Meeting Abstract

2.10  Jan. 4  Phenotypic Effects of Increased Yolk Corticosterone in Tree Lizards (Urosaurus ornatus) JOHNSTON, G.I.H.**; FRENCH, S.S.; MOORE, M.C.; Arizona State University; Arizona State University; Arizona State University gjohnston@asu.edu

Maternal influences on offspring phenotype via non-genetic mechanisms is an area of recent interest, especially in egg-laying species. Hormones are a common yolk constituent in many vertebrates, and they can profoundly alter offspring development, survival, growth, and behavior. Maternal corticosterone, the primary hormone involved in the vertebrate stress response, can be increased due to many environmental conditions such as drought, increased predation, or food scarcity. Previous research with tree lizards (Urosaurus ornatus) demonstrated that increased maternal corticosterone can be deposited into developing follicles and eggs. Here we examined the phenotypic effects of increased yolk corticosterone concentrations on developing tree lizards. We found that maternal corticosterone treatment significantly decreased both hatching success and offspring survival. Additionally, offspring from treated mothers had a longer incubation period, were smaller upon hatching, had a decreased growth rate, and many also exhibited developmental abnormalities. As sub-adults, the effects this treatment were still evident. The sub-adults from corticosterone treated mothers had an initially slower wound healing rate than offspring from control mothers. These data demonstrate that maternal stress during egg formation has the potential to profoundly influence offspring development and phenotype.