The effect of temperature and of dietary restriction on lifespan and reproduction in the rotifer Asplanchna brightwelli

Journal of Freshwater Ecology

2011

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We used the monogonont rotifer, Brachionus calyciflorus, to study the effect of ambient temperatures of 16 C, 22 C, and 29 C on longevity and life history parameters. We found that temperature had a significant relationship with longevity. At lower temperature, there was prolongation of the pre-reproductive and reproductive periods, but fecundity was reduced significantly due to suppression of the reproductive rate. When lifespan of short-and long-lived rotifers was compared, we found that the significant longevity difference in these rotifers was due to extension of reproductive and post-reproductive periods. The fecundity was significantly higher in longer lived rotifers due to the extension of the reproductive period, but the reproductive rate was significantly lower in these rotifers. A consistent negative relationship between rotifer longevity and the rate of reproduction was observed at all temperatures, and it was particularly pronounced in rotifers reproducing heavily at the end of the reproductive stage of their life cycle. The combined rate of living/oxidative damage theory may help explain the temperature effects that we observed.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of temperature on life history parameters and cost of reproduction in the rotiferBrachionus calyciflorus

Kauler

Journal of Freshwater Ecology

2011

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“…In my laboratory we tested the temperature range from 15' to 25 'C . We found that the lifespan of Asplanchna brightwelli was the longest at 17 .5 ° C and gradually shortened as the temperature was increased to 25 ° C (Verdone-Smith & Enesco, 1982) . This is the pattern that would be predicted by the rate of living theory .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…Results from my laboratory (Verdone-Smith & Enesco, 1982) are shown graphically in Fig . 1, which emphasizes that the extension of lifespan seen at 17 .5 °C is based on an extension of the reproductive period.…”

Section: Programmed Agingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rotifers in aging research: use of rotifers to test various theories of aging

1993

Hydrobiologia

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Four theories of aging are discussed to examine how effectively they might explain the aging process in rotifers . One of the early theories, the rate of living theory of aging can perhaps be discounted . Although the theory predicts that increased biological energy expenditure, in the form of increased activity or reproduction, would lead to a shorter lifespan, these predictions are not born out by experimental evidence . At the whole animal level, a case can be made for a theory of programmed aging, where the end of reproduction signals the end of the lifespan . Support for this view comes from the observation that lifespan is positively correlated with reproductive parameters, that treatments that extend lifespan usually act to extend the reproductive period, and that the end of reproduction is associated with high mortality and senescent biochemical changes . Two molecular theories of aging are also discussed ; the free radical theory of aging and the calcium theory of aging . These theories point to the fact that molecular damage accumulates and that calcium influx increases in the course of aging . When free radical buildup or calcium homeostasis is reduced, lifespan is extended . A molecular explanation of aging does not necessarily exclude the idea of programmed aging . It is probable that an eventual understanding of the aging process will rest on both a physiological and molecular basis .

“…The rotifers were cultured in a cerophyll infusion medium innoculated with Escherichia coli and Paramecium caudatum. The culturing procedure has been fully outlined in previous papers [7,22,23].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spontaneous Activity Level and Life Span in Rotifers: Lack of Support for the Rate of Living Theory

McTavish²,

Garberi³

1990

Gerontology

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Spontaneous activity level was measured in rotifers of the species Asplanchna brightwelli on each day of their 5-day life span. No correlation was seen in group data between activity level and life span. However, data from individuals showed a positive correlation between life span and activity level in the latter half of the life span on 3 days out of 5. This tendency toward greater activity in the longer-lived rotifers is not consistent with the rate of living theory of aging.