A1 Journal article (refereed)
Increased radiation from Chernobyl decreases the expression of red colouration in natural populations of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) (2014)

Boratynski, Z., Lehmann, P., Mappes, T., Mousseau, T. A., & Møller, A. P. (2014). Increased radiation from Chernobyl decreases the expression of red colouration in natural populations of bank voles (Myodes glareolus). Scientific reports, 4, Article 7141. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep07141

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Boratynski, Zbigniew; Lehmann, Philipp; Mappes, Tapio; Mousseau, Timothy A.; Møller, Anders Pape

Journal or series: Scientific reports

ISSN: 2045-2322

eISSN: 2045-2322

Publication year: 2014

Volume: 4

Issue number: -

Article number: 7141

Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/srep07141

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Abstract

Pheomelanin is a pink to red version of melanin pigment deposited in skin and hair. Due to its bright colour, pheomelanin plays a crucial function in signalling, in particular sexual signalling. However, production of pheomelanin, as opposed to its dark alternative, eumelanin, bears costs in terms of consumption of antioxidants important for protection of DNA against naturally produced reactive oxidative species. Therefore, decreased expression of pheomelanin is expected in organisms exposed to severe oxidative stress such as that caused by exposure to chronic ionizing radiation. We tested if variable exposure to radiation among natural populations of bank voles Myodes glareolus in Chernobyl affected expression of red colouration in their dorsal fur. The relative redness of dorsal fur was positively correlated with weight, but also negatively correlated with the level of background radiation. These results suggest that the development of the natural red colouration in adult bank voles is affected by ionizing background radiation and potentially causing elevated levels of oxidative stress. Reduced production of pheomelanin allows more antioxidants to mitigate the oxidative stress caused by radiation. However, changing natural animal colouration for physiological reasons can have ecological costs, if e.g. it causes mismatch with habitat colouration and conspicuousness for predators.

Keywords: radiation

Free keywords: Chernobyl; red colouration; natural populations; bank voles

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2014

JUFO rating: 1