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R Palme

Publications and source records attributed to R Palme.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Comparison of different enzyme-immunoassays for assessment of adrenocortical activity in primates based on fecal analysis.

Most studies published to date that used fecal glucocorticoid measurements to assess adrenocortical activity in primate (and many nonprimate) species applied a specific cortisol or corticosterone assay. However, since these native glucocorticoids are virtually absent in the feces of most vertebrates, including primates, the validity of this approach has recently been questioned. Therefore, the overall aim of the present study was to assess the validity of four enzyme-immunoassays (EIAs) using antibodies raised against cortisol, corticosterone, and reduced cortisol metabolites (two group-specific antibodies) for assessing adrenocortical activity using fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (GCM) measurements in selected primate species (marmoset, long-tailed macaque, Barbary macaque, chimpanzee, and gorilla). Using physiological stimulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis by administering exogenous ACTH or anesthesia, we demonstrated that at least two assays detected the predicted increase in fecal GCM levels in response to treatment in each species. However, the magnitude of response varied between assays and species, and no one assay was applicable to all species. While the corticosterone assay generally was of only limited suitability for assessing glucocorticoid output, the specific cortisol assay was valuable for those species that (according to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis data) excreted clearly detectable amounts of authentic cortisol into the feces. In contrast, in species in which cortisol was virtually absent in the feces, group-specific assays provided a much stronger signal, and these assays also performed well in the other primate species tested (except the marmoset). Collectively, the data suggest that the reliability of a given fecal glucocorticoid assay in reflecting activity of the HPA axis in primates clearly depends on the species in question. Although to date there is no single assay system that can be used successfully across species, our data suggest that group-specific assays have a high potential for cross-species application. Nevertheless, regardless of which GC antibody is chosen, our study clearly reinforces the necessity of appropriately validating the respective assay system before it is used.

11-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗
PubMed2005

Stress hormones in mammals and birds: comparative aspects regarding metabolism, excretion, and noninvasive measurement in fecal samples.

A multitude of endocrine mechanisms are involved in coping with challenges. Front-line hormones to overcome stressful situations are glucocorticoids (GCs) and catecholamines (CAs). These hormones are usually determined in plasma samples as parameters of adrenal activity and thus of disturbance. GCs (and CAs) are extensively metabolized and excreted afterwards. Therefore, the concentration of GCs (or their metabolites) can be measured in various body fluids or excreta. Above all, fecal samples offer the advantages of easy collection and a feedback-free sampling procedure. However, large differences exist among species regarding the route and time course of excretion, as well as the types of metabolites formed. Based on information gained from radiometabolism studies (reviewed in this paper), we recently developed and successfully validated different enzyme immunoassays that enable the noninvasive measurement of groups of cortisol or corticosterone metabolites in animal feces. The determination of these metabolites in fecal samples can be used as a powerful tool to monitor GC production in various species of domestic, wildlife, and laboratory animals.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed2005

Corticosterone in chicken eggs.

Birds are discussed as models for prenatal stress. In this study, several experiments were conducted to gain basic knowledge of if, how, and when maternal adrenocortical activity is reflected by corticosterone concentrations in the egg. Radiolabeled corticosterone was administered to 10 laying hens to investigate the uptake into as well as the distribution within the eggs. The yolk was dissected in concentric layers and analyzed. Less than 1% of the administered radioactivity entered the egg but was, however, not evenly distributed. On the day after injection, highest radioactivity (Bq/g) was detected in the albumen and the outmost layer, whereas concentration peaked 4-7 days later in the inner layers. In two other experiments, increased plasma levels of corticosterone were induced by injection of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or feeding of corticosterone. Again, yolk disks were cut in layers and analyzed with a corticosterone enzyme immunoassay. No effect of the ACTH administration was detected, whereas feeding of corticosterone resulted in increased immunoreactive corticosterone concentrations in the yolk. Straight-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separations were also performed to characterize immunoreactive steroids in the yolk. Two close-eluting peaks at the approximate elution position of corticosterone could be observed after the feeding experiment, whereas in untreated control eggs they were absent. It was concluded that transfer from plasma to egg is low for corticosterone and that further investigations concerning the transport mechanisms and the exact nature of yolk steroids are necessary.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2004

Measurement of corticosterone metabolites in chicken droppings.

(1) A non-invasive technique for stress assessment is needed. Therefore, an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites in chicken droppings was established and validated. (2) Radiolabelled corticosterone was administered intravenously to detect the time course of excreted metabolites. The metabolites were then characterised by chemical and immunological methods to find a suitable antibody. (3) Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) separations of the peak concentration samples revealed that corticosterone was extensively metabolised, mainly to more polar substances. (4) HPLC fractions were tested in several EIAs for glucocorticoid metabolites, where the highest quantities were detected by a newly established cortisone assay, measuring metabolites with a 3,11-dione structure. (5) The biological relevance of this cortisone EIA was confirmed by stimulation of adrenocortical activity by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). (6) With this newly developed EIA it should be possible to measure adrenocortical activity non-invasively in chickens and other galliformes, thus providing a tool for a variety of research fields, such as poultry production, ethology and behavioural ecology.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2003

Effects of season, sex, and sample collection on concentrations of fecal cortisol metabolites in red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Seasonal variation, sex differences, and invasive sample collection may confound glucocorticoid measures as indices of stress. We investigated the effects of sex and season on glucocorticoid production on a non-invasive basis by measuring concentrations of cortisol metabolites in feces of undisturbed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Although feces can be collected easily, assignment to individuals is difficult. Anonymous fecal samples may cause overrepresentation of particular individuals thus introducing a source of error when estimating mean hormone levels within a population. We therefore examined the effects of collecting anonymous fecal samples on mean fecal cortisol metabolite levels. Neither sex nor sample collection mode significantly affected mean fecal cortisol metabolite concentrations in the studied population of red deer. Fecal glucocorticoid excretion varied seasonally with a peak during December and January. Out of several potential predictor variables investigated, minimum ambient temperature and snow proved to be the only factors exerting a significant effect on fecal glucocorticoid excretion. We suggest that high winter glucocorticoid levels may act via catabolic function during adaptation of deer to cold winter month when resources are limited.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical function in the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and its relation to musth.

Adult male elephants periodically show the phenomenon of musth, a condition associated with increased aggressiveness, restlessness, significant weight reduction and markedly elevated androgen levels. It has been suggested that musth-related behaviours are costly and that therefore musth may represent a form of physiological stress. In order to provide data on this largely unanswered question, the first aim of this study was to evaluate different assays for non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical function in the male African elephant by (i) characterizing the metabolism and excretion of [3H]cortisol (3H-C) and [14C]testosterone (14C-T) and (ii) using this information to evaluate the specificity of four antibodies for determination of excreted cortisol metabolites, particularly with respect to possible cross-reactions with androgen metabolites, and to assess their biological validity using an ACTH challenge test. Based on the methodology established, the second objective was to provide data on fecal cortisol metabolite concentrations in bulls during the musth and non-musth condition. 3H-C (1 mCi) and 14C-T (100 microCi) were injected simultaneously into a 16 year old male and all urine and feces collected for 30 and 86 h, respectively. The majority (82%) of cortisol metabolites was excreted into the urine, whereas testosterone metabolites were mainly (57%) excreted into the feces. Almost all radioactive metabolites recovered from urine were conjugated (86% 3H-C and 97% 14C-T). In contrast, 86% and >99% of the 3H-C and 14C-T metabolites recovered from feces consisted of unconjugated forms. HPLC separations indicated the presence of various metabolites of cortisol in both urine and feces, with cortisol being abundant in hydrolysed urine, but virtually absent in feces. Although all antibodies measured substantial amounts of immunoreactivity after HPLC separation of peak radioactive samples and detected an increase in glucocorticoid output following the ACTH challenge, only two (in feces against 3alpha,11-oxo-cortisol metabolites, measured by an 11-oxo-etiocholanolone-EIA and in urine against cortisol, measured by a cortisol-EIA) did not show substantial cross-reactivity with excreted 14C-T metabolites and could provide an acceptable degree of specificity for reliable assessment of glucocorticoid output from urine and feces. Based on these findings, concentrations of immunoreactive 3alpha,11-oxo-cortisol metabolites were determined in weekly fecal samples collected from four adult bulls over periods of 11-20 months to examine whether musth is associated with increased adrenal activity. Results showed that in each male levels of these cortisol metabolites were not elevated during periods of musth, suggesting that in the African elephant musth is generally not associated with marked elevations in glucocorticoid output. Given the complex nature of musth and the variety of factors that are likely to influence its manifestation, it is clear, however, that further studies, particularly on free-ranging animals, are needed before a possible relationship between musth and adrenal function can be resolved. This study also clearly illustrates the potential problems associated with cross-reacting metabolites of gonadal steroids in EIAs measuring glucocorticoid metabolites. This has to be taken into account when selecting assays and interpreting results of glucocorticoid metabolite analysis, not only for studies in the elephant but also in other species.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed2003

Glucocorticoid metabolites inhibit the metabolism of androstenedione in red blood cells of ruminants.

The present work aimed to confirm that erythrocytes of ruminants, in general, are capable of converting 17-oxo to 17-hydroxysteroids. Special attention was given to 11-oxoaetiocholanolone (a cortisol metabolite) and its possible interaction with androstenedione as substrates of 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17-OH SDH). Blood samples were taken from cattle, sheep and goats (n = 3). Aliquots (100 or 300 microl) of washed red blood cell (RBC) suspensions were incubated in triplicates with Ringer's/glucose solution (1 ml) containing either androstenedione (10 ng) or 11-oxoaetiocholanolone (100 ng) or a mixture of 10 ng of each. Incubations were performed on a shaker at 38 degrees C for 10, 20, 40 or 80 min, respectively. After centrifugation the supernatants were stored at -24 degrees C until analysis. Concentrations of added steroids were measured with enzyme-immunoassays to monitor their decrease. The 17-OH SDH activity of RBC was highest in cattle followed by goats and sheep, and 11-oxoaetiocholanolone was a better substrate than androstenedione. Concentrations of the latter decreased more pronounced, if incubated alone. High performance liquid chromatography separations of the metabolites of 17-oxosteroids revealed the presence of both, a 17beta- and 17alpha-hydroxylated product formed by erythrocytes of sheep and goats, but only the latter in cattle. The results demonstrated that 11-oxoaetiocholanolone was also a substrate of RBC 17-OH SDH and inhibited the metabolism of androstenedione. Therefore, in ruminants, there might be an interaction between cortisol metabolites and gonadal steroids on the level of peripheral steroid metabolism.

Androstenedione↗
PubMed2002

Characterization of urinary and fecal metabolites of testosterone and their measurement for assessing gonadal endocrine function in male nonhuman primates.

The aims of the present study were (i) to provide basic comparative data on the time course, route, and characteristics of excreted [14C]testosterone (T) metabolites in three nonhuman primates: the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) and the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and (ii) to use this information to help validate the measurement of urinary and fecal testosterone metabolites for assessing androgen status in Anthropoid primates. Radiolabeled 14C-T (10-30 microCi) was injected intravenously into one adult male of each species and the excreta collected over the next 5 days. Peak radioactivity in urine was detected within 2h and accounted for 67% (Mf), 80% (Cj) and 91% (Pt) of the total radioactivity recovered. The time course of excretion of radioactivity in feces showed a higher variation between species (4-26 h to peak values). In all three species, the majority (>90%) of urinary metabolites were excreted as conjugates whereas the proportion of conjugated metabolites in feces was substantially lower and more variable. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of urinary and fecal extracts revealed multiple peaks of radioactivity in all three individuals, but each with a distinctive pattern. Native T was excreted in only small amounts into the urine, whereas it was virtually absent in the feces of all three individuals. Three C17 group-specific enzymeimmunoassays using antisera against testosterone, 5alpha-androstane-17alpha-ol-3-one and androsterone were evaluated for their ability to discriminate immunoreactive androgen levels between intact males, castrated males and females based on measurements in urine and feces. In the marmoset, all assays (except for T in feces) clearly discriminated between test groups; in the chimpanzee significantly higher levels of androgen immunoreactivity in intact versus castrated males were measured in urine, but not feces. In the macaque, only the 5alpha-androstanolone measurement in feces discriminated between groups. Data on the results of a radiometabolism study using 3H-DHEA (a weak adrenal androgen) in a long-tailed macaque suggested that co-measurement of metabolites derived from T and DHEA in the assays tested might explain the difficulties in discriminating gonadal status in the two Old World primate species. Collectively, the data show that T metabolism in primates is highly complex and that no single method for noninvasive assessment of androgen status can be used for application across species. The importance of a proper validation of the methodology for each species is emphasised.

Androgens↗
PubMed2002

Hormones as indicators of stress.

Animal welfare is of increasing importance and absence of chronic stress is one of its prerequisites. During stress, various endocrine responses are involved to improve the fitness of the individual. The front-line hormones to overcome stressful situations are the glucocorticoids and catecholamines. These hormones are determined as a parameter of adrenal activity and thus of disturbance. The concentration of glucocorticoids (or their metabolites) can be measured in various body fluids or excreta. Above all, fecal samples offer the advantage that they can be easily collected and this procedure is feedback free. Recently, enzyme immunoassays (EIA) have been developed and successfully tested, to enable the measurement of groups of cortisol metabolites in animal feces. The determination of these metabolites in fecal samples is a practical method to monitor glucocorticoid production.

Animal Welfare↗
PubMed2002

Measurement of cortisol metabolites in faeces of ruminants.

Twenty-one metabolites were detected in faecal samples collected after infusion of (14C)cortisol into the jugular vein of sheep. Using high-performance liquid chromatography/radiometric analysis plus mass spectrometry. One group of metabolites had molecular weights of between 302 and 308, and another group of 350, which indicates that the substances have a C19O3 or a C21O4 structure. Therefore, an enzyme immunoassay against 5beta-androstane-3alpha-ol-11,17-dione-17-CMO:BSA was established. Faecal samples were collected from 10 cows immediately after transport and then during a course in which non-invasive diagnostic procedures were being taught (course 1). For comparison, faeces were sampled from another 5 cows that were being used for teaching invasive procedures (course 2). Six cows from a university farm served as controls. In the animals used in course 1, the highest concentrations of cortisol metabolites were measured immediately after transport to the university (median value: 2.2 micromol/kg faeces). During the first 5 days at the university, the concentrations decreased to 0.52 micromol/kg (median) and remained at this level during the rest of the course. The median concentration in the samples that were taken during coursc 2 (collected about 2 months after transport) was 0.48 micromol/kg. There was no significant difference in the excretion of cortisol metabolites between these cows and the controls. We conclude from these data that, using the enzyme immunoassay against 5beta-androstane-3alpha-ol-11,17-dione-17-CMO, we were able to detect transport/novel environment stress but not the potential disturbance that cows experience during diagnostic procedures.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical activity in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) by measurement of fecal cortisol metabolites.

A method for measuring glucocorticoids noninvasively in feces of roe deer was established and validated. The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) measures 11,17-dioxoandrostanes (11,17-DOA), a group of cortisol metabolites. Such measurement avoids blood sampling and reflects a dampened pattern of diurnal glucocorticoid secretion, providing an integrated measure of adrenocortical activity. After high-performance liquid chromatography, the presence of at least three different immunoreactive 11,17-DOA in the feces of roe deer was demonstrated. The physiological relevance of these fecal cortisol metabolites to adrenocortical activity was evaluated with an adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge test: cortisol metabolite concentrations exceeded pretreatment levels (31-78 ng/g) up to 13-fold (183-944 ng/g) within 8-23 h. Starting from basal levels between 13 and 71 ng/g, a suppression of adrenocortical activity after dexamethasone administration, indicated by metabolite levels close to the detection limit, was obtained 36-81 h after treatment, whereas unmetabolized dexamethasone was detectable in feces 12 h after its injection. Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite assessment via EIA is therefore of use in the monitoring of adrenocortical activity in roe deer. In a second experiment, capture, veterinary treatment, and transportation of animals were used as experimental stresses. This resulted in a 7.5-fold increase of fecal metabolites (1200 +/- 880 ng/g, mean +/- SD) compared to baseline concentrations. The administration of a long-acting tranquilizer (LAT), designed to minimize the physiological stress response, 2 days prior to a similar stress event led to a reduced stress response, resulting in only a 4-fold increase of fecal metabolites (650 +/- 280 ng/g; mean +/- SD). Therefore, LATs should be further investigated for their effectiveness in reducing stress responses in zoo and wild animals, e.g., when translocations are necessary.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed2001

Measurement of faecal cortisol metabolites in cats and dogs: a non-invasive method for evaluating adrenocortical function.

The aim of this comparative study was to gain more information about the metabolism and excretion of glucocorticoids in cats and dogs in order to establish non-invasive methods for evaluating stressful conditions. Therefore, in a first experiment, [14C]cortisol was administered intravenously to 8 animals (two of each sex and species). Over a period of 6 days, faeces and urine were collected immediately after spontaneous defecation and urination. Marked species differences were found, as cats mainly excreted cortisol in the faeces (82% +/- 4% of the total recovered radioactivity), whereas in dogs only a small portion was found there (23% +/- 4%). The highest urinary radioactivity was observed after 9 +/- 3 h in cats and 3 +/- 1 h in dogs. Peak concentrations in the faeces occurred after 22 +/- 6 h in cats and after 24 +/- 4 h in dogs. Most of the radioactivity was not extractable with diethyl ether, indicating that the metabolites excreted in urine and faeces were mainly of the conjugated or polar unconjugated types. This was confirmed by RP-HPLC, which also revealed marked differences between cats and dogs concerning the metabolites formed. In addition, the immunoreactivity of the metabolites was tested in cortisol, corticosterone and 11-oxoaetiocholanolone EIAs. The latter, measuring 11,17-dioxoandrostanes (11,17-DOA) detected the highest quantities of immunoreactive metabolites in cats, but not in dogs. In a second experiment, the adrenal cortex of both species was stimulated by ACTH and, three weeks later, suppressed by dexamethasone. In this study, only faeces were collected over a period of 7 days. In both species, inter-animal variability in the basal and maximal/minimal faecal cortisol metabolite concentrations and the time course was observed. The 11-oxoaetiocholanolone EIA in cats and the cortisol EIA in dogs proved best suited for monitoring changes in adrenocortical activity. ACTH injections resulted in an increase above baseline values of 355%, (median) in 11,17-DOA concentrations in cats and of 702% in the concentrations of cortisol equivalents in dogs by about 25 h and 22 h (median) after injection, respectively. Minimal concentrations after dexamethasone administration were about 17% in cats and 31% in dogs (in relation to baseline values) and were reached in 66 h and 72 h, respectively. It was concluded that measuring cortisol metabolites in faeces should be a useful non-invasive tool for monitoring stress in carnivores.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed2001

Faecal oestrogens and progesterone metabolites in mares of different breeds during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Non-invasive pregnancy diagnosis in mares by measuring faecal oestrogens has been performed over years with great accuracy. However, results have indicated breed-related differences in the amount of excreted steroids during late pregnancy. Therefore faecal samples were collected during the last 4 months of pregnancy of Thoroughbred (n = 10), New Forest pony (n = 9), Shetland pony (n = 10) and Iceland pony mares (n = 11). Concentrations of oestrogens, 20alpha-hydroxy- and 20-oxopregnanes were measured using enzyme immunoassays. Breed differences concerning both levels (though significant only in case of oestrogens) and time course of measured steroids were observed. There was a highly significant time effect (p < 0.00001) and an interaction between time and breeds (p < 0.02) for all steroids measured, suggesting that the time effect differs for different breeds. Oestrogen concentrations showed a decrease towards parturition, whereas in 20alpha-hydroxy- and 20-oxopregnane levels a pronounced increase was found 2 and I months, respectively, before parturition. A breed effect was only significant (p = 0.001) when comparing oestrogen concentrations and was mainly due to Iceland ponies, which had the lowest concentrations especially during the last 2 months of pregnancy. An almost significant (p = 0.06) breed effect was found for 20-oxopregnanes. In Iceland mares an additional increase in faecal pregnane content was already observed earlier, reaching maximum levels before the 60th day ante-partum (a.p.), followed by a decrease until the 30th day a.p. The ratio of 20-oxopregnanes to oestrogens in the samples was significantly higher (p < 0.006) in Iceland ponies in comparison with any other breed throughout all months before parturition. The breed differences observed in the amounts of oestrogens and/or progestagens present during late pregnancy may demonstrate micro-evolutionary changes in the endocrine system of a species.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Excretion of corticosteroid metabolites in urine and faeces of rats.

Stress enhances the production of corticosteroids by the adrenal cortex, resulting in the increased excretion of their metabolites in urine and faeces. An intraperitoneal injection of radioactive corticosterone was applied to adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats to monitor the route and delay of excreted metabolites in urine and faeces. Peak concentrations appeared in urine after 3.2 +/- 1.9 h and in faeces after 16.7 +/- 4.3 h. Altogether about 20% of the recovered metabolites were found in urine and about 80% in faeces. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), several peaks of radioactive metabolites were found. Some metabolites were detected by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) using two different antibodies (corticosterone, 11beta-OH-aetiocholanolone). There was a marked diurnal variation with low levels of faecal corticosterone metabolites in the evening and higher values in the morning. This diurnal variation was influenced neither by the intraperitoneal injection of isotonic saline nor by ACTH. However, the administration of dexamethasone eliminated the morning peak for 2 days.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2001

Different types of oestrous cycle in two closely related South American rodents (Cavia aperea and Galea musteloides) with different social and mating systems.

A comparative approach was used to investigate two closely related South American rodent species: the wild cavy (Cavia aperea) and the yellow-toothed cavy (Galea musteloides). These species of wild guinea-pig inhabit different habitats and show divergent social and mating systems. Cavia have a polygynous mating system, whereas in Galea promiscuous mating occurs. These observations correspond to functional variations in sperm characteristics, which might be interpreted as adaptations to different reproductive patterns in the females of both species. Twenty-two female C. aperea and G. musteloides (11 of each species) were investigated to elucidate differences in the characteristics of the oestrous cycles. The experimental design consisted of three stages, in which the degree of contact between the sexes was successively changed. During these stages, the reproductive cycle of the females was monitored by examining the condition of the vaginal closure membrane, analysing vaginal smears and determining serum concentrations of oestrogens and progesterone. The results revealed different types of oestrous cycle in the two species. Female C. aperea showed periodical cycles with spontaneously occurring oestrous periods, ovulation and corpus luteum activity. In contrast, in female G. musteloides, oestrus was exclusively induced by the presence of a male. However, after the induction of oestrus, ovulation and corpus luteum activity occurred spontaneously without stimuli from copulation. To date this type of oestrous cycle has not been described for any other mammalian species. Thus, these data indicate that differences in the reproductive patterns of the females may have shaped the evolution of different sperm characteristics in the males.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Effect of vaccination on fecal cortisol metabolites in cats and dogs].

The aim of this study was to apply a cortisol metabolite determination in the faeces of cats and dogs for monitoring disturbances. In this experiment faeces from every spontaneous defecation of 10 cats and 10 dogs (5 of each sex) were collected starting from one day before until two days after the yearly vaccination. Concentrations of 11,17-dioxoandrostanes (cat) and cortisol equivalents (dog) were determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Faecal cortisol metabolites increased and reached peak concentrations (median: 412% in cats and 417% in dogs, respectively above baseline values) in one of the next two samples following the vaccination. This indicated an activation of the adrenocortex, the degree to which the different parts (physical and psychological components) of the whole vaccination procedure contributed to it was not evaluated. From this experiment we conclude that measuring cortisol metabolites in the faeces is a non-invasive method to monitor stressful conditions in cats and dogs and thus is a valuable tool for evaluating animal welfare.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Effect of CRESTAR on estrus synchronization and the relationship between fecal and plasma concentrations of progestagens in buffalo cows.

In buffaloes estrus synchronization provides an opportunity for enhanced use of AI; however, changes in hormone secretion during synchronization are poorly understood. The aim of this investigation was to determine if the concentration of progesterone metabolites in feces would correlate with the concentration of progesterone in blood and thus, could be used for noninvasive monitoring of the reproductive status in buffalo cows. Additionally, the influence of a norgestomet-estradiol treatment (CRESTAR-ear implant) was investigated. According to the clinical examination and the progesterone profile in blood samples during the three wks before the treatment, the 17 animals were allotted to 3 groups: 1) CL = presence of corpus luteum throughout the period of 3 wks before the treatment (n = 8); 2) CY = cyclic, corpus luteum present for less than 3 wks (n = 6); and 3) AE = anestrous, with inactive ovaries (n = 3). In the first group, 4 animals started an estrous cycle after implant withdrawal and conceived after natural mating. In the second group one of the cyclic cows showed estrus two d after implant withdrawal, the other 3 had a delayed estrus (12 to 16 d). The two cows which had had inactive ovaries at the beginning but were cyclic before the treatment started, remained cyclic after implant withdrawal but did not become pregnant. The 3 anestrous cows of the third group remained anestrous after the treatment. The progesterone concentration in blood clearly correlated with the concentration of the metabolites in feces. Therefore, this noninvasive method is a valuable tool for determining the luteal status, and such information may be useful for developing estrus synchronization regimens in buffalo cows.

Animals↗