Food supplementation and testosterone interact to influence reproductive behavior and immune function in Sceloporus graciosus.

摘要: The energetic resources in an organism's environment are essential for executing a wide range of life-history functions, including immunity and reproduction. Most budgets, however, limited, which can lead to trade-offs among competing functions. Increasing reproductive effort tends decrease many cases, increasing total energy via supplemental feedings eliminate this effect. Testosterone (T), important regulator reproduction, food availability thus both potential factors regulating processes, yet they often tested isolation each other. In study, we considered the effect elevated T on immune function behavior sagebrush lizards, Sceloporus graciosus, assess how affect these trade-offs. We experimentally manipulated diet (via feedings) dermal patches) males from natural population. determined innate response by calculating bacterial killing capability collected plasma exposed Escherichia coli ex vivo. measured counting number courtship displays produced 20-min sampling period. observed interactive T-patch function, with supplementation lizards. Additionally, increased control Lizards had higher circulating than controls. Collectively, study shows that state animal plays critical role modulating interactions T, lizards likely other species.