Contrasting phagocyte respiratory burst responses in two European bat species during hibernation

Bats use various natural or artificial structures as hibernacula, resulting in a diversification of hibernation strategies. For example, caves provide a stable thermal microclimate for the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis), whereas above-ground roosts used by the common noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula) provide much less protection from external weather conditions. These different ecological requirements result in distinct torpor-arousal patterns and movement activity, which significantly affect trade-offs between investing energy in immune functions and responses versus other biological functions. To examine potential functional differences during hibernation, we compared phagocyte respiratory burst in the two bat species. Our results show that N. noctula bats exhibit stronger and faster phagocytic immune responses than M. myotis bats. These results suggest that distinct hibernation strategies might reflect functional differences necessary for species-specific needs during hibernation and provide a foundation for future comparative studies across a broader range of bat species.