Differential temperature effects on photoperiodism in female voles: An
explanation for species-specific declines in vole populations
Abstract
The photoperiodic neuroendocrine system drives seasonal rhythms in
reproduction. To get a better understanding of how annual cycling
environmental cues impact reproductive function and plasticity in small,
short-lived herbivores with different geographic origins, we
investigated the mechanisms underlying integration of temperature in the
photoperiodic-axis regulating female reproduction in tundra voles and in
common voles. We show that photoperiod and temperature interact to
determine appropriate physiological responses; there is
species-dependent annual variation in the sensitivity to temperature for
reproductive organ development. These findings are in line with our
census data, showing an earlier onset of spring reproduction in cold
springs, while reproductive offset in autumn is synchronized to
photoperiod. The reproductive organs of tundra voles were relatively
insensitive to temperature, whereas hypothalamic gene expression was
generally upregulated at 10°C. Due to global warming, spring
reproduction in common voles will be delayed, perhaps resulting in
shorter breeding seasons and thus declining populations.