Genetic and environmental variation in immune response of collared flycatcher nestlings

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2006.01110.x
• Publication Date: 2006-03-16T15:37:49Z
• Authors: M. Cichoń; J. Sendecka; L. Gustafsson
• Keywords: Immunocompetence; Phytohaemagglutinin

This paper aims at partitioning genetic and environmental contribution to the phenotypic variance in nestling immune function measured with hypersensitivity test after inoculation phytohaemagglutinin. A cross-fostering experiment artificial enlargement of some broods was conducted. Variation response related their common origin, which suggests heritable component cell-mediated immunity. rearing environment also explained a significant part variation. However, deterioration conditions as simulated by brood size did not affect immunocompetence, although it affected body mass. mass variation environment, means that growth is more sensitive shifts than development function. Heritable there should be potential for selection operate micro evolutionary changes immunity flycatcher nestlings are possible.