scholarly journals Effect of Ground Transportation on Adrenocortical Activity in Prepuberal Female Mice from Five Different Genetic Backgrounds

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 239
Author(s):  
Sonja Rumpel ◽  
Christina Scholl ◽  
Anja Göbel ◽  
Rupert Palme ◽  
Esther Mahabir
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Background ◽  
Average Duration ◽  
Stressful Event ◽  
Research Facility ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
Experimental Protocols ◽  
Baseline Levels ◽  
Corticosterone Metabolites ◽  
Fecal Corticosterone Metabolites

Specific experimental protocols necessitate transportation, a potentially stressful event that could confound results. We determined adrenocortical activity by measuring fecal corticosterone metabolites (FCMs), as a stress marker, in prepuberal (three-week old) female C57BL/6J, C57BL/6NCrl, FVB/NCrl, Crl:CD1(ICR), and BALB/cAnCrl mice. On each transport day, five female cage mates per genetic background were weaned and transported in stable groups via truck from the breeding to the research facility. Fecal pellets were collected on Days 0, 1, and 4. Mice were superovulated for embryo production to determine if repeated fecal collection impacts this procedure. The average duration of transportation over 600 km and from packing to unpacking of mice was 7.24 and 22.62 h, respectively. FCM levels increased from Day 0 to Day 1 and decreased on Day 4 in all genetic backgrounds except in FVB/NCrl, but only B6N showed significantly higher FCM levels on Day 1. Furthermore, embryo production was not affected by repeated feces collection. The results show that weaning and immediate transport of prepuberal mice from the breeding to the research facility led to temporal and genetic background-dependent increases of adrenocortical activity in four of the five genetic backgrounds investigated, which returned to baseline levels within four days.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Monitoring of Adrenocortical Activity in Three Sympatric Desert Gerbil Species

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Álvaro Navarro-Castilla ◽  
Mario Garrido ◽  
Hadas Hawlena ◽  
Isabel Barja
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample ◽  
Post Injection ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Endocrine Status ◽  
Corticosterone Metabolites ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Fecal Corticosterone Metabolites

The study of the endocrine status can be useful to understand wildlife responses to the changing environment. Here, we validated an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to non-invasively monitor adrenocortical activity by measuring fecal corticosterone metabolites (FCM) in three sympatric gerbil species (Gerbillus andersoni, G. gerbillus and G. pyramidum) from the Northwestern Negev Desert’s sands (Israel). Animals included into treatment groups were injected with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to stimulate adrenocortical activity, while control groups received a saline solution. Feces were collected at different intervals and FCM were quantified by an EIA. Basal FCM levels were similar in the three species. The ACTH effect was evidenced, but the time of FCM peak concentrations appearance differed between the species (6–24 h post-injection). Furthermore, FCM peak values were observed sooner in G. andersoni females than in males (6 h and 18 h post-injection, respectively). G. andersoni and G. gerbillus males in control groups also increased FCM levels (18 h and 48 h post-injection, respectively). Despite the small sample sizes, our results confirmed the EIA suitability for analyzing FCM in these species as a reliable indicator of the adrenocortical activity. This study also revealed that close species, and individuals within a species, can respond differently to the same stressor.

scholarly journals The Effect of Transport Stress on Corticosterone Metabolites in Pheasant Droppings

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Volfova ◽  
Zuzana Machovcova ◽  
Pavel Forejtek ◽  
Eva Voslarova ◽  
Iveta Bedanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
Health Protection ◽  
Phasianus Colchicus ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Transport Stress ◽  
Baseline Levels ◽  
Corticosterone Metabolites

Abstract BackgroundTransport has been proven to represent a significant stressor for animals. In view of the fact that pheasants are frequently reared in captivity in hatcheries and are then transported for the purpose of their sale or release, it is essential from the viewpoint of welfare and health protection to obtain as much information as possible about their response to this stressor. The aim of this study was to assess changes in corticosterone metabolite (CM) levels related to transport in common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). MethodsSixteen birds aged 17 weeks were crated and transported for 3.5 hours (distance travelled 140 km) to the target customer. Individual droppings were collected during the 2 days prior to transport and 3 days after transport. Concentrations of faecal CMs were determined with a non-commercial EIA (enzyme-immunoassay) kit, cortisone was used as a standard and values were expressed as cortisone equivalents in ng per g of droppings. ResultsTransport represents a major stressor for animals and this was also reflected in increased CM concentrations in the droppings in our study. CM concentrations increased within 24 hours of transport (P < 0.01) as compared to pre-transport levels (533.82 ng/g vs. 228.85 ng/g) and continued to rise for another 24 hours (745.35 ng/g). Three days after transport CM concentrations fell back to baseline levels (297.97 ng/g). ConclusionsThe EIA used in this study proved to be sensitive enough to detect biologically meaningful alterations in the adrenocortical activity of pheasants exposed to procedures related to their transport.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Stress Response in North American Deermice: Laboratory and Field Validation of Two Enzyme Immunoassays for Fecal Corticosterone Metabolites

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1120
Author(s):  
Andreas Eleftheriou ◽  
Rupert Palme ◽  
Rudy Boonstra
Keyword(s):  
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽  
Stress Physiology ◽  
Post Injection ◽  
Field Validation ◽  
Wildlife Ecology ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
Enzyme Immunoassays ◽  
Fecal Cortisol ◽  
Corticosterone Metabolites ◽  
Fecal Corticosterone Metabolites

Stress physiology is commonly employed in studies of wildlife ecology and conservation. Accordingly, we need robust and suitable methods to measure stress physiology in the field. Fecal cortisol/corticosterone metabolites (FCMs) are now increasingly being used to non-invasively evaluate adrenocortical activity; a measure of stress physiology. However, immunoassays that measure FCMs must be appropriately validated prior to their use and factors that can influence FCMs, such as trap-induced stress, must be considered. Deermice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are widely used in scientific studies so that developing methods that appropriately measure their adrenocortical activity is critical. In the laboratory, we tested the suitability of two enzyme immunoassays (EIAs; a corticosterone EIA, and a group-specific 5α-pregnane-3β,11β,21-triol-20-one EIA) in deermice by challenging individuals with dexamethasone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). We found that dexamethasone suppressed FCM levels within ~10 h post injection whereas ACTH increased FCM levels within ~2 h post injection. In the field, we found that FCM levels generally increased with more time in trap confinement when using both EIAs. Although we acknowledge low sample sizes (N = 4), our results validated the two EIAs for use with FCMs from deermice.

scholarly journals Frequent serial fecal corticoid measures from rats reflect circadian and ovarian corticosterone rhythms

2005 ◽  
Vol 184 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
S A Cavigelli ◽  
S L Monfort ◽  
T K Whitney ◽  
Y S Mechref ◽  
M Novotny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Temporal Acuity ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Laboratory Rodents ◽  
Sprague Dawley Rats ◽  
Single Animal ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
Luteinizing Hormone Surge ◽  
Corticosterone Metabolites ◽  
Fecal Corticosterone Metabolites

The circadian glucocorticoid rhythm provides important information on the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in individuals. Frequent repeated blood sampling can limit the kinds of studies conducted on this rhythm, particularly in small laboratory rodents that have limited blood volumes and are easily stressed by handling. We developed an extraction and assay protocol to measure fecal corticosterone metabolites in repeated samples collected from undisturbed male and female adult Sprague–Dawley rats. This fecal measure provides a non-invasive method to assess changes in corticosterone within a single animal over time, with sufficient temporal acuity to quantify several characteristics of the circadian rhythm: e.g. the nadir, acrophase, and asymmetry (saw-tooth) of the rhythm. Males excreted more immunoreactive fecal corticoids than did females. Across the estrous cycle, females produced more fecal corticoids on proestrus (the day of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge) than during estrus or metestrus. These results establish a baseline from which to study environmental, psychological, and physiological disturbances of the circadian corticosterone rhythm within individual rats.

scholarly journals Comparison of experimental wound healing in quail using two types of commercial hemostatic dressings

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-152
Author(s):  
Tainá M. P. Chiquito ◽  
Margarete K. Falbo ◽  
Rafael V. Soares ◽  
Roberta A. Marcondes ◽  
Jayme A. Peres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Leukocyte Count ◽  
Visual Assessment ◽  
Total Leukocyte Count ◽  
Expected Time ◽  
Post Procedure ◽  
Superficial Skin ◽  
Hemostatic Dressing ◽  
Corticosterone Metabolites ◽  
Fecal Corticosterone Metabolites

The use of powdered hemostatic products and propolis-based preparations has become increasingly common to control bleeding and aid healing. This study evaluated two hemostatic dressings, one based on propolis (Alveolex®) and the other on ferric subsulfate powder (Quick Blood Stopper®), on experimental wound in quails. The experiment was conducted with 36 quails assigned to three groups: control, propolis-based hemostatic dressing and ferric subsulfate-based hemostatic dressing, on two types of wounds, superficial (skin and subcutaneous) and deep (skin, subcutaneous and muscle). Pre- (day-7) and post-procedure (days 2 and 10) examinations showed a tendency to reduce hematocrit values on day 2 and a tendency to increase fibrinogen levels and total leukocyte count on the same day. Visual assessment of wound healing indicated that birds using Quick Blood Stopper® showed signs of poor healing, while the group treated with Alveolex® had uncomplicated healing within the expected time. The groups treated with hemostatic based on ferric subsulfate showed a tendency to increase the values of fecal corticosterone metabolites on day 10, suggesting an increased level of stress in these animals. During the surgical procedure, both hemostatic products controlled bleeding, but Alveolex®was more efficient and easy to handle.

scholarly journals Concentration of fecal corticosterone metabolites in dominant versus subordinate buffalo heifers

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 1726-1730
Author(s):  
F. Madella-Oliveira Aparecida ◽  
R. Quirino Celia ◽  
Pacheco Aline ◽  
L. D. da Costa Ricardo ◽  
T. Beltrame Renato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corticosterone Metabolites ◽  
Fecal Corticosterone Metabolites

scholarly journals No island-effect on glucocorticoid levels for a rodent from a near-shore archipelago

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan D. Stewart ◽  
Gabriela F. Mastromonaco ◽  
Gary Burness
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Stress Physiology ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Island Effect ◽  
Near Shore ◽  
Thousand Islands ◽  
Island Syndrome ◽  
Corticosterone Metabolites ◽  
Stress Biomarker ◽  
Fecal Corticosterone Metabolites

Island rodents are often larger and live at higher population densities than their mainland counterparts, characteristics that have been referred to as “island syndrome”. Island syndrome has been well studied, but few studies have tested for island-mainland differences in stress physiology. We evaluated island syndrome within the context of stress physiology of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) captured from 11 islands and five mainland sites in Thousand Islands National Park, Ontario, Canada. Stress physiology was evaluated by quantifying corticosterone (a stress biomarker), the primary glucocorticoid in mice, from hair and its related metabolites from fecal samples. White-footed mice captured in this near-shore archipelago did not display characteristics of island syndrome, nor differences in levels of hair corticosterone or fecal corticosterone metabolites compared with mainland mice. We suggest that island white-footed mice experience similar degrees of stress in the Thousand Islands compared with the mainland. Although we did not find evidence of island syndrome or differences in glucocorticoid levels, we identified relationships between internal (sex, body mass) and external (season) factors and our hormonal indices of stress in white-footed mice.

scholarly journals Faecal Cortisol Metabolites as an Indicator of Adrenocortical Activity in Farmed Blue Foxes

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2631
Author(s):  
Eeva A. Ojala ◽  
Mika Kurkilahti ◽  
Anne Lene Hovland ◽  
Rupert Palme ◽  
Jaakko Mononen
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Pairwise Comparison ◽  
Diurnal Fluctuation ◽  
Stress Indicator ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Baseline Levels ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Cortisol Metabolites

Welfare studies of blue foxes would benefit from a measurement of faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) as a non-invasive, physiological stress parameter reflecting hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Before implementation, a species-specific validation of such a method is required. Therefore, we conducted a physiological validation of an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to measure FCMs in blue foxes. Twenty individuals (nine males and eleven females) were injected with synthetic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and faecal samples were collected every third h for two days. The FCM baseline levels were assessed based on the first sampling day (control period, 144 samples), followed by the ACTH injection and the second day of sampling (treatment period, 122 samples). FCMs were analysed with a 5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one EIA. We compared the estimated mean FCM concentrations of the treatment samples to the baseline average. All samples for the two periods were collected at the same time of the day, which enabled to test the data also with an hourly pairwise comparison. With the two statistical approaches, we tested whether a possible diurnal fluctuation in the FCM concentrations affected the interpretation of the results. Compared to the baseline levels, both approaches showed 2.4–3.2 times higher concentrations on time points sampled 8–14 h after the ACTH injection (p < 0.05). The estimated FCM concentrations also fluctuated slightly within the control period (p < 0.01). Inter-individual variations in FCM levels were marked, which highlights the importance of having a sufficient number of animals in experiments utilising FCMs. The sampling intervals of 3 h enabled forming of informative FCM curves. Taken together, this study proves that FCM analysis with a 5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one EIA is a valid measurement of adrenocortical activity in the farmed blue foxes. Therefore, it can be utilised as a non-invasive stress indicator in future animal welfare studies of the species.

scholarly journals Examination the stresseffect of litter’s let-together system (“kindergarten”) by measuring faecal cortisol metabolites of sows and piglets

2016 ◽  
pp. 87-90
Author(s):  
Zsolt Győri ◽  
Margit Kulcsár ◽  
Péter Balogh ◽  
László Huzsvai ◽  
Gabriella Novotniné Dankó
Keyword(s):  
Stress Effect ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
Corticosterone Metabolites ◽  
Pig Husbandry ◽  
Cortisol Metabolites

Piglets in commercial intensive pig husbandry are often abruptly weaned between 3 and 4 weeks for economic reasons. The process of weaning is a multifactorial stressor, in which nutritional, social, physical and psychologic stressors are combined. Piglets are often exposed to unfamiliar piglets around weaning which results in a period of vigorous fighting. Stress plays an important part in welfare research. Traditionally glucocorticoids are measured in blood samples but their use is often limited as the act of sample collection may stress an animal. Measurement of faecal cortisol/corticosterone metabolites is a non-invasive method for evaluation adrenocortical activity. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of litter’s let-together system (“kindergarten”) in the farrowing house by measuring faecal cortisol metabolites. According to our results the “kindergarten” system has no stress effect on sows and piglets, respectively.

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