Effects of dietary antioxidants and environmental stressors on immune function and condition in Lithobates (Rana) sylvaticus.

We examined the effects of dietary antioxidants (β-carotene and vitamin E) on the ability of Lithobates sylvaticus (wood frog) tadpoles to overcome the detrimental effects imposed by two common environmental stressors - exposure to the herbicide atrazine or infection by a pathogenic helminth parasite (Echinostoma trivolvis). Tadpoles which were fed high concentrations of either vitamin E or β-carotene had a greater immune response compared to those given trace diets of either compound as measured by circulating white blood cells and a phytohemaglutination assay (PHA). Similarly, tadpoles in the herbicide and parasitism treatments that were given trace antioxidant diets had significant weight loss, whereas those consuming high levels of vitamin E or β-carotene did not. Our results suggest that dietary antioxidants, specifically β-carotene and vitamin E, have a positive effect on tadpole immune systems and overall condition that likely allows them to better cope with natural stressors, with potential implications for their foraging behaviour. PMID: 30502473 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A, Molecular and integrative physiology. - Category: Physiology Authors: Tags: Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol Source Type: research