
Biology Letters, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 20(10)
Опубликована: Окт. 1, 2024
Oxidative stress (OS) and impaired immune function (IF) have been proposed as key physiological costs of reproduction. The relationship between OS IF remains unresolved, particularly in long-living iteroparous species. We studied markers maintenance (OS, markers) lactating, post-lactating non-lactating females edible dormice—a rodent. predicted the balance to be compromised by lactation, especially older expected face stronger trade-offs life functions. found that age predictor (body size) correlated negatively with white blood cell level (WBC), positively neutrophils lymphocytes ratio had no effect on markers. damage (reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs); but not antioxidant capacity) body size-adjusted WBC were lowest higher highest females. Body size/age did affect this correlation suggesting a similar age-independent allocation strategy during reproduction path analysis testing causal ROMs revealed is more likely than vice versa . Our study indicates trade-off crucial functions suggests immunosuppression reduces risk OS; therefore, mitigating oxidative
Язык: Английский