Stier 2013 Front Zool

Stier A, Bize P, Schull Q, Zoll J, Singh F, Geny B, Gros F, Royer C, Massemin S, Criscuolo F (2013) Avian erythrocytes have functional mitochondria, opening novel perspectives for birds as animal models in the study of ageing. Front Zool 10:33.

» PMID:23758841

Stier A, Bize P, Schull Q, Zoll J, Singh F, Geny B, Gros F, Royer C, Massemin S, Criscuolo F (2013) Front Zool

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. • Keywords: red blood cell, ageing, mitochondria, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, electron transport chain

• O2k-Network Lab: FR Strasbourg Zoll J

Labels: Pathology: Aging; senescence"Aging; senescence" is not in the list (Aging;senescence, Alzheimer's, Autism, Cancer, Cardiovascular, COPD, Diabetes, Inherited, Infectious, Myopathy, ...) of allowed values for the "Diseases" property. 

Organism: Mouse, Other Non-Mammal"Other Non-Mammal" is not in the list (Human, Pig, Mouse, Rat, Guinea pig, Bovines, Horse, Dog, Rabbit, Cat, ...) of allowed values for the "Mammal and model" property.  Tissue;cell: Blood Cell; Suspension Culture"Blood Cell; Suspension Culture" is not in the list (Heart, Skeletal muscle, Nervous system, Liver, Kidney, Lung;gill, Islet cell;pancreas;thymus, Endothelial;epithelial;mesothelial cell, Blood cells, Fat, ...) of allowed values for the "Tissue and cell" property.  Preparation: Permeabilized cells  Enzyme: Complex I, Complex II; Succinate Dehydrogenase"Complex II; Succinate Dehydrogenase" is not in the list (Adenine nucleotide translocase, Complex I, Complex II;succinate dehydrogenase, Complex III, Complex IV;cytochrome c oxidase, Complex V;ATP synthase, Inner mt-membrane transporter, Marker enzyme, Supercomplex, TCA cycle and matrix dehydrogenases, ...) of allowed values for the "Enzyme" property. 

Coupling state: ROUTINE 

HRR: Oxygraph-2k