Meeting Abstract

P3.129  Sunday, Jan. 6  Does early-life exposure to bacteria have enduring effects on the immune system of zebra finches? KILVITIS, H.J.*; BORUTA, M.; RICHARDS, C.L.; MARTIN, L.B.; University of South Florida; University of South Florida; University of South Florida; University of South Florida hkilviti@mail.usf.edu

Environmental stimuli experienced within critical periods of development can have profound effects on adult phenotype. In rodents and birds, infection early in life can impact disease susceptibility into adulthood, particularly aspects of the acute phase response and immunoglobulin (Ig) responses to novel antigens. Although investigations have been heavily biased towards mammalian systems, a recurring observation is that enduring effects of early-life experience are often mediated by changes in glucocorticoid regulation. In a few cases, alterations in glucocorticoid regulation are orchestrated by molecular epigenetic mechanisms (e.g. methylation of glucocorticoid receptor promoters). Here we examined how early-life exposure to bacterial components and corticosterone influence immunoglobulin response to antigens in the zebra finch (Poephila guttata) in adulthood. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) responses mediate memory of infection and are sensitive to glucocorticoids, thus they could be important mediators of changes in disease coping mechanisms that endure to adulthood. In summary, this project represents an initial foray into the behavioral epigenetics of avian immunity, particularly sickness behaviors, in which we will use methyl-sensitive AFLPs and pharmacological manipulations of epigenetic state to parse the roles of genes, environments, and epigenetic effects on critical elements of disease cycles.