scholarly journals Characterization of Circulating Androgens, Cortisol and Estrogens During Normal, Abnormal and False Pregnancy in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Under Managed Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. J. Steinman ◽  
G. A. Montano ◽  
T. R. Robeck
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Failure To Thrive ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Recent Analysis ◽  
Reproductive Outcomes ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Fetal Health ◽  
Late Stages

The few hormone studies on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) pregnancy with different reproductive outcomes, e.g., normal birth, stillbirth and abortion, have mostly focused on progestagens or relaxin. However, recent analysis of androgens, glucocorticoids and estrogens has shown they are also biomarkers of cetacean pregnancy. Therefore, our objective was to examine circulating concentrations of androgens, glucocorticoids and estrogens during bottlenose dolphin pregnancies with different reproductive outcomes, including normal pregnancy (NORM, n = 27), failure to thrive (FTT, n = 17), perinatal loss (PNL, n = 20), early loss (EL, n = 12) and false pregnancy (FP, n = 16), to determine if they could be potential indicators of reproductive or fetal health. We analyzed longitudinal serum samples (n = 654) from 57 bottlenose dolphins and 92 reproductive events for testosterone, androstenedione, cortisol, estradiol and estrone conjugates. Testosterone concentrations were higher during EL compared to NORM and lower during FP at MID (day 121 – 240 post ovulation/conception) and LATE (day 241 – end of FP) stages (months post conception/ovulation [MPC, MPO] seven through ten, P < 0.05). During FTT, androstenedione concentrations were increased compared to NORM pregnancies in the EARLY and LATE stages (P ≤ 0.05), and concentrations were reduced during FP (P < 0.05). For cortisol, FTT pregnancies had higher concentrations compared to NORM during all stages (P < 0.05), while PNL had higher cortisol during EARLY and LATE stages (P < 0.05). Estradiol concentrations were lower for EL and FP compared to NORM (P < 0.05), while estrone conjugates were only reduced during FP (P < 0.05). Based on our results only cortisol may be a useful predictor of PNL, while both cortisol and androstenedione were useful for distinguishing FTT pregnancies. Similarly, both testosterone and estradiol during EL and FP were different from NORM. Our data indicate a suite of pregnancy specific hormone biomarkers to evaluate maternal and fetal health in bottlenose dolphins should include cortisol, androgens and estrogens. This research also highlights the importance on non-progestagen hormones as sentinels of cetacean pregnancy and fetal health.

scholarly journals Comparisons of Serum Progesterone and Progestagen Concentrations in Normal and Abnormal Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Pregnancies

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd R. Robeck ◽  
Karen J. Steinman ◽  
Celeste B. Parry ◽  
Forrest M. Gomez ◽  
Eric D. Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Failure To Thrive ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Biomarker Analysis ◽  
Longitudinal Profiles ◽  
Reproductive Events ◽  
Late Stages

Although previous studies have described progesterone profiles during pregnancy in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), most of these focused on normal pregnancy (NORM) or compared NORM to only one or two abnormal pregnancy types, such as abortion (AB) or perinatal loss (PNL). Hormonal pregnancy biomarker analysis from reproductive events with different outcomes may reveal differences in concentrations so that we are able to identify high risk pregnancies. The aim of this study was to describe longitudinal profiles of circulating progesterone and progestagens during reproductive events in the female bottlenose dolphin, including NORM, failure to thrive, PNL, AB, early loss (EL), and false pregnancy (FP). Progesterone differed from NORM during EL at EARLY (month post conception [MPC] 1–4), AB at MID (MPC 5–8), and FP at LATE (MPC 9–12) stages. Progestagens differed from NORM during AB and FP at MID and LATE stages and during MPC 12 in PNL and MPC 4 in EL. Progestagens may be better at predicting poor reproductive outcome in the bottlenose dolphin and a suite of hormone tests, including progesterone and progestagens, should be incorporated into existing clinical diagnostic and management practices in this species. Furthermore, analysis of multiple hormonal pregnancy biomarkers from a single sample may enable pregnancy diagnosis for wild animals.

Involution and Cystic Transformation of the Thymus in the Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus

1994 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 648-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. F. Cowan
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Squamous Epithelium ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Lymphoid Cells ◽  
Texas Gulf Coast ◽  
Thymic Cysts

The thymus glands of 10 bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, collected along the Texas Gulf coast were examined using standard histologic and immunocytochemical methods. The thymus gland of Tursiops persists into adult life, represented by medulla and progressively thinning cortex. A network of epithelial cells, including Hassal bodies, is demonstrable using polyclonal anti-cytokeratin antibody. The network condenses, with loss of lymphoid cells as involution progresses. Cysts arise within the condensed network. These cysts, found in eight of 10 animals, increase in number and size with increasing body size. Body size tends to reflect age. Thymic cysts typically have an irregular shape when small but tend to become spherical as they enlarge. Theey may be lined by squamous epithelium of variable thickness. Eventually, the cysts become macroscopic and filled with a colloidlike material and may largely replace the thymus, which may be identified by noncystic remnants adjacent to the cysts.

scholarly journals Development and Validation of Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies for the Detection of Immunoglobulin G of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus)

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 465-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hendrik H. Nollens ◽  
Linda G. Green ◽  
Diane Duke ◽  
Michael T. Walsh ◽  
Beth Chittick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Polyclonal Antibody ◽  
Immunoglobulin G ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Common Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Circulating Antibodies ◽  
The Common

Antibodies directed against species-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) have a broad range of applications in serologic and immunologic research and in the development of clinical assays. Validated anti-IgG antibodies for marine mammal species are in short supply. The objective of this study was to produce and validate antibodies with specificity for IgG of the common bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus). Bottlenose dolphin IgG was purified using protein G. Two mouse monoclonal antibodies and a rabbit polyclonal antibody were developed from mice and rabbits immunized with bottlenose dolphin IgG. The specificity of the monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody for bottlenose dolphin IgG was first verified by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For further validation, both monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody were incorporated in an indirect ELISA for the detection of the immune response of bottlenose dolphins to a vaccine antigen. Three bottlenose dolphins were immunized with a commercial Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae vaccine, and serial blood samples were collected from all dolphins for measurement of levels of circulating antibodies. Seroconversion was observed in all 3 dolphins by use of both monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody. Circulating antibodies were detectable as early as 6 days after immunization in 1 dolphin. Peak antibody levels were detected 14 days after the immunization. The ability to detect seroconversion in all 3 immunized bottlenose dolphins firmly establishes the specificity of the monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody for IgG of the common bottlenose dolphin.

Individual movements between local coastal populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the northern and eastern Black Sea

2016 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Gladilina ◽  
Olga Shpak ◽  
Valentin Serbin ◽  
Anna Kryukova ◽  
Dmitry Glazov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Sea ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Site Fidelity ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
The Black Sea ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Short Term ◽  
High Population Growth ◽  
Physical Barriers

The Black Sea subspecies of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus) is threatened and has a small range. Its population structure is little known: it possibly includes a few local coastal populations. We assessed connectivity between coastal groupings in six localities along 800 km of the coastline based on records of photo-identified animals between 2004 and 2014. Abundance of these groupings, as estimated, ranged between 76 and 174 individually distinctive dolphins. In total, there were 350 identified individuals, of which 91 (26%) were resighted within the same areas. However, only three cases of individual movements between local coastal populations were recorded at the distances between 135 and 325 km. Therefore, despite the absence of physical barriers, the coastal Black Sea population is fragmented into numerous resident or locally migrating groupings with site fidelity. These local populations are loosely connected to each other with rare movements between them. This fragmentation can be a factor contributing to short-term fluctuations in abundance of Black Sea bottlenose dolphins and their decline in some localities, despite the potentially high population growth rate.

Wound Healing in the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

1985 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
L J. Bruce-Allen ◽  
J. R. Geraci
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Epidermal Cells ◽  
Basal Cells ◽  
Epidermal Thickness ◽  
Mixed Cell ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Sterile Seawater

Early stages of wound healing were characterized in three bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). A total of six 10-cm-long, 2-mm-deep incisions into the dermis were infused with sterile seawater for 30 min. Biopsies representing all surfaces of the cuts were taken at 2, 6, and 12 h and 1, 2, 3, 7, and 10 d. Histologically, wounds from 6 through 72 h were characterized by a mixed cell infiltrate predominated by neutrophils, and extensive areas of intraepidermal vesicles. Migrating epidermal cells bridged the incisional gap by 2 d, while elevated mitotic activity of basal cells restored full epidermal thickness by day 7. Notable was the absence of a traditional scab; its purpose was served by a transformed barrier layer of epidermal cells and vesicles. As well, an abnormal intracellular distribution of melanosomes typified new epidermal cells. The sequence and timing of healing in Tursiops are similar to those reported in terrestrial mammals; differences in the appearance of healing are most likely due to adaptations to an aquatic lifestyle.

Inshore and offshore bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) communities distinguished by association patterns near Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 581-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly A Rossbach ◽  
Denise L Herzing
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Site Fidelity ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Foraging Strategies ◽  
Association Patterns ◽  
Simple Ratio ◽  
Water Depths

Little is known about the behavior of offshore dolphin populations. Our purpose was to distinguish and describe stable social groups of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) between inshore and offshore West End, Grand Bahama Island (26°42'N, 79°00'W). Photoidentification was conducted from May to September, 1994 to 1996. A simple ratio index described association patterns between dolphins. Multidimensional scaling of association indices (n = 1711 dolphin pairs) distinguished two dolphin communities consisting of 28 dolphins (19 of known sex) found inshore and 15 dolphins (12 of known sex) found greater than or equal to 27 km offshore. Eight of the 15 offshore dolphins were opportunistically photographed in the same region between 1986 and 1990. The two communities were found at different water depths (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.01), over distinct bottom types (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.01), and used different bottom-foraging strategies. Long-term site fidelity of up to 10 years and repeated dolphin associations of up to 8 years occurred greater than or equal to 27 km from shore. Dolphins sighted greater than or equal to 15 times averaged 48 associates (SD = 11, n = 28). A dolphin's closest associate was of the same gender 74% of the time. This study is the first to report long-term site fidelity and association patterns of bottlenose dolphins found far from shore.

scholarly journals Behavioral and Personality Effects ona Cooperative Task for Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Dyads

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly C. Bagley ◽  
Kelley Winship ◽  
Teri Bolton ◽  
Preston Foerder
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Personality Profiles ◽  
Social Communities ◽  
Social Species ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Cooperative Behaviors ◽  
Human Care ◽  
The Relationship

Social species can depend on each other for survival, helping in rearing of young, predator defense, and foraging. Personality dynamics between individuals may influence cooperative behaviors. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) live in social communities and cooperate with other conspecifics to achieve goals both in the wild and in human care. We investigated the role that personality plays in the willingness of dolphins to work together. We tested five bottlenose dolphin pairs at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences, Honduras, with an apparatus previously used to experimentally test dolphin cooperation. Personality profiles of each dolphin were created using surveys completed by the caretakers, in particular noting two different categories of interactions: dolphin to dolphin and dolphin to world. We hypothesized that dyadic success in the cooperative task would differ based on specific personality traits of individuals. We also hypothesized that the most successful dyads would show similar types of conspecific sociality and different means of interacting with objects. Although none of the dolphin pairs cooperated to open the apparatus, individual personalities were analyzed in relation to the dolphins’ individual and mutual interactions with the apparatus as well as the pairs’ social behaviors. Playfulness, curiosity, and affiliation as well as agreeableness, and extraversion were positively related to affiliation with the apparatus and each other. These findings suggest that certain aspects of personality are indicative of affiliation or interaction by an individual dolphin. These results could guide future animal research on the relationship between personality, social interactions, and problem-solving.

Use of photo-identification data to quantify mother–calf association patterns in bottlenose dolphins

2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (8) ◽  
pp. 1421-1427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Grellier ◽  
Philip S Hammond ◽  
Ben Wilson ◽  
Carol A Sanders-Reed ◽  
Paul M Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Association Patterns ◽  
Photo Identification ◽  
Dolphin Population ◽  
The Mean ◽  
First Time

For social mammals living in fission–fusion societies, the mother–infant bond is long and extends beyond the nursing period. We successfully developed a technique, using photo-identification data, to quantify mother–calf association patterns in a small population of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, off eastern Scotland. By statistically comparing association indices between young calves and their associates we assigned 17 individual adults as mothers to 20 young calves with a 5% level of probability. The mean index of association between calves and mothers remained high until at least year 8 of life. While calves were still found in the same schools as their mother, they surfaced beside her less often as their age increased. This is the first time that the mother–calf bond has been quantitatively assessed for any bottlenose dolphin population inhabiting temperate waters. Results are compared with those from subtropical populations and are discussed with respect to the viability of this population.

Using blubber biopsies to provide ecological information about bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) around the Azores

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.J. Walton ◽  
M.A. Silva ◽  
S.M. Magalhães ◽  
R. Prieto ◽  
R.S. Santos
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphin ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Fatty Acid Profiles ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Azores Archipelago ◽  
Photo Identification ◽  
Ecological Information ◽  
Island Group

Fatty acid profiles were used to investigate aspects of bottlenose dolphin populations around the Azores archipelago. Biopsy samples were obtained from 70 dolphins during the period 2002–2004. No statistically significant differences in profiles were found between different island groups, between sexes or between year of sampling. Thus no evidence was seen for island group fidelity, in contrast to bottlenose dolphins found around similar island groups such as the Hawaiian archipelago or the Bahamas. The findings are consistent with concurrent genetic and photo-identification studies on dolphins in the Azores.

scholarly journals Acute phase protein quantitation in serum samples from healthy Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Cray ◽  
Kristopher L. Arheart ◽  
Michael Hunt ◽  
Tonya Clauss ◽  
Lynda L. Leppert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Phase ◽  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Acute Phase Protein ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Protein Quantitation ◽  
Phase Protein
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