Avian erythrocytes have functional mitochondria, opening novel perspectives for birds as animal models in the study of ageing

Stier, A. , Bize, P., Schull, Q., Zoll, J., Singh, F., Geny, B., Gros, F., Royer, C., Massemin, S. and Criscuolo, F. (2013) Avian erythrocytes have functional mitochondria, opening novel perspectives for birds as animal models in the study of ageing. Frontiers in Zoology, 10, 33. (doi: 10.1186/1742-9994-10-33) (PMID:23758841) (PMCID:PMC3686644)

Abstract

Background In contrast to mammalian erythrocytes, which have lost their nucleus and mitochondria during maturation, the erythrocytes of almost all other vertebrate species are nucleated throughout their lifespan. Little research has been done however to test for the presence and functionality of mitochondria in these cells, especially for birds. Here, we investigated those two points in erythrocytes of one common avian model: the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Results Transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of mitochondria in erythrocytes of this small passerine bird, especially after removal of haemoglobin interferences. High-resolution respirometry revealed increased or decreased rates of oxygen consumption by erythrocytes in response to the addition of respiratory chain substrates or inhibitors, respectively. Fluorometric assays confirmed the production of mitochondrial superoxide by avian erythrocytes. Interestingly, measurements of plasmatic oxidative markers indicated lower oxidative stress in blood of the zebra finch compared to a size-matched mammalian model, the mouse. Conclusions Altogether, those findings demonstrate that avian erythrocytes possess functional mitochondria in terms of respiratory activities and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Interestingly, since blood oxidative stress was lower for our avian model compared to a size-matched mammalian, our results also challenge the idea that mitochondrial ROS production could have been one actor leading to this loss during the course of evolution. Opportunities to assess mitochondrial functioning in avian erythrocytes open new perspectives in the use of birds as models for longitudinal studies of ageing via lifelong blood sampling of the same subjects.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Stier, Dr Antoine
• Authors: Stier, A., Bize, P., Schull, Q., Zoll, J., Singh, F., Geny, B., Gros, F., Royer, C., Massemin, S., and Criscuolo, F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Frontiers in Zoology
• Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd.
• ISSN: 1742-9994
• ISSN (Online): 1742-9994
• Published Online: 08 June 2013
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2013 Stier et al.
• First Published: First published in Hydrobiologia 2016
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License