Chronic Stress effects on Immune-Neuroendocrine matrix in Coturnix japonica, analyses from an ontogenetic perspective

Immune-neuroendocrine characteristics define individual physiological profiles or phenotypes (INPs), which integrated at the population level account for complementary information. In avian models (quail, Coturnix japonica; hens, Gallus gallus), individuals cluster in three subgroups associated to three INPs: the Lewis-like (pro-inflammatory polarization), the Fischer-like (anti-inflammatory polarization), and an intermediate INP, most represented in the population. This study assesses changes in individuals physiological configuration, translated in INPs stability/alteration throughout ontogeny (juvenile and adult stages) and evaluates whether an unpredictable and diverse chronic stress (UDCS) modifies this configuration in adults and if this modification persists until senescence. We evaluated corticosterone, pro- (IFN-γ and IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-13, IL-4), phytohemagglutinin (PHA-P) lymphoproliferative response, anti-sheep red blood cells antibody (Ab SRBC) response and leukocyte distribution frequency. Individuals expressing Lewis- or Fischer-like profile increased, after UDCS exposure. This trend persisted until senescence. Females showed higher frequency of the Fischer-like INP, while males presented a greater prevalence of the Lewis-like. The variation in the frequency of INPs after UDCS could obey differences in coping strategy, mainly among individuals with intermediate configurations. The distribution after the disruptive event, displaying greater homogeneity among INPs, provides the population with a greater advantage to confronting potential environmental challenges to come. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.