Records |
Author |
Touma, C.; Palme, R.; Sachser, N. |
Title |
Analyzing corticosterone metabolites in fecal samples of mice: a noninvasive technique to monitor stress hormones |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Hormones and Behavior |
Abbreviated Journal |
Horm Behav |
Volume |
45 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
10-22 |
Keywords |
Adrenal Cortex/drug effects; Adrenal Cortex Function Tests; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/pharmacology; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Circadian Rhythm; Corticosterone/*analysis/metabolism; Dexamethasone/pharmacology; Feces/*chemistry; Female; Immunoenzyme Techniques/*methods; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Models, Animal; Reproducibility of Results; Stress, Psychological/*metabolism |
Abstract |
In small animals like mice, the monitoring of endocrine functions over time is constrained seriously by the adverse effects of blood sampling. Therefore, noninvasive techniques to monitor, for example, stress hormones in these animals are highly demanded in laboratory as well as in field research. The aim of our study was to evaluate the biological relevance of a recently developed technique to monitor stress hormone metabolites in fecal samples of laboratory mice. In total, six experiments were performed using six male and six female mice each. Two adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge tests, two dexamethasone (Dex) suppression tests and two control experiments [investigating effects of the injection procedure itself and the diurnal variation (DV) of glucocorticoids (GCs), respectively] were conducted. The experiments clearly demonstrated that pharmacological stimulation and suppression of adrenocortical activity was reflected accurately by means of corticosterone metabolite (CM) measurements in the feces of males and females. Furthermore, the technique proved sensitive enough to detect dosage-dependent effects of the ACTH/Dex treatment and facilitated to reveal profound effects of the injection procedure itself. Even the naturally occurring DV of GCs could be monitored reliably. Thus, our results confirm that measurement of fecal CM with the recently established 5alpha-pregnane-3beta,11beta,21-triol-20-one enzyme immunoassay is a very powerful tool to monitor adrenocortical activity in laboratory mice. Since mice represent the vast majority of all rodents used for research worldwide and the number of transgenic and knockout mice utilized as animal models is still increasing, this noninvasive technique can open new perspectives in biomedical and behavioral science. |
Address |
Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Muenster, D-48149 Muenster, Germany. touma@uni-muenster.de |
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English |
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0018-506X |
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Notes |
PMID:14733887 |
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4084 |
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Author |
Ganswindt, A.; Palme, R.; Heistermann, M.; Borragan, S.; Hodges, J.K. |
Title |
Non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical function in the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and its relation to musth |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2003 |
Publication |
General and Comparative Endocrinology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Gen Comp Endocrinol |
Volume |
134 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
156-166 |
Keywords |
Adrenal Cortex/*metabolism/secretion; Adrenal Cortex Function Tests/methods/*veterinary; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/physiology; Animals; Carbon Isotopes/diagnostic use; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/veterinary; Elephants/*metabolism/urine; Feces/*chemistry; Glucocorticoids/analysis/urine; Hydrocortisone/*analysis/diagnostic use/urine; Immunoenzyme Techniques/methods/veterinary; Male; Reproduction/physiology; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology; Stress, Psychological/diagnosis/*physiopathology; Testosterone/*analysis/diagnostic use/urine |
Abstract |
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. |
Address |
German Primate Centre, Department of Reproductive Biology, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Gottingen, Germany. ganswindt@www.dpz.gdwg.de |
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0016-6480 |
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Notes |
PMID:14511986 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4085 |
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Author |
Touma, C.; Sachser, N.; Mostl, E.; Palme, R. |
Title |
Effects of sex and time of day on metabolism and excretion of corticosterone in urine and feces of mice |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2003 |
Publication |
General and Comparative Endocrinology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Gen Comp Endocrinol |
Volume |
130 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
267-278 |
Keywords |
Animals; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Circadian Rhythm/*physiology; Corticosterone/*metabolism/urine; Feces/*chemistry; Female; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Kinetics; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Reference Values; Sex Factors; Stress/metabolism; Time Factors; Tritium |
Abstract |
Non-invasive techniques to monitor stress hormones in small animals like mice offer several advantages and are highly demanded in laboratory as well as in field research. Since knowledge about the species-specific metabolism and excretion of glucocorticoids is essential to develop such a technique, we conducted radiometabolism studies in mice (Mus musculus f. domesticus, strain C57BL/6J). Each mouse was injected intraperitoneally with 740 kBq of 3H-labelled corticosterone and all voided urine and fecal samples were collected for five days. In a first experiment 16 animals (eight of each sex) received the injection at 9 a.m., while eight mice (four of each sex) were injected at 9 p.m. in a second experiment. In both experiments radioactive metabolites were recovered predominantly in the feces, although males excreted significantly higher proportions via the feces (about 73%) than females (about 53%). Peak radioactivity in the urine was detected within about 2h after injection, while in the feces peak concentrations were observed later (depending on the time of injection: about 10h postinjection in experiment 1 and about 4h postinjection in experiment 2, thus proving an effect of the time of day). The number and relative abundance of fecal [3H]corticosterone metabolites was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC separations revealed that corticosterone was extensively metabolized mainly to more polar substances. Regarding the types of metabolites formed, significant differences were found between males and females, but not between the experiments. Additionally, the immunoreactivity of these metabolites was assessed by screening the HPLC fractions with four enzyme immunoassays (EIA). However, only a newly established EIA for 5alpha-pregnane-3beta,11beta,21-triol-20-one (measuring corticosterone metabolites with a 5alpha-3beta,11beta-diol structure) detected several peaks of radioactive metabolites with high intensity in both sexes, while the other EIAs showed only minor immunoreactivity. Thus, our study for the first time provides substantial information about metabolism and excretion of corticosterone in urine and feces of mice and is the first demonstrating a significant impact of the animals' sex and the time of day. Based on these data it should be possible to monitor adrenocortical activity non-invasively in this species by measuring fecal corticosterone metabolites with the newly developed EIA. Since mice are extensively used in research world-wide, this could open new perspectives in various fields from ecology to behavioral endocrinology. |
Address |
Department of Behavioral Biology, Institute of Neuro and Behavioral Biology, University of Muenster, Badestrasse 9, D-48149 Muenster, Germany. touma@uni-muenster.de |
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0016-6480 |
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PMID:12606269 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4086 |
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Author |
Griffin, B. |
Title |
The use of fecal markers to facilitate sample collection in group-housed cats |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2002 |
Publication |
Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Contemp Top Lab Anim Sci |
Volume |
41 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
51-56 |
Keywords |
Animals; Behavior, Animal; Biological Markers/*analysis; Cats/*physiology/psychology; Diet/veterinary; Feces/*chemistry; Food Coloring Agents/analysis; Housing, Animal; Individuality; Plastics/analysis; Specimen Handling/methods/*veterinary |
Abstract |
The provision of proper social housing is a priority when designing an experiment using domestic cats as laboratory animals. When animals are group-housed, studies requiring analysis of stool samples from individual subjects pose difficulty in sample collection and identification. In this study, commercially available concentrated food colorings (known as bakers pastes) were used as fecal markers in group-housed cats. Cats readily consumed 0.5 ml of bakers paste food coloring once daily in canned cat food. Colorings served as fecal markers by imparting a distinct color to each cat s feces, allowing identification in the litter box. In addition, colored glitter (1/8 teaspoon in canned food) was fed to cats and found to be a reliable fecal marker. Long-term feeding of colorings and glitter was found to be safe and effective at yielding readily identifiable stools. |
Address |
Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama 36841, USA |
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ISSN |
1060-0558 |
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Notes |
PMID:11958604 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4165 |
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Author |
Anderson, W.D.; Summers, C.H. |
Title |
Neuroendocrine Mechanisms, Stress Coping Strategies, and Social Dominance: Comparative Lessons about Leadership Potential |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2007 |
Publication |
The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Ann Am Acad Polit Soc Sci |
Volume |
614 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
102-130 |
Keywords |
social dominance – authoritarian – Five Factor Model – neurochemistry – neurotransmitters – leadership |
Abstract |
The authors examine dominance and subordination in the social psychology, political science, and biology literatures. Using Summers and Winberg (2006) as a guide, the authors suggest that extreme dominance or subordination phenotypes--including social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism--are determined by an organism's genetic predispositions, motivations, stress responses, and long-term hormone release and uptake states. The authors offer hypotheses about the likely neurochemical profiles for each of these extreme dominance and subordination phenotypes and suggest two designs that begin to test these hypotheses. |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4699 |
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Author |
Li, C.; Jiang, Z.; Tang, S.; Zeng, Y. |
Title |
Influence of enclosure size and animal density on fecal cortisol concentration and aggression in Pere David's deer stags |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2007 |
Publication |
General and Comparative Endocrinology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Gen Comp Endocrinol |
Volume |
151 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
202-209 |
Keywords |
*Aggression; Animals; *Deer; *Environment; Feces/*chemistry; Handling (Psychology); Housing, Animal; Hydrocortisone/*analysis; Male; Population Density |
Abstract |
We investigated the impact of enclosure size and animal density on behavior and adrenocortical secretion in Pere David's deer in Dafeng Nature Reserve, China. From February 15 to April 16 in 2004, we conducted two experiments. First, we studied maintenance behavior and conflict behavior of Pere David's deer stags in a large enclosure (200 ha) with low animal density (0.66 deer/ha) and a small display pen (0.75 ha) with high animal density (25.33 deer/ha). The maintenance behavior we recorded included standing, locomotion, foraging and rest. During the behavioral observations, we collected fresh voided fecal samples from the stags periodically, and analyzed the fecal cortisol concentrations in those samples using radioimmunoassay technique. Second, we monitored the fecal cortisol concentrations of one group of stags (12 deer lived in an enclosure of 100 ha) before and after transferred into a small pen (0.5 ha). We found that in the first experiment: (1) there were significant differences in standing and rest whereas no significant differences of locomotion and foraging between the free-ranging group and the display group; (2) frequency of conflict behavior in the display group was significantly higher than those in the free-ranging group; and (3) fecal cortisol concentration of the display group (326.17+/-16.98 ng/g dry feces) was significantly higher than that of the free-ranging group (268.98+/-15.21 ng/g dry feces). In the second experiment, there was no significant difference of the fecal cortisol concentrations among sampling days, but the mean fecal cortisol concentration of the day after transferring (337.46+/-17.88 ng/g dry feces) was significantly higher than that of the day before transferring (248.44+/-7.99 ng/g dry feces). Comparison with published findings, our results indicated that enclosure size and animal density affect not only behaviors, but also adrenocortical secretion in Pere David's deer. Small living space with high animal density may impose physiological stress to captive Pere David's deer. Moreover, long-term physiological stress and increase of conflict behavior may subsequently affect survival and reproduction of the deer. |
Address |
Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China |
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0016-6480 |
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PMID:17324429 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5475 |
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Author |
Aviad, A.D.; Houpt, J.B. |
Title |
The molecular weight of therapeutic hyaluronan (sodium hyaluronate): how significant is it? |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1994 |
Publication |
The Journal of rheumatology |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Rheumatol |
Volume |
21 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
297-301 |
Keywords |
Animals; Horse Diseases/drug therapy; Horses; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid/*chemistry/*therapeutic use; Joint Diseases/*drug therapy/veterinary; Molecular Weight; Osteoarthritis/drug therapy/veterinary; Synovial Fluid/drug effects/physiology; Viscosity |
Abstract |
Various molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations have been injected into joints for the treatment of human and equine osteoarthritis. A therapeutic advantage has been claimed for commercial products with a molecular weight in the range found in normal synovial fluid (SF), compared to lower molecular weight products. But a correlation between molecular weight and efficacy is not borne out by an analysis of the available literature on clinical results. SF viscosity, HA concentration, HA molecular weight and rate of synthesis in joint disease. It is proposed that the beneficial effect of injected HA in joint disease may be due to pharmacological rather than to physical properties. |
Address |
Rheumatic Disease Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, ON, Canada |
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0315-162X |
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PMID:8182640 |
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no |
Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
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35 |
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Author |
Nicol, C.J.; Yoon, M.; Ward, J.M.; Yamashita, M.; Fukamachi, K.; Peters, J.M.; Gonzalez, F.J. |
Title |
PPARgamma influences susceptibility to DMBA-induced mammary, ovarian and skin carcinogenesis |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Carcinogenesis |
Abbreviated Journal |
Carcinogenesis |
Volume |
25 |
Issue |
9 |
Pages |
1747-1755 |
Keywords |
9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene/*toxicity; Animals; DNA Primers/chemistry; Disease Susceptibility; Female; Heterozygote; Humans; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced/*pathology; Mice; Ovarian Neoplasms/chemically induced/*pathology; RNA, Messenger/genetics/metabolism; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics/*physiology; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Skin Neoplasms/chemically induced/*pathology; Survival Rate; Transcription Factors/genetics/*physiology; Zinc Fingers |
Abstract |
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, plays a role in adipocyte differentiation, type II diabetes, macrophage response to inflammation and is suggested to influence carcinogen-induced colon cancer. Studies done in vitro and in vivo also revealed that PPARgamma ligands might promote differentiation and/or regression of mammary tumors. To directly evaluate the role of PPARgamma in mammary carcinogenesis, PPARgamma wild-type (+/+) or heterozygous (+/-) mice were administered 1 mg 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) by gavage once a week for 6 weeks and followed for a total of 25 weeks. Compared with congenic PPARgamma(+/+) littermate controls, PPARgamma(+/-) mice had early evidence for increased susceptibility to DMBA-mediated carcinogenesis based on a 1.6-fold increase in the percentage of mice with skin papillomas, as well as a 1.7-fold increase in the numbers of skin papillomas per mouse (P < 0.05). Similarly, PPARgamma(+/-) mice also had a 1.5-fold decreased survival rate (P = 0.059), and a 1.7-fold increased incidence of total tumors per mouse (P < 0.01). Moreover, PPARgamma(+/-) mice had an almost 3-fold increase in mammary adenocarcinomas (P < 0.05), an over 3-fold increase in ovarian granulosa cell carcinomas (P < 0.05), an over 3-fold increase in malignant tumors (P < 0.02) and a 4.6-fold increase in metastatic incidence. These results are the first to demonstrate an increased susceptibility in vivo of PPARgamma haploinsufficiency to DMBA-mediated carcinogenesis and suggest that PPARgamma may act as a tumor modifier of skin, ovarian and breast cancers. The data also support evidence suggesting a beneficial role for PPARgamma-specific ligands in the chemoprevention of mammary, ovarian and skin carcinogenesis. |
Address |
Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA |
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0143-3334 |
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PMID:15073042 |
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no |
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refbase @ user @ |
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76 |
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Author |
Nicol, C.J.; Davidson, H.P.D.; Harris, P.A.; Waters, A.J.; Wilson, A.D. |
Title |
Study of crib-biting and gastric inflammation and ulceration in young horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2002 |
Publication |
The Veterinary record |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet. Rec. |
Volume |
151 |
Issue |
22 |
Pages |
658-662 |
Keywords |
Animal Husbandry/methods; Animals; Antacids/therapeutic use; *Behavior, Animal; Diet/veterinary; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal/veterinary; Feces/chemistry; Female; Gastritis/diet therapy/physiopathology/*veterinary; Horse Diseases/diet therapy/*physiopathology/psychology; Horses; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Random Allocation; Stereotyped Behavior/*physiology; Stomach Ulcer/diet therapy/physiopathology/*veterinary; Treatment Outcome; Weaning |
Abstract |
Nineteen young horses that had recently started to perform the stereotypy of crib-biting were compared with 16 non-stereotypic horses for 14 weeks. After initial observations of their behaviour and an endoscopic examination of the condition of their stomachs, the horses were randomly allocated to a control or an antacid diet At the start of the trial, the stomachs of the crib-biting foals were significantly more ulcerated and inflamed than the stomachs of the normal foals. In addition, the faecal pH of the crib-biting foals (6.05) was significantly lower than that of the normal foals (6.58). The antacid diet resulted in a significant improvement in the condition of the horses' stomachs. The crib-biting behaviour declined in most of the foals, regardless of their diet, but tended to decline to a greater extent in the foals on the antacid diet. |
Address |
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Bristol BS40 5DU |
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0042-4900 |
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PMID:12498408 |
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no |
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refbase @ user @ |
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83 |
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Author |
Turner, J.W.J.; Liu, I.K.; Kirkpatrick, J.F. |
Title |
Remotely delivered immunocontraception in free-roaming feral burros (Equus asinus) |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1996 |
Publication |
Journal of reproduction and fertility |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Reprod Fertil |
Volume |
107 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
31-35 |
Keywords |
Animals; *Animals, Wild; Contraception, Immunologic/methods/*veterinary; *Equidae; Feces/chemistry; Female; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Tests; Swine; Zona Pellucida/immunology |
Abstract |
Regulation of local overpopulations of free-roaming feral equids is in demand worldwide for ecological balance and habitat preservation. Contraceptive vaccines have proven effective in feral horses, which breed seasonally, but no data are available for equids such as the burro, which is reproductively active all year round. In the present study, 27 individually identified female feral burros (Equus asinus) roaming free in Virgin Islands National Park (St John, US Virgin Islands; Lesser Antilles) were remotely treated with pig zonae pellucidae (PZP) vaccine. Between January and May, 16 burros were darted with a 1 ml emulsion of PZP plus Freund's adjuvant. Ten to twelve months later each treated burro was given a single booster injection of PZP plus adjuvant to maintain contraception through a second year. Eleven adult untreated jennies served as controls. Beginning one year after initial vaccination, these burros were monitored for pregnancy and foal production. Collection of data to determine treatment effect was not begun until 12 months after initial treatment to ensure that pregnancies existing before vaccination were not included. Pregnancy was assessed using previously validated methods for steroid metabolite measurement in fresh faecal samples. None of the PZP-treated burros produced foals between 0 and 12 months after the last inoculation. One PZP-treated burro tested positive for pregnancy at 10 months after the final inoculation. During this same period, six of 11 untreated burros tested pregnancy-positive, and four were observed with foals. There was no difference in pregnancy rates among treated, control and randomly sampled jennies between 12 and 24 months after the last inoculation. The results demonstrate that, in free-roaming feral burros that are reproductively active all year round: (1) burros can be accessed for remotely delivered PZP vaccination; (2) PZP contraception is effective; (3) PZP contraception is reversible; and (4) pregnancy can be reliably detected by faecal steroid analysis. |
Address |
Department of Physiology and Molecular Medicine, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43699, USA |
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Edition |
|
ISSN |
0022-4251 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
Notes |
PMID:8699431 |
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
144 |
Permanent link to this record |