Immune response in a wild bird is predicted by oxidative status, but does not cause oxidative stress.

ABSTRACT: The immune system provides vital protection against pathogens, but extensive evidence suggests that mounting immune responses can entail survival and fecundity costs. The physiological mechanisms that underpin these costs remain poorly understood, despite their potentially important role in shaping life-histories. Recent studies involving laboratory models highlight the possibility that oxidative stress could mediate these costs, as immune-activation can increase the production of reactive oxygen species leading to oxidative stress. However, this hypothesis has rarely been tested in free-ranging wild populations, where natural oxidative statuses and compensatory strategies may moderate immune responses and their impacts on oxidative status. Furthermore, the possibility that individuals sca

SUBMITTER: Cram DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4376632 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature