Leptin administration does not influence migratory behaviour in white-throated sparrows ( Zonotrichia albicollis)

PeerJ

article

Emma Churchman¹  Scott A. MacDougall-Shackleton¹ 

[1] Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario;Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario;Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario

关键词: Leptin;    Bird migration;    Migratory restlessness;    Zugunruhe;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.13584

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

Migratory flights by birds are among the most energetically demanding forms of animal movement, and are primarily fueled by fat as an energy source. Leptin is a critical fat-regulation hormone associated with energy balance in non-avian species but its function in birds is highly controversial. Prior research indicated the effects of leptin differed between birds in migratory condition or not, but no research has assessed the effect of leptin on migratory behaviour itself. In this study, our objective was to determine if leptin affects migratory restlessness and fat deposition in migratory songbirds. We used photoperiod manipulation to induce spring migratory condition, and measured migratory restlessness in leptin-injected and saline-injected white-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis). Leptin treatment had no effect on migratory restlessness nor fat deposition, providing evidence that leptin does not influence avian migratory motivation or behaviour. Our results also further support the idea that birds in a hyperphagic migratory condition may be insensitive to leptin.

【 授权许可】

CC BY