Splenic mass of masked shrews, Sorex cinereus, in relation to body mass, sex, age, day of the year, and bladder nematode, Liniscus (=Capillaria) maseri, infection

J Parasitol. 2009 Feb;95(1):228-30. doi: 10.1645/GE-1566.1.

Abstract

The spleen is an important organ of vertebrates. Splenic mass can change in response to a variety of factors. We tested whether splenic mass of masked shrews, Sorex cinereus, was related to sex, age, time of the year, or intensity of bladder nematode (Liniscus [=Capillaria] maseri) infection, after controlling for host body mass. For females, body mass was a strong predictor of splenic mass. For males, splenic masses were greater later in the year and in more heavily infected males. The latter appeared to represent a threshold response wherein only the most heavily infected individuals had enlarged spleens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Body Size / physiology
  • Capillaria / physiology*
  • Enoplida Infections / complications
  • Enoplida Infections / pathology
  • Enoplida Infections / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Seasons
  • Sex Factors
  • Shrews / parasitology*
  • Spleen / anatomy & histology*
  • Spleen / pathology
  • Splenomegaly / etiology
  • Urinary Bladder / parasitology