1
|
Lemos LS, Attademo FLN, de Paiva LH, Costa AF, Reis LMA, de Oliveira Luna F, Hauser-Davis RA, Siciliano S. Metal and metalloid maternal transfer in a newborn West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) two years after the northeastern oil spill disaster of 2019 in Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116147. [PMID: 38377864 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
A large-scale oil spill along the northeastern Brazilian coast in 2019-2020 severely impacted primary manatee habitats in Brazil. This study aimed to assess metal and metalloid contamination in a dead manatee calf found following this oil spill. Several elements were detected, including chromium, iron, nickel, lead, and vanadium, which are crude oil components, and thallium, a component of dispersants used to degrade and dissipate crude oil. The presence of these contaminants in the manatee calf is indicative of maternal exposure, metabolism, and newborn transference via placenta and lactation. This is the first report of mother-calf metal transfer in manatees, highlighting the species' vulnerability and potential long-term population dynamics effects, and the first report for several metals and metalloids in these animals, laying the foundation for future research efforts. These findings highlight the urgent need for continued environmental monitoring, ecotoxicological assessments, and conservation initiatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila S Lemos
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33181, United States.
| | - Fernanda L N Attademo
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (ICMBio/CMA), Santos, SP, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Ecologia, Comportamento e Conservação, Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n. Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Lauro Henrique de Paiva
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (ICMBio/CMA), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandra F Costa
- Instituto Bicho D'água: Conservação Socioambiental and Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos da Amazônia (GEMAM), Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Laura M A Reis
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio/COMOB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Fábia de Oliveira Luna
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (ICMBio/CMA), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4.365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Salvatore Siciliano
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública/Fiocruz, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1.480 - sala 10, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil; Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Marinhos da Região dos Lagos, GEMM-Lagos, Araruama, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Barboza M, Kallaway K. Gross and microanatomic description of the dental pads of the Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, and their importance to mastication. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 158:105871. [PMID: 38128336 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Florida manatee feeding ecology is critical to species survival, but the role of dental pads in feeding has received limited attention. This study characterized the gross and microscopic anatomy of the manatee's dorsal and ventral dental pad in relation to these structures' importance in mastication, which furthers our understanding of manatee feeding and health. DESIGN Whole heads from 6 animals (4 male and 2 female) of varying sizes were examined grossly. Sections (5 µm) from throughout the dorsal and ventral dental pads were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin to document microanatomy. The thickness of the epithelium and stratum corneum were measured. RESULTS The ventral dental pad epidermal (1129-3391 µm) and stratum corneum (331-1848 µm) thickness increased with increased body size. The dorsal dental pad epidermal (690-1988 µm) and stratum corneum (121-974 µm) thickness varied relative to size. The dental pad anatomy, including the thickened stratum corneum, indicates an importance similar to molars in grinding and physically breaking up plant material. Extensive appendages including filiform-like papillae and well-developed rete were observed and likely provide physical support for mastication. CONCLUSION While the sample size limits specific conclusions based on sex or age, it provides a good overview of the anatomy of the dental pads. The manatee is the only mammal known to have a ventral dental pad and the well-developed grinding surfaces demonstrates a crucial role in mastication for these structures. These dental pads should be evaluated during health checks and necropsies and considered in future research on manatee's feeding mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Barboza
- Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515, USA.
| | - Kiara Kallaway
- Atkins Engineering Consulting, 482 S Keller Rd, Orlando, FL 32810, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Castelblanco-Martínez DN, Slone DH, Landeo-Yauri SS, Ramos EA, Alvarez-Alemán A, Attademo FLN, Beck CA, Bonde RK, Butler SM, Cabrias-Contreras LJ, Caicedo-Herrera D, Galves J, Gómez-Camelo IV, González-Socoloske D, Jiménez-Domínguez D, Luna FO, Mona-Sanabria Y, Morales-Vela JB, Olivera-Gómez LD, Padilla-Saldívar JA, Powell J, Reid JP, Rieucau G, Mignucci-Giannoni AA. Analysis of body condition indices reveals different ecotypes of the Antillean manatee. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19451. [PMID: 34593916 PMCID: PMC8484672 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing the body condition of wild animals is necessary to monitor the health of the population and is critical to defining a framework for conservation actions. Body condition indices (BCIs) are a non-invasive and relatively simple means to assess the health of individual animals, useful for addressing a wide variety of ecological, behavioral, and management questions. The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is an endangered subspecies of the West Indian manatee, facing a wide variety of threats from mostly human-related origins. Our objective was to define specific BCIs for the subspecies that, coupled with additional health, genetic and demographic information, can be valuable to guide management decisions. Biometric measurements of 380 wild Antillean manatees captured in seven different locations within their range of distribution were obtained. From this information, we developed three BCIs (BCI1 = UG/SL, BCI2 = W/SL3, BCI3 = W/(SL*UG2)). Linear models and two-way ANCOVA tests showed significant differences of the BCIs among sexes and locations. Although our three BCIs are suitable for Antillean manatees, BCI1 is more practical as it does not require information about weight, which can be a metric logistically difficult to collect under particular circumstances. BCI1 was significantly different among environments, revealing that the phenotypic plasticity of the subspecies have originated at least two ecotypes-coastal marine and riverine-of Antillean manatees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D N Castelblanco-Martínez
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Mexico city, Mexico. .,Universidad de Quintana Roo, Chetumal, Mexico. .,Fundación Internacional Para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad, Chetumal, Mexico.
| | - D H Slone
- U.S. Geological Survey, Sirenia Project, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, USA
| | - S S Landeo-Yauri
- Fundación Internacional Para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad, Chetumal, Mexico
| | - E A Ramos
- Fundación Internacional Para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad, Chetumal, Mexico
| | - A Alvarez-Alemán
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, Clearwater, USA.,Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, Universidad de la Habana, Havana, Cuba
| | - F L N Attademo
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade/Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - C A Beck
- U.S. Geological Survey, Sirenia Project, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, USA.,Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, Clearwater, USA
| | - R K Bonde
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, Clearwater, USA
| | - S M Butler
- U.S. Geological Survey, Sirenia Project, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, USA
| | - L J Cabrias-Contreras
- Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
| | | | - J Galves
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, Clearwater, USA
| | | | | | | | - F O Luna
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade/Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - J Powell
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, Clearwater, USA
| | - J P Reid
- U.S. Geological Survey, Sirenia Project, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, USA
| | - G Rieucau
- Fundación Internacional Para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad, Chetumal, Mexico.,Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Chauvin, USA
| | - A A Mignucci-Giannoni
- Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon, Puerto Rico.,Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Bassetterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
De María M, Silva-Sanchez C, Kroll KJ, Walsh MT, Nouri MZ, Hunter ME, Ross M, Clauss TM, Denslow ND. Chronic exposure to glyphosate in Florida manatee. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 152:106493. [PMID: 33740675 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Florida manatees depend on freshwater environments as a source of drinking water and as warm-water refuges. These freshwater environments are in direct contact with human activities where glyphosate-based herbicides are being used. Glyphosate is the most used herbicide worldwide and it is intensively used in Florida as a sugarcane ripener and to control invasive aquatic plants. The objective of the present study was to determine the concentration of glyphosate and its breakdown product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in Florida manatee plasma and assess their exposure to manatees seeking a warm-water refuge in Crystal River (west central Florida), and in South Florida. We analyzed glyphosate's and AMPA's concentrations in Florida manatee plasma (n = 105) collected during 2009-2019 using HPLC-MS/MS. We sampled eight Florida water bodies between 2019 and 2020, three times a year: before, during and after the sugarcane harvest using grab samples and molecular imprinted passive Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers (MIP-POCIS). Glyphosate was present in 55.8% of the sampled Florida manatees' plasma. The concentration of glyphosate has significantly increased in Florida manatee samples from 2009 until 2019. Glyphosate and AMPA were ubiquitous in water bodies. The concentration of glyphosate and AMPA was higher in South Florida than in Crystal River, particularly before and during the sugarcane harvest when Florida manatees depend on warm water refuges. Based on our results, Florida manatees were chronically exposed to glyphosate and AMPA, during and beyond the glyphosate applications to sugarcane, possibly associated with multiple uses of glyphosate-based herbicides for other crops or to control aquatic weeds. This chronic exposure in Florida water bodies may have consequences for Florida manatees' immune and renal systems which may further be compounded by other environmental exposures such as red tide or cold stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maite De María
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Aquatic Animal Health Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Cecilia Silva-Sanchez
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Kevin J Kroll
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Michael T Walsh
- Aquatic Animal Health Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Mohammad-Zaman Nouri
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Margaret E Hunter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, FL 32653, United States.
| | - Monica Ross
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA.
| | - Tonya M Clauss
- Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia, 225 Baker Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA.
| | - Nancy D Denslow
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Atkinson S, Crocker D, Houser D, Mashburn K. Stress physiology in marine mammals: how well do they fit the terrestrial model? J Comp Physiol B 2015; 185:463-86. [PMID: 25913694 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-015-0901-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Stressors are commonly accepted as the causal factors, either internal or external, that evoke physiological responses to mediate the impact of the stressor. The majority of research on the physiological stress response, and costs incurred to an animal, has focused on terrestrial species. This review presents current knowledge on the physiology of the stress response in a lesser studied group of mammals, the marine mammals. Marine mammals are an artificial or pseudo grouping from a taxonomical perspective, as this group represents several distinct and diverse orders of mammals. However, they all are fully or semi-aquatic animals and have experienced selective pressures that have shaped their physiology in a manner that differs from terrestrial relatives. What these differences are and how they relate to the stress response is an efflorescent topic of study. The identification of the many facets of the stress response is critical to marine mammal management and conservation efforts. Anthropogenic stressors in marine ecosystems, including ocean noise, pollution, and fisheries interactions, are increasing and the dramatic responses of some marine mammals to these stressors have elevated concerns over the impact of human-related activities on a diverse group of animals that are difficult to monitor. This review covers the physiology of the stress response in marine mammals and places it in context of what is known from research on terrestrial mammals, particularly with respect to mediator activity that diverges from generalized terrestrial models. Challenges in conducting research on stress physiology in marine mammals are discussed and ways to overcome these challenges in the future are suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Atkinson
- School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Juneau Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 17101 Pt. Lena Loop Road, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Worthy GAJ, Worthy TAM. Digestive efficiencies of ex situ and in situ West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Physiol Biochem Zool 2014; 87:77-91. [PMID: 24457923 DOI: 10.1086/673545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Digestive efficiencies (Dm) of ex situ and in situ manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) were, for the first time, assessed using manganese (Mn(2+)) as a naturally occurring marker. The Dm of ex situ manatees determined using [Mn(2+)] did not differ significantly from the Dm assessed using lignin, supporting the efficacy of the manganese approach. Gastrointestinal tract samples, obtained from recently dead animals, showed [Mn(2+)] concentrations were lowest in the stomach and remained low in the duodenum and small intestine but increased in the cecum, colon, and rectum, consistent with colonic digestion and absorption. In situ manatees consuming marine vegetation had significantly lower Dm (mean ± SE, 46.9% ± 1.8%; n=8) than did in situ manatees consuming freshwater vegetation (77.8% ± 2.6%; n=7), which in turn had significantly lower values than did ex situ manatees consuming lettuce (84.0% ± 0.7%; n=37). In situ manatees eating seagrasses had significantly higher Dm than did long-term ex situ animals consuming seagrass for short periods of time (46.9% ± 1.8% vs. 36.2% ± 1.2%, respectively), suggesting potential modification of gut flora over time. One significant ramification of our results is that manatees consuming seagrasses would require a greater standing biomass to support their needs than would be required if they were eating freshwater vegetation. This reinforces the critical need to implement habitat conservation and protection before considering downlisting or delisting manatees as an endangered species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham A J Worthy
- Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816; 2Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, Orlando, Florida 32820
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Merson SD, Ouwerkerk D, Gulino LM, Klieve A, Bonde RK, Burgess EA, Lanyon JM. Variation in the hindgut microbial communities of the Florida manatee,Trichechus manatus latirostrisover winter in Crystal River, Florida. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2013; 87:601-15. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6941.12248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. Merson
- Marine Vertebrate Ecology Research Group; School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Diane Ouwerkerk
- Rumen Ecology Unit; Agri-Science Queensland; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Ecosciences Precinct; Brisbane Qld Australia
- Centre for Animal Science; Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Lisa-Maree Gulino
- Rumen Ecology Unit; Agri-Science Queensland; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Ecosciences Precinct; Brisbane Qld Australia
- Centre for Animal Science; Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Athol Klieve
- Centre for Animal Science; Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld Australia
- School of Agricultural and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Robert K. Bonde
- Sirenia Project, U.S. Geological Survey; Southeast Ecological Science Centre; Gainesville FL USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Burgess
- Marine Vertebrate Ecology Research Group; School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Janet M. Lanyon
- Marine Vertebrate Ecology Research Group; School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ardente A, Chinnadurai S, De Voe R, Stringer E, Webb T, Ireland J, Saker K. Relationship between gastrointestinal transit time and anesthetic fasting protocols in the captive chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes. J Med Primatol 2011; 40:181-7. [PMID: 21320131 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0684.2011.00468.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lengthy social separation and prolonged fasting time contribute to increased risks associated with anesthesia in captive primates. This study is an initial attempt to identify a safe pre-anesthetic fasting procedure by identifying gastric emptying time (GET) and gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) of captive chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes. METHODS Seven adult chimpanzees at the North Carolina Zoo immobilized for annual physical examinations were fed barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres to measure GET. Eleven animals were individually fed a color dye marker and fecal passage was observed to determine GTT. RESULTS Gastric emptying time (GET) was approximated to be >3 hours but <16 hours. The mean GTT was 16.5 hours. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that a fasting time of 3 hours would allow for complete gastric emptying and could potentially replace the current overnight fast (≥16 hour) to help minimize complications associated with pre-anesthetic fasting in captive primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Ardente
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alves-Stanley CD, Worthy GAJ. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope turnover rates and diet-tissue discrimination in Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 212:2349-55. [PMID: 19617427 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.027565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) is a herbivorous marine mammal that occupies freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats. Despite being considered endangered, relatively little is known about its feeding ecology. The present study expands on previous work on manatee feeding ecology by providing critical baseline parameters for accurate isotopic data interpretation. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were examined over a period of more than 1 year in the epidermis of rescued Florida manatees that were transitioning from a diet of aquatic forage to terrestrial forage (lettuce). The mean half-life for (13)C turnover was 53 and 59 days for skin from manatees rescued from coastal and riverine regions, respectively. The mean half-life for (15)N turnover was 27 and 58 days, respectively. Because of these slow turnover rates, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis in manatee epidermis is useful in summarizing average dietary intake over a long period of time rather than assessing recent diet. In addition to turnover rate, a diet-tissue discrimination value of 2.8 per thousand for (13)C was calculated for long-term captive manatees on a lettuce diet. Determining both turnover rate and diet-tissue discrimination is essential in order to accurately interpret stable isotope data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christy D Alves-Stanley
- Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Noninvasive monitoring of androgens in male Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis): biologic validation. J Zoo Wildl Med 2009; 40:458-65. [PMID: 19746860 DOI: 10.1638/2008-0111.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) is endemic in the Amazonian basin and is the only exclusively fresh water sirenian. Historically hunted on a large scale, this species is now considered endangered, and studies on the reproductive physiology are critical for the improvement of reproductive management of captive and wild populations of manatees. The aim of this study was to verify the viability of androgen measurement in saliva, lacrimal, urine, and fecal samples of the Amazonian manatee by conducting a hormone challenge. Two adult male manatees (A-1 and A-2) were submitted to an experimentation protocol of 12 day (D1 to D10). On D0, the animals received an intramuscular injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-analogue. Salivary, lacrimal, urinary, and fecal samples were collected daily (between 0800 hours and 0900 hours) and frozen at -20 degrees C until assayed. Fecal samples were lyophilized, extracted with 80% methanol, and diluted in buffer before the radioimmunoassay (RIA). Urine samples underwent acid hydrolysis and were diluted in depleted bovine serum. Salivary and lacrimal samples were assayed without the extraction step. Hormonal assays were conducted with a commercial testosterone RIA kit. An androgen peak (> median + 2 interquartile range [IQR]) was observed in all matrices of both animals, although it was less prominent in the lacrimal samples of A-2. However, the fecal androgen peak (A-1 peak = 293.78 ng/g dry feces, median [IQR] = 143.58 [32.38] ng/g dry feces; A-2 peak = 686.72 ng/g dry feces, median [IQR] = 243.82 [193.16] ng/g dry feces) occurred later than urinary (A-1 peak = 648.16 ng/mg creatinine [Cr], median [IQR] = 23.88 [30.44] ng/mg Cr; A-2 peak = 370.44 ng/mg Cr, median [IQR] = 113.87 [117.73] ng/mg Cr) and salivary (A-1 peak = 678.89 pg/ml, median [IQR] = 103.69 [119.86] pg/ml; A-2 peak = 733.71 pg/ml, median [IQR] = 262.92 [211.44] pg/ml) androgen peaks. These intervals appear to be correlated with the long digesta passage time in this species. The salivary and urinary peaks were closely associated. These results demonstrate that androgen concentrations in saliva, urine, or feces samples reflect reliably physiologic events and are a powerful tool for noninvasive reproductive monitoring of Amazonian manatees.
Collapse
|
11
|
Stavros HCW, Bonde RK, Fair PA. Concentrations of trace elements in blood and skin of Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2008; 56:1221-1225. [PMID: 18468646 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2008] [Revised: 03/14/2008] [Accepted: 03/22/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chen W Stavros
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, 219 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412-9110, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|