Alopecia in rhesus macaques (<i>Macaca mulatta</i>): Association with pregnancy and chronic stress

Lutz, Corrine K.; Menard, Mark T.; Rosenberg, Kendra; Meyer, Jerrold S.; Novak, Melinda A.

doi:10.1111/jmp.12419

Cited by 11 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…However, the cause of alopecia was unknown. The bilateral symmetrical alopecia has been described in different macaque species in captivity [1][2][3] , however, based on our knowledge, it has never been described in free-ranging macaques.…”

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confidence: 99%

Association between stress and bilateral symmetrical alopecia in free-ranging Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan

Chen

Chang

Tsai

et al. 2021

Sci Rep

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Since 2013, a high incidence of bilateral symmetrical alopecia has been observed in free-ranging Formosan macaques (Macaca cyclopis) in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan. We hypothesized that stress induces alopecia in this population. To verify our hypothesis, we evaluated the histopathological characteristics of skin biopsy and used a validated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) analysis, which act as an indicator of stress experienced by the individual. Follicular densities were lower (2.1–3.0 mm2) in individuals with symmetrical alopecia than in those with normal hair conditions (4.7 mm2). Furthermore, anagen to catagen/telogen ratios were lower in individuals with alopecia (0–1.4) than in those with normal hair (4.0). The histopathological characteristics of alopecia were similar to those of telogen effluvium, which indicates that stress is one of the possible etiologies. On the basis of the analytical and biological validation of EIAs for FGM analysis, 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone was considered suitable for monitoring adrenocortical activity in both sexes of Formosan macaques. The mean concentrations (standard error; sample size) of 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone were 2.02 (0.17; n = 10) and 1.41 (0.10; n = 31) μg/g for individuals with and without alopecia, respectively. Furthermore, the results of logistic regression analysis show that 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone (p = 0.012) concentration was positively associated with alopecia. Thus, stress was the most likely to trigger symmetrical alopecia in Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity. Although stress can decrease the fitness of an individual, considering the population status of Formosan macaques in Taiwan is stable and alopecia was only observed in our study area, which is isolated from other populations, the impact on the total population of Formosan macaque in Taiwan is limited. Nonetheless, stress-induced immunosuppression and alopecia might affect the local abundance and increase zoonosis risk due to frequent human–macaque contact in Mt. Longevity. Future studies are suggested to focus on the causative factor of stress and the effects of stress and alopecia on the health and welfare in the Formosan macaques.

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confidence: 99%

Association between stress and bilateral symmetrical alopecia in free-ranging Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan

Chen

Chang

Tsai

et al. 2021

Sci Rep

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“…Research on hair loss disorders in primates has been ongoing for decades with many reported causes, including protein malnutrition, 37,38 toxicities, 32,39‐41 alopecia totalis, 42 white monkey syndrome, 43,44 nutrient deficienciencies,45,46 seborrheic dermatitis, 47 latex hypersensitivity, 36 atopic dermatitis, 35,48 telogen effluvium, 49 alopecia areata universalis, 50 pregnancy, 3,51 and a hairless gene in rhesus macaques infants 52,53 . Psychogenic alopecia on a distal limb has also been reported in rhesus macaques 54 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical and histopathological investigation of symmetrical alopecia with associated chronic pruritus in tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella apella)

Petak

Boras²,

Bata³

et al. 2023

J of Medical Primatology

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Background Symmetrical alopecia is a common symptom of endocrine and autoimmune diseases, which are rarely manifested with pruritus. Increased levels of stress in primates have been presented with increased levels of pruritus and alopecia appearance. Methods A pruritic and alopecic disease was investigated in a group of tufted capuchin monkeys (N = 12), but due to ethical reasons, four random animals were further investigated by numerous diagnostic methods. The impact of food and enclosure enrichment was assessed and observed over a 2‐year period. Results Histopathology of four random tufted capuchin monkeys revealed lymphocytic perifolliculitis, with an appearance of a “swarm of bees” which was suggestive of alopecia areata. Etiological classification of pruritus excluded dermatological, systemic, and neurological causes, making it behavioral. Enclosure and food enrichment had a beneficial impact on pruritus (12/12) and alopecia (10/12). Conclusion The findings were suggestive of alopecia areata, while the pruritus was considered behavioral in origin. Alopecia and pruritus improved upon enclosure and food enrichment.

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“…and other nonhuman primates (NHPs). Studies have investigated an array of potential contributors to alopecia in NHPs, including stress [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ], nutritional deficiencies [ 7 ], chronic inflammation [ 8 ], behavior, such as self-epilation or hair pulling by social partners [ 9 , 10 , 11 ], temperament [ 12 ], and facility of origin [ 2 , 13 , 14 ]. While no one single cause has been identified, there are some correlates consistently found by surveys of alopecia within NHP populations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…First, alopecia has been associated with sex and reproductive status in macaques. Several studies have found that female monkeys, especially pregnant females, typically show higher degrees of hair loss than males [ 3 , 6 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Dettmer and colleagues [ 17 ] additionally found that among pregnant females, hair cortisol was positively correlated with alopecia and infant birth weight and growth, and Lutz [ 18 ] found that among baboons ( Papio hamadryas spp.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Seasonality and Pregnancy on Hair Loss and Regrowth in Rhesus Macaques

Heagerty,

Wales,

Coleman

2024

Animals

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Several studies have examined the etiology of alopecia, or hair loss, in rhesus macaques. While outcomes differ across studies, some commonalities have emerged. Females, particularly pregnant females, show more alopecia than males, and alopecia follows a seasonal pattern. Much research has explored causes of hair loss; however, alopecia can result from lack of hair growth in addition to hair loss. To better understand how sex, reproductive state, and season affect alopecia, we followed 241 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in outdoor breeding groups over one year, recording both alopecia severity and presence of hair regrowth. We found that both alopecia and hair regrowth followed a seasonal pattern; alopecia was highest in spring and lowest in late summer, while regrowth started in spring and peaked in late summer. Reproductive state also correlated with both alopecia and hair growth. Females in their third trimester had the highest average level of alopecia and the lowest amount of hair regrowth. Regrowth resumed postpartum, regardless of whether females were rearing an infant. Results indicate that the seasonal pattern of alopecia is due in part to the seasonal limitations on hair regrowth, and that breeding, which also occurs seasonally in rhesus macaques, may further suppress hair regrowth.

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Alopecia in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): Association with pregnancy and chronic stress

Cited by 11 publications

References 49 publications

Association between stress and bilateral symmetrical alopecia in free-ranging Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan

Association between stress and bilateral symmetrical alopecia in free-ranging Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan

Clinical and histopathological investigation of symmetrical alopecia with associated chronic pruritus in tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella apella)

Effects of Seasonality and Pregnancy on Hair Loss and Regrowth in Rhesus Macaques

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