Meeting Abstract

P2-64  Tuesday, Jan. 5 15:30  Passive Immunity Components in the Albumen and Yolk of New World Blackbirds KLOSTERMEYER, K.M.*; HAHN, D.C.; IGL, L.D.; FASSBINDER-ORTH, C.A.; Creighton University, Omaha, NE; Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD,; Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND; Creighton University, Omaha, NE kmk68071@creighton.edu

Immune traits evolve to fit the species’ niche, and each species has an adaptive portfolio of immune defenses that reflect its life history and ecological niche. We conducted a multi-species comparison of passive immunity components in eggs of six species of birds in the family Icteridae and examined how traits differ among these closely related species. First, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed on polyethylene glycol-extracted albumen and chloroform extracted yolk to determine total immunoglobulins (Ig) levels, and also lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-specific Ig levels. Second, lysozyme and ovotransferrin assays were performed on the albumen. Distinctive patterns of differential investment in components of passive immunity were apparent for several of the species. For example, while the common grackle exhibited significantly higher total Ig in the yolk than all other species, it exhibited significantly less ovotransferrin activity than most other species tested. These distinctive patterns of immunological investment are likely reflective of the life history of the species and their unique microbial interactions.