of the response was related negatively to ornament saturation and positively to ornament lightness, our results indicate stronger responsiveness in inferior males. Highly ornamented, healthier individuals recruited fewer basophils into the inflamed tissue causing less intense swelling.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0202848