Non-invasive monitoring of glucocorticoid metabolites in banded mongooses (Mungos mungo) in response to physiological and biological challenges

Laver, Pete N.; Ganswindt, André; Ganswindt, Stefanie Birgit; Alexander, Kathleen A.

doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.08.011

Cited by 32 publications

(45 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…This trend is in line with findings from other studies determining changes in faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations post-defecation (e.g. Laver et al 2012;Ludwig et al 2013), and even a conversion of the bacterial milieu could eventually be considered as a possible explanation for the decrease in hormone levels found (Lexen et al 2008). Interestingly, in spiny mice, FPM and FAM concentrations started to increase afterwards, reaching 97.1% and 84.5% of the initial hormone concentration after 3 h of unpreserved storage, respectively.…”

Section: Male Reproductive Activitysupporting

confidence: 90%

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Assessment of Reproductive Function in Southern African Spiny Mice (Acomys spinosissimus) using Faeces as Hormone Matrix

et al. 2014

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For spiny mice, detailed long-term data on reproductive endocrine function is lacking, as limited blood volumes make frequent collections of individual plasma samples for hormone monitoring impractical. To provide the necessary tools in order to fill this gap, this study examined the suitability of two enzyme immunoassays for monitoring male and female reproductive function in the southern African spiny mouse (Acomys spinosissimus) based on faecal hormone analysis. Fourteen non-pregnant and one pregnant female and 24 male spiny mice were wild-caught and subsequently monitored under controlled conditions. Thirteen of the 14 non-pregnant females revealed elevated faecal progestagen metabolite concentrations with eight individuals showing indications of a luteal phase. Two females showed two post-ovulatory luteal phases with estimated cycle lengths of 16 and 18 days, respectively. The pregnant female had an elevated (231%) mean faecal progestagen metabolite level compared with the overall mean baseline hormone concentration determined for the 14 non-pregnant females. Males exposed to a long photoperiod, simulating summer-related breeding activity, exhibited a 47.8% increase in faecal androgen metabolite levels compared with males exposed to a short photoperiod. Collectively, the data demonstrated that reproductive endocrine function can be monitored in male and female spiny mice by measuring respective faecal hormone metabolites.

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Section: Male Reproductive Activitysupporting

confidence: 90%

“…The stability of hormone metabolites post-defecation was investigated by following the procedure described by Laver et al (2012). Fresh faecal matter from one female spiny mouse was additionally collected over a period of 12 days, homogenized, and divided into 12 subsamples, which were stored at room temperature.…”

Section: Effects Of Storagementioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Reproductive Function in Southern African Spiny Mice (Acomys spinosissimus) using Faeces as Hormone Matrix

et al. 2014

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“…In this respect, even different species seem to follow the same pattern, with an increase in FGM values in samples stored at room temperature when 11,17-DOA are measured, and a decrease when the 3~,11oxo-CM EIA is used. However, further research would be necessary to corroborate this hypothesis as there is always an exception to the rule (banded mongoose; Laver et al 2012). If applicable for the African buffalo however, it may obscure the results of our ACTH challenge test, as peak concentrations in samples defecated overnight may show 'artificially' higher 11,17-DOA concentrations, but lower 3~,11oxo-CM levels after storage for an indefinite time outside during the night.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Determining Adrenocortical Activity as a Measure of Stress in African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) Based on Faecal Analysis

et al. 2012

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Little is known about the levels of stress experienced by African buffalos affected by injury, disease, or socio-ecological and anthropogenic factors. To be able to start filling this gap, we examined the suitability of two 11-oxoaetiocholanolone enzyme-immunoassays (EIAs) detecting 11,17 dioxoandrostanes (11,17-DOA) as well as faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) with a 5b-3a-ol-11-one structure (3a,11oxo-CM), respectively, for monitoring stress-related physiological responses in African buffalo. An adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) challenge in one male and one female housed at Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre, South Africa, showed a threefold increase in circulating cortisol levels in a sample taken 40 min post-injection. Corresponding 11,17-DOA levels increased tenfold (female) and 15-fold (male) above baseline, and 3a,11oxo-CM concentrations increased ninefold (female) and 12-fold (male) above pre-injection levels, indicating that both EIAs are suitable for measuring FGMs in African buffalo.In addition, 11,17-DOA levels monitored during the adaptation process of individual housing revealed an up to 14-fold elevation in FGMs. Storage of faeces at ambient temperature for up to 16 h post-defecation resulted in an significant increase in 11,17-DOA levels 2 h after defecation. Finally, higher individual baseline 11,17-DOA concentrations were found in samples defecated overnight, indicating a possible diurnal effect in excretion of FGMs in African buffalo.

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“…Another challenge in the interpretation of stress and wildlife disease studies is that infection itself can act as a stressor, elevating glucocorticoids as part of the host's efforts to mobilise energy and redistribute resources towards fighting infection while also preventing collateral damage to the body (Sapolsky et al 2000;Dunn 2007;Laver et al 2012). For example, wild-captured rodents experimentally exposed to fleas had higher faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations than did controls (St Juliana et al 2014), and male fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) naturally infected with Plasmodium mexicanum mounted a greater corticosterone response to capture and handling than did uninfected lizards (Dunlap and Schall 1995).…”

Section: Approaches To Understand the Relationship Between Stress Andmentioning

confidence: 99%

The relationship between physiological stress and wildlife disease: consequences for health and conservation

et al. 2016

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Wildlife populations are under increasing pressure from a variety of threatening processes, ranging from climate change to habitat loss, that can incite a physiological stress response. The stress response influences immune function, with potential consequences for patterns of infection and transmission of disease among and within wildlife, domesticated animals and humans. This is concerning because stress may exacerbate the impact of disease on species vulnerable to extinction, with consequences for biodiversity conservation globally. Furthermore, stress may shape the role of wildlife in the spread of emerging infectious diseases (EID) such as Hendra virus (HeV) and Ebola virus. However, we still have a limited understanding of the influence of physiological stress on infectious disease in wildlife.We highlight key reasons why an improved understanding of the relationship between stress and wildlife disease could benefit conservation, and animal and public health, and discuss approaches for future investigation. In particular, we recommend that increased attention be given to the influence of anthropogenic stressors including climate change, habitat loss and management interventions on disease dynamics in wildlife populations.Additional keyword: physiology.

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Non-invasive monitoring of glucocorticoid metabolites in banded mongooses (Mungos mungo) in response to physiological and biological challenges

Cited by 32 publications

References 49 publications

Assessment of Reproductive Function in Southern African Spiny Mice (Acomys spinosissimus) using Faeces as Hormone Matrix

Assessment of Reproductive Function in Southern African Spiny Mice (Acomys spinosissimus) using Faeces as Hormone Matrix

Determining Adrenocortical Activity as a Measure of Stress in African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) Based on Faecal Analysis

The relationship between physiological stress and wildlife disease: consequences for health and conservation

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