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PubMed2001

Host switching in Lyssavirus history from the Chiroptera to the Carnivora orders.

Lyssaviruses are unsegmented RNA viruses causing rabies. Their vectors belong to the Carnivora and Chiroptera orders. We studied 36 carnivoran and 17 chiropteran lyssaviruses representing the main genotypes and variants. We compared their genes encoding the surface glycoprotein, which is responsible for receptor recognition and membrane fusion. The glycoprotein is the main protecting antigen and bears virulence determinants. Point mutation is the main force in lyssavirus evolution, as Sawyer's test and phylogenetic analysis showed no evidence of recombination. Tests of neutrality indicated a neutral model of evolution, also supported by globally high ratios of synonymous substitutions (d(S)) to nonsynonymous substitutions (d(N)) (>7). Relative-rate tests suggested similar rates of evolution for all lyssavirus lineages. Therefore, the absence of recombination and similar evolutionary rates make phylogeny-based conclusions reliable. Phylogenetic reconstruction strongly supported the hypothesis that host switching occurred in the history of lyssaviruses. Indeed, lyssaviruses evolved in chiropters long before the emergence of carnivoran rabies, very likely following spillovers from bats. Using dated isolates, the average rate of evolution was estimated to be roughly 4.3 x 10(-4) d(S)/site/year. Consequently, the emergence of carnivoran rabies from chiropteran lyssaviruses was determined to have occurred 888 to 1,459 years ago. Glycoprotein segments accumulating more d(N) than d(S) were distinctly detected in carnivoran and chiropteran lyssaviruses. They may have contributed to the adaptation of the virus to the two distinct mammal orders. In carnivoran lyssaviruses they overlapped the main antigenic sites, II and III, whereas in chiropteran lyssaviruses they were located in regions of unknown functions.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2002

A comparative analysis of brain size in relation to foraging ecology and phylogeny in the Chiroptera.

Variations in total brain mass and in the mass of three brain regions (main olfactory bulb, hippocampus, auditory nuclei) were examined using a data set for 63 species of bats (Chiroptera). Using both conventional and phylogenetically based analysis of covariance (log body mass as covariate), we tested several hypotheses that relate total brain mass or the size of the components to variation in foraging ecology, categorized as phytophagous, gleaner, and aerial insectivore. In some analyses, the category phytophagous was split into phytophagous pteropodid and phytophagous phyllostomid to examine differences between two distinct clades of bats. Because the Megachiroptera orient primarily by vision and olfaction, whereas all other bats rely on laryngeal echolocation to locate their prey, we hypothesized that the former would differ in size of the main olfactory bulb, as compared with all other bats. This hypothesis was supported by our analyses. Our more general prediction was that insectivorous bats, which rely heavily on echolocation for the pursuit and capture of their prey, would have larger auditory nuclei than do phytophagous species. This, too, was supported. We also compared phytophagous (fruit or nectar consuming) bats in two families, the Pteropodidae and the Phyllostomidae. We hypothesized that the phyllostomids, which use echolocation while foraging, would have larger auditory nuclei. Although statistical power is low in phylogenetically informed comparisons of the two clades, we did find weak evidence in support of this hypothesis. We conclude that bat brains show evidence of adaptation to foraging ecology.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2006

Karyotype relationships of six bat species (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) from China revealed by chromosome painting and G-banding comparison.

The Vespertilionidae is the largest family in the order Chiroptera and has a worldwide distribution in the temperate and tropical regions. In order to further clarify the karyotype relationships at the lower taxonomic level in Vespertilionidae, genome-wide comparative maps have been constructed between Myotis myotis (MMY, 2n = 44) and six vesper bats from China: Myotis altarium (MAL, 2n = 44), Hypsugo pulveratus (HPU, 2n = 44), Nyctalus velutinus (NVE, 2n = 36), Tylonycteris robustula (TRO, 2n = 32), Tylonycteris sp. (TSP, 2n = 30)and Miniopterus fuliginosus (MFU, 2n = 46) by cross-species chromosome painting with a set of painting probes derived from flow-sorted chromosomes of Myotis myotis. Each Myotis myotis autosomal probe detected a single homologous chromosomal segment in the genomes of these six vesper bats except for MMY chromosome 3/4 paint which hybridized onto two chromosomes in the genome of M. fuliginosus. Our results show that Robertsonian translocation is the main mode of karyotype evolution in Vespertilionidae and that the addition of heterochromatic material also plays an important role in the karyotypic evolution of the genera Tylonycteris and Nyctalus. Two conserved syntenic associations (MMY9 + 23 and 18 + 19) could be the synapomorphic features for the genus Tylonycteris. The integration of our maps with the published maps has enabled us to deduce chromosomal homologies between human and these six vesper bats and provided new insight into the karyotype evolution of the family Vespertilionidae.

Animals↗

PubMed1982

Correlations between major brain regions in Chiroptera.

Unlike small homogeneous nuclei, progression indices of large heterogeneous brain regions show no negative correlations and give no evidence of compensatory effects, presumably because the evolutionary progressions and regressions of multiple neighboring functions mask each other. The diencephalon and various parts of the telencephalon show large positive correlations, apparently reflecting the general increase in size of the brain, relatively to body weight, from presumably primitive to advanced forms. The neocortex is strongly correlated with the striatum, a putative precursor, and with the diencephalon, but less strongly correlated with the cerebellum in Chiroptera than in Primates. The mesencephalon is moderately correlated with the medulla oblongata and cerebellum, but uncorrelated with all parts of the telencephalon except the paleocortex. The bulbus olfactorius is correlated with the septum, schizocortex and hippocampus, but these correlations may be due mostly to the progression of these four structures in Megachiroptera and their regression in insectivorous Microchiroptera, and may not imply major direct functional relationships.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Comparative electron microscopy of chorio-allantoic placental barrier in some Indian Chiroptera.

In the present study the comparative ultrastructure of the definitive chorio-allantoic placental barrier has been studied in considerable detail in six species of bats, representing six different families and both suborders of Chiroptera, by electron microscopy, and these species illustrate different kinds of interhaemal membranes met with among bats. The definitive chorio-allantoic placenta of Rousettus leschenaulti is haemodichorial, since the syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast layers are present to term. The fine structure of the placental barrier in the labyrinth of the definitive placenta of Rhinopoma hardwickei hardwickei is essentially endotheliomonochorial due to the presence of a single layer of cytotrophoblast and maternal endothelial cells. The placenta of Taphozous melanopogon, examined electron-microscopically in the present study, shows a thick maternal endothelium, a continuous interstitial membrane and the presence of a single layer of syncytiotrophoblast. The placenta of Megaderma comprises a typical endotheliochorial labyrinth and the presence of two layers of trophoblast. In Rhinolophus rouxi, the mature placenta during advanced pregnancy resembles that of Megaderma, its labyrinth containing large maternal capillaries with maternal endothelial cells and the two layers of trophoblast. Finally, the placental barrier of Hipposideros fulvus fulvus is haemodichorial due to the presence of two layers of trophoblast and the absence of maternal endothelial cells.

Allantoin↗

PubMed2026

The genome sequence of the Lesser noctule, Nyctalus leisleri (Kuhl, 1817) (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Nyctalus leisleri (Leisler's bat; Chordata; Mammalia; Chiroptera; Vespertilionidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 2 226.32 megabases and 2 021.25 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (88.57%) is scaffolded into 23 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 17.23 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 18 985 protein-coding genes. This assembly was generated as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project, which produces genomes for eukaryotic species found in Britain and Ireland.

Chiroptera↗

PubMed2026

The genome sequence of Natterer's Bat, Myotis nattereri (Kuhl, 1817) (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Myotis nattereri (Natterer's Bat; Chordata; Mammalia; Chiroptera; Vespertilionidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 2 138.58 megabases and 1 932.61 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (98.98%) is scaffolded into 23 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 17.27 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19 245 protein-coding genes. This assembly was generated as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project, which produces genomes for eukaryotic species found in Britain and Ireland.

Chiroptera↗

PubMed2006

Relationships between the parasitic mite Spinturnix andegavinus (Acari: Spinturnicidae) and its bat host, Myotis daubentonii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae): seasonal, sex- and age-related variation in infestation and possible impact of the parasite on the host condition and roosting behaviour.

Host-parasite relationships between the Daubenton's bat, Myotis daubentonii Kuhl, 1817 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), and its haematophagous ectoparasite, the mite Spinturnix andegavinus Kolenati, 1857 (Acari: Spintumicidae), were subjected to analyses based on data gathered during a six-year study (1999-2004) within a single study area in South Bohemia, Czech Republic. Seven hundred and fifty-one Daubenton's bats were examined by screening wing membranes with an intensive light source, resulting in 4,690 recorded mites. Sex, age, weight and reproductive state were evaluated for each bat. A body condition index was calculated as a ratio of weight to forearm length. The seasonal course of mite infestation displayed distinct dynamics with the peak during the lactation and post-lactation periods coinciding with occurrence of the most numerous colonies of Daubenton's bats in the study area. Infestation rates differed between the two sexes, being higher in adult females than adult males. Juvenile bats of both sexes (with no differences between males and females) were the most infested group of all. Pregnant females had a significantly higher parasite load than non-pregnant ones, while no differences in infestation rates were found between lactating and non-lactating females. The analyses of the relationship between parasite load and body condition of bats revealed no common trends for all sex- and age-related groups. Two possible explanations are suggested and discussed: (1) There is no true relationship between the two tested variables and, thus, the significant results were attained due to a random statistical effect. (2) Different underlying causal mechanisms may exist that influence parasite load and, especially, body condition, with respect to the particular sex and age category of bats. The seasonal roosting dynamics of the Daubenton's bat are suggested to be the result not only of changing energetic demands of resident population members, but also of coevolutionary strategies within host-parasite relationships.

Acari↗

PubMed1987

The primary structure of the hemoglobin from the bat Macrotus californicus (Chiroptera).

The complete primary structure of the hemoglobin from the bat Macrotus californicus (Chiroptera) is presented. This hemoglobin consists of only one component. The alpha- and beta-chains were separated by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The sequences of both chains were established by automatic Edman degradation of the chains and the tryptic peptides, as well as of the C-terminal peptide obtained by acidic hydrolysis of the Asp-Pro bond in the beta-chains using the film- and gas-phase method. The sequences are compared with human hemoglobin: 15 amino-acid substitutions are found in the alpha- and 22 in the beta-chains. A comparison with the hemoglobin of Rousettus aegyptiacus and Myotis velifer shows a closer relation to the Mega- than to the Microchiroptera.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2003

Host characteristics do not affect community structure of ectoparasites on the fishing bat Noctilio leporinus (L., 1758) (Mammalia: Chiroptera).

Patterns of parasite abundance and prevalence are thought to be influenced by several host characteristics such as size, sex, developmental stage, and seasonality. We examined two obligatory ectoparasites of the bat Noctilio leporinus (L.) (Chiroptera, Noctilionidae) to test whether prevalence and abundance of Noctiliostrebla aitkeni Wenzel and Paradyschiria fusca Speiser (Diptera, Streblidae) are influenced by the host characteristics. During this survey, 2110 flies were collected. The total abundance was 1150 N. aitkeni and 950 P. fusca. The prevalence of both species was shown to be superior to 75% and neither host size, sex, reproductive stage nor season influenced significantly the variation of the observed values. N. aitkeni were more abundant than P. fusca in all seasons except winter. Both flies showed a significant seasonal variation in terms of abundance but host biological characteristics (host size, sex, and reproductive stage) did not play a significant role as structuring factors of the batflies component community.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Description of a cryptic species, Spinturnix bechsteini n. sp. (Acari, Mesostigmata, Spinturnicidae), parasite of Myotis bechsteinii (Kuhl, 1817) (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) by using ecoethology of host bats and statistical methods.

Using ecoethology of bats and statistical methods, we anticipate the evidence of specific species of spinturnicids associated with Myotis myotis and Myotis bechsteinii (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) mixed colonies are unknown. Traditional description of this new crpytic species Spinturnix bechsteini, parasite of M. bechsteinii, is done. Statistical approach is based on analysis of variance and principal component analysis. The current knowledge on parasites of the genus Myotis in the West Palearctic subregion is presented.

Acari↗

PubMed1994

Histological response of Eptesicus serotinus (Mammalia: Chiroptera) to Argas vespertilionis (Acari: argasidae).

The sequential histological development of Argas vespertilionis (Acarina: Argasidae) feeding sites on Eptesicus serotinus (Mammalia: Chiroptera) was evaluated. Neutrophils, followed by Langerhans cells, were the major components of the cellular infiltrate throughout the earliest phase of tick infestation. The host tended to isolate the tick mouthparts by means of a progressive formation of epithelial tissue in the feeding cavity.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1976

[Study of correlations linking the volumes of the hypophyseal lobes and the epiphysis to body and brain weights in Chiroptera].

Study of the correlations binding the different lobes of the hypophysis and the pineal gland to body weight and brain weight in Chiroptera shows that the hypophysis is better correlated to body and brain weight than the pineal gland, fact that we already observed in Rodents and Primates. The allometry coefficient (M.R.A.) related to body weight varies from 0,80 to 0,98 for the hypophyseal lobes. The value of this coefficient for the pineal gland (1,60) is greater than that found (1,009) in another group of Mammals (Insectivora, Lemurians and Primates). It is less sure as the important variations in volume of this gland determine a lower correlation coefficient.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Bats, clocks, and rocks: diversification patterns in Chiroptera.

Identifying nonrandom clade diversification is a critical first step toward understanding the evolutionary processes underlying any radiation and how best to preserve future phylogenetic diversity. However, differences in diversification rates have not been quantitatively assessed for the majority of groups because of the lack of necessary analytical tools (e.g., complete species-level phylogenies, estimates of divergence times, and robust statistics which incorporate phylogenetic uncertainty and test appropriate null models of clade growth). Here, for the first time, we investigate diversification rate heterogeneity in one of the largest groups studied thus far, the bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera). We use a recent, robust statistical approach (whole-tree likelihood-based relative rate tests) on complete dated species-level supertree phylogenies. As has been demonstrated previously for most other groups, among-lineage diversification rate within bats has not been constant. However, we show that bat diversification is more heterogeneous than in other mammalian clades thus far studied. The whole-tree likelihood-based relative rates tests suggest that clades within the families Phyllostomidae and Molossidae underwent a number of significant changes in relative diversification rate. There is also some evidence for rate shifts within Pteropodidae, Emballonuridae, Rhinolophidae, Hipposideridae, and Vespertilionidae, but the significance of these shifts depends on polytomy resolution within each family. Diversification rate in bats has also not been constant, with the largest diversification rate shifts occurring 30-50 million years ago, a time overlapping with the greatest number of shifts in flowering plant diversification rates.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

[Chiroptera and zoonosis: an emerging problem on all five continents].

Zoonosis is the cause of the vast majority of emerging diseases. Bats that occupy the second place in the mammal class play an important role. Whether they belong to the microchiroptera suborder or to the megachiroptera suborder, bats on all five continents have been implicated in transmission of numerous pathogens including not only viruses such as Lyssavirus (e.g. rabies), Hepanivirus (e.g. Hendra and Nipah virus) and recently coronavirus (e.g. SARS-like coronavirus and Ebola virus) but also fungus such as histoplasmosis. By modifying environmental conditions and encroaching on their biotope, human intervention has probably contributed to the introduction of chiropteras into an epidemiologic chain in which they previously had no place, thus promoting the emergence of new pathogens.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

A Golgi study of the sixth layer of the cerebral cortex. I. The lissencephalic brain of Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Insectivora and Chiroptera.

A study of the morphological characteristics of the neurons in layer VI of the cerebral cortex was carried out using the rapid Golgi method in several lissencephalic species including Rodentia (rat, mouse, vole (Microtus agrestis) and hamster), Lagomorpha (rabbit), Insectivora (hedgehog) and in the Chiroptera the dwarf bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus). There was a basic uniformity in the structure of the sixth layer. Main neuronal types in lamina VIa were large pyramidal neurons, triangular or atypical pyramidal cells, multiapical pyramidal neurons, inverted pyramids, fusiform neurons, Martinotti cells and bi-tufted cells. Main neuronal types in lamina VIb were medium sized, flattened pyramids, large and small horizontal neurons, horizontal pyramidal cells, fan shaped neurons and multipolar spinous neurons with long descending axons. Sparsely spinous and spine-free multipolar neurons with short axons were present in the two laminae of layer VI, but sparsely spinous neurons with axons similar to those found in basket cells of other layers of the cortex were observed mainly in lamina VIa. Neuronal subsystems were tentatively classified on the basis of the course of the axons. Pyramidal neurons, fusiform neurons, multiapical pyramidal cells, inverted pyramidal cells, fan shaped neurons and multipolar neurons with large descending axons were interpreted as being the main source of long projection and association connections. Large horizontal neurons were interpreted as possible ipsilateral association neurons because the horizontal course of the axons over long distances followed the boundary of the deeper region of the sixth layer. Three intracortical (association) subsystems were included. Axons of Martinotti cells and collateral ascending axons of pyramidal neurons (including multiapical pyramidal neurons) formed the ascending interlaminar fibrillary subsystem. Axons of small horizontal cells and horizontal collaterals of pyramidal neurons formed the horizontal intracortical subsystem. Sparsely spinous and spine-free multipolar neurons and bi-tufted cells were the main source of the local, non-horizontal fibrillary subsystem.

Anatomy, Comparative↗

PubMed1983

[The fine structure of the efferent ductules of the duct of the epididymis of some Chiroptera (Vesperugo savi and Vesperugo piccolo)].

The fine structure of the epithelium lining the ductuli efferentes and the ductus epididymis of Chiroptera (Vesperugo savi and Vesperugo piccolo) has been investigated. The epithelium of ductuli efferentes is composed of two cell types: principal and ciliated cells, while the ductus epididymis shows four cell types: principal, clear, basal cells and lymphocytes. Cytological differences in principal and clear cells are described, which allow to subdivide epididymis into three regions: head, body and tail. It has also been possible to recognize in these cells both an absorbing and a synthetic function. Cytological features of principal and clear cells in relation to epididymis' function of spermatidic maturation are discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1980

[Fine structure of pineal gland in some Chiroptera. (Vesperugo savi and Rinolophus f.e.). I. Histochemical and ultrastructural study (author's transl)].

Fine structure of pineal gland was studied in some Chiroptera and compared with those of other micromammals. Three cells types were found in pineal parenchyma: pinealocytes, the most numerous cells, glial cells and Mastzellen. Some nervous cells were found in peripheral dorsal pineal gland. Pinealocytes show a clear or dark matrix which are different functional stages of the same cell. A large nucleus with irregular profiles and deep invaginations, several mitochondria and ribosomes, canalicular rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, large Golgi apparatus, lipid droplets, secretory and heterogeneous granules distinguish this cellular type. Centrioles often joined with a striated root (formed by alternating clear and dark discs), cytoplasmic process extending in the intercellular space as far as 3-4 mu including cilia showing a 9+0 pattern, osmiophilic vacuoles involved in secretion processes were observed too. Glial cells irregularly arranged tend to form small clusters: they show a dense and glycogen particles rich matrix. This matrix was very positive for non specific esterases reaction. Blood vessels are provided by a continuous endothelium resting on basal lamina, surrounded by a thick perivascular layer. Collagen fibers, pinealocytes processes, non-myelinated nerve fibers and Mastzellen were found in pervascular area.

Animals↗