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PloS one2018; 13(6); e0198511; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198511

Limb bone histology records birth in mammals.

Abstract: The annual cyclicality of cortical bone growth marks (BGMs) allows reconstruction of some important life history traits, such as longevity, growth rate or age at maturity. Little attention has been paid, however, to non-cyclical BGMs, though some record key life history events such as hatching (egg-laying vertebrates), metamorphosis (amphibians), or weaning (suggested for Microcebus and the hedgehog). Here, we investigate the relationship between non-cyclical BGMs and a stressful biological event in mammals: the moment of birth. In the present study, we histologically examine ontogenetic series of femora, tibiae and metapodia in several extant representatives of the genus Equus (E. hemionus, E. quagga and E. grevyi). Our analysis reveals the presence of a non-cyclical growth mark that is deposited around the moment of birth, analogous to the neonatal line described for teeth. We therefore refer to it as neonatal line. The presence of this feature within the bone cross-section agrees with a period of growth arrest in newborn foals regulated by the endocrine system. The neonatal line is accompanied by modifications in bone tissue type and vascularization, and has been identified in all bones studied and at different ontogenetic ages. Our discovery of a non-cyclical BGM related to the moment of birth in mammals is an important step towards the histological reconstruction of life histories in extant and fossil equids.
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Publication Date: 2018-06-20 PubMed ID: 29924818PubMed Central: PMC6010216DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198511Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates the existence of specific bone growth marks (BGMs) in mammals that indicate the time of birth. The study examines bones from different members of the Equus genus, revealing the presence of a non-cyclical neonatal line similar to that found in teeth.

Introduction

  • The research focuses on cortical bone growth marks (BGMs), marks left on bones as creatures grow. While these are usually studied for cyclical nature which allow for tracking traits like ages at maturity, growth rate and longevity.
  • However, this research honed in on non-cyclical BGMs that signal specific life events. In the case of this study, the life event was birth in mammals.

Methodology

  • The researchers examined a series of bones – specifically femora, tibiae, and metapodia – from several species grouped in the genus Equus, which includes horses and zebras.
  • The aim was to discover if there was a growth mark or a change in the bone around the time of birth similar to the neonatal line found in teeth.

Findings

  • Examination revealed non-cyclical growth marks (termed as the neonatal line, analogous to similar features in teeth) related to the time of birth.
  • This neonatal line concurred with a period of growth cessation in newborn foals, thought to be regulated by their endocrine system.
  • Accompanying the neonatal line were alterations in the bone tissue type and level of vascularization (the formation of blood vessels).
  • This neonatal line was present in all the bones studied and at varying stages of growth.

Conclusion

  • The researchers concluded that the presence of a non-cyclical BGM related to birth was significant as it provides an opportunity for the histological reconstruction of life histories in both extinct and existing equids.
  • This could open new possibilities for understanding the life histories, growth patterns and even evolutionary paths of not just equids, but possibly also of other mammals.

Cite This Article

APA
Nacarino-Meneses C, Köhler M. (2018). Limb bone histology records birth in mammals. PLoS One, 13(6), e0198511. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0198511

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 6
Pages: e0198511
PII: e0198511

Researcher Affiliations

Nacarino-Meneses, Carmen
  • Department of Evolutionary Paleobiology, Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
Köhler, Meike
  • Department of Evolutionary Paleobiology, Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
  • ICREA, Barcelona, Spain.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Bone Development
  • Female
  • Femur / metabolism
  • Femur / pathology
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Metacarpus / metabolism
  • Metacarpus / pathology
  • Tibia / metabolism
  • Tibia / pathology

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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