Oxidative stress and information content of black and yellow plumage coloration: an experiment with greenfinches

• DOI: 10.1242/jeb.042085
• Publication Date: 2010-06-11T18:29:28Z
• Authors: Peeter Hõrak; Elin Sild; Ursel Soomets; Tuul Sepp; Kalle Kilk
• Keywords: Plumage; Malondialdehyde

Carotenoid and melanin pigments in the plumage of birds are hypothesized to be sensitive oxidative stress. We manipulated status captive greenfinches (Carduelis chloris L.) by administration buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a selective inhibitor synthesis glutathione (GSH), an intracellular antioxidant. Half treated group, as well control also received dietary carotenoid (lutein) supplementation. BSO treatment reduced erythrocyte GSH levels caused damage indicated increased concentration plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), end product lipid peroxidation. brightness (i.e. blackness) tips tail feathers grown during experiment. These results show that low systemic level is required for development eumelanin coloration such potentially dangerous organism. supplementation chroma yellow parts However, did not reduce MDA levels. Manipulation affect carotenoids or carotenoid-based coloration. findings argue against antioxidant function lutein vivo signaling status.