The role of phenotypic plasticity and corticosterone in coping with pond drying conditions in yellow‐bellied toad (Bombina variegata, Linnaeus 1758) tadpoles

Author:

Kijanović Ana1ORCID,Vukov Tanja1,Mirč Marko1,Mitrović Aleksandar2,Prokić Marko D.3,Petrović Tamara G.3,Radovanović Tijana B.3,Gavrilović Branka R.3,Despotović Svetlana G.3,Gavrić Jelena P.3,Tomašević Kolarov Nataša1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia

2. Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia

3. Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia

Abstract

AbstractAmphibian larvae inhabiting temporary ponds often exhibit the capacity to accelerate development and undergo metamorphosis in challenging conditions like desiccation. However, not all species exhibit this ability, the yellow‐bellied toad (Bombina variegata) is one such example. The underlying mechanisms behind the inability to accelerate development under desiccation remain largely unexplored. The hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal (HPI) axis and corticosterone (CORT), which act synergistically with thyroid hormone, are thought to facilitate metamorphosis in response to desiccation stress. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether modification in the HPI axis, particularly CORT levels, contributes to the absence of adaptive plasticity in B. variegata under desiccation stress. The study design included four treatments: high water level, high water level with exogenous CORT, low water level, and low water level with metyrapone (a CORT synthesis inhibitor). The main objective was to evaluate the effects of these treatments on whole‐body corticosterone levels, life history, morphological traits, and oxidative stress parameters during the prometamorphic and metamorphic climax developmental stages. While low water level had no effect on total corticosterone levels, larval period, body condition index, and metamorphic body shape, it negatively affected metamorph size, mass, and growth rate. Our findings suggest that constant exposure to desiccation stress over generations may have led to modifications in the HPI axis activity in B. variegata, resulting in adaptation to changes in water level, evident through the absence of stress response. Consequently, CORT may not be a relevant stress indicator in desiccation conditions for this species.

Publisher

Wiley

Reference73 articles.

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5. Böll S.(2002).Ephemere Laichgewässer: Anpassungsstrategien und physiologische Zwänge der Gelbbauchunke (Bombina variegata) in einem Lebensraum mit un vorhersehbarem Austrocknungsrisiko [Doctoral dissertation]. Universität Würzburg.

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