Maturation increases superoxide radical production without increasing oxidative damage in the skeletal muscle of hooded seals (Cystophora cristata)

Abstract

Diving vertebrates represent unique models for the study of the physiological responses to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress because of their adaptability to cope with dive-derived ROS production. We hypothesized that in the skeletal muscle of a diving mammal, the hooded seal ( Cystophora cristata (Erxleben, 1777)), ROS production increases with maturation but the accumulation of oxidative damage does not. To test this, we analyzed the tissue capacity to produce ROS, the accumulation of oxidative damage, and the activity and protein content of the cooper, zinc, and manganese dependent superoxide dismutases (Cu,ZnSOD, MnSOD) in skeletal muscle from neonates, weaned pups, and adult hooded seals. Our results showed higher tissue capacity to produce ROS, higher Cu,ZnSOD and MnSOD activities, and higher MnSOD protein content in adult seals than in pups. No differences in oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, or DNA were detected among groups. Results suggest that increased SOD activity likely counters the oxidative damage commonly associated with increased ROS production. These findings highlight the unusual tolerance of skeletal muscle of seals to increased ROS production.