Influence of Stress on the Secretion of Corticosterone in the Duck (Anas Platyrhynchos)

Abstract

The influence of stress on the secretion of corticosterone has been investigated by radioimmunoassay in domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) of 6-8 weeks of age. Intravenous and i.m. injections of synthetic ACTH (Synacthen, 25 i.u./bird and Synacthen Depot, 100 i.u./bird respectively) markedly increased (2.7- to 10-fold) basal concentrations of corticosterone in plasma (3-6 ng/ml) in comparison with those in birds injected with 0.9% saline (1 ml/bird). Maximum levels of 30-40 ng/ml plasma were reached after 30 min and 5 h respectivley. Increased levels of corticosterone in plasma were also seen within 5 min of i.v. administration of saline and remained as high as those in birds treated with Synacthen for at least 20 min after injection. Blood sampling (from the brachial vein) was, by itself, sufficient to increase levels of corticosterone in plasma; a large (twofold) rise being observed as soon as 1 min after initial handling and bleeding, with concentrations of 30-40 ng/ml being found in birds bled 15 times during a period of 14 min. However, in a flock of birds, the alarm created in unhandled birds while others were being bled had no effect on concentrations of corticosterone in plasma. Deprivation of food or water for 24 h also enhanced levels of corticosterone in plasma, as did 24 h of adaptation to 0.2 M-NaCl drinking water. These results have demonstrated the lability of the secretion of corticosterone in response to stress and demonstrated its usefulness as a physiological indicator of stress in ducks.

Relationships between environmental organochlorine contaminant residues, plasma corticosterone concentrations, and intermediary metabolic enzyme activities in Great Lakes herring gull embryos.

“…However, in the same study, exposure to organochlorine contaminants reduced the abilities of the mud puppies to elevate blood corticosterone concentrations in response to an acute stress or ACTH challenge. Similarly, teleost fish environmentally exposed to complex mixtures of bleached kraft pulp mill effluent, PCBs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, mercury, and other metals showed a reduced ability to elevate blood cortisol in response to an acute stress and cellular atrophy was observed in tissues within the hypothalamo-pituitaryinterrenal axis (20-22. Similar to fish and amphibians, measurement of plasma corticosterone is the most common technique used to assess the functional status of the HPA axis and/or adrenal gland in wild and domestic birds (36)(37)(38)(39)(40). To assess adrenal function, ACTH is used to stimulate adrenal corticosterone production and secretion.…”

The development of endotoxin tolerance, and the role of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal function and glucocorticoids in Pekin ducks

“…Disturbing ducks was previously shown to significantly increase plasma CORT within 3min (Harvey et al, 1980). For this reason, all blood collection for the purpose of obtaining normal levels of plasma CORT was done within 3min of entering the housing pen.…”

Behavioural and physiological fear responses in ducks: genetic cross effects

“…For example, restraint in a net has been shown to be one among the physical stresses, promoting the highest corticosterone responses in ducks . Injection of a high dose of 1-24 ACTH allows to assess maximal secretion capacity from the adrenal glands (Harvey et al, 1980). Conversely, initial CORT level is very sensitive to environmental condition (Noirault et al, 1999) and may partly result from a sensibility to capture.…”