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Pallin LJ, Garrigue C, Kellar NM, Baker CS, Bonneville CD, Derville S, Garland EC, Steel D, Friedlaender AS. Demographic and physiological signals of reproductive events in humpback whales on a southwest pacific breeding ground. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 12:coae038. [PMID: 38894754 PMCID: PMC11184982 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The field of marine mammal conservation has dramatically benefited from the rapid advancement of methods to assess the reproductive physiology of individuals and populations from steroid hormones isolated from minimally invasive skin-blubber biopsy samples. Historically, this vital information was only available from complete anatomical and physiological investigations of samples collected during commercial or indigenous whaling. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a migratory, cosmopolitan species that reproduce in warm, low-latitude breeding grounds. New Caledonia is seasonally visited by a small breeding sub-stock of humpback whales, forming part of the endangered Oceania subpopulation. To better understand the demographic and seasonal patterns of reproductive physiology in humpback whales, we quantified baseline measurements of reproductive hormones (progesterone-P4, testosterone-T and 17β-estradiol-E2) using an extensive archive of skin-blubber biopsy samples collected from female humpback whales in New Caledonia waters between 2016 and 2019 (n = 194). We observed significant differences in the P4, T and E2 concentrations across different demographic groups of female humpback whales, and we described some of the first evidence of the endocrine patterns of estrous in live free-ranging baleen whales. This study is fundamental in its methodological approach to a wild species that has a global distribution, with seasonally distinct life histories. This information will assist in monitoring, managing and conserving this population as global ecological changes continue to occur unhindered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan J Pallin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Ocean Health Building, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Ocean Health Building, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Claire Garrigue
- UMR ENTROPIE IRD, Université de La Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, CNRS, IFREMER, Laboratoire d'excellence-CORAIL, 101 promenade Roger Laroque BP A5NOUMEA CEDEX5 Nouvelle Calédonie 98848, France
- Opération Cétacés, BP 12827, Nouvelle-Calédonie 98802, France
| | - Nicholas M Kellar
- Marine Mammal Turtle Division, , Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - C Scott Baker
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Claire D Bonneville
- UMR ENTROPIE IRD, Université de La Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, CNRS, IFREMER, Laboratoire d'excellence-CORAIL, 101 promenade Roger Laroque BP A5NOUMEA CEDEX5 Nouvelle Calédonie 98848, France
- Opération Cétacés, BP 12827, Nouvelle-Calédonie 98802, France
| | - Solène Derville
- UMR ENTROPIE IRD, Université de La Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, CNRS, IFREMER, Laboratoire d'excellence-CORAIL, 101 promenade Roger Laroque BP A5NOUMEA CEDEX5 Nouvelle Calédonie 98848, France
- Opération Cétacés, BP 12827, Nouvelle-Calédonie 98802, France
| | - Ellen C Garland
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, W Sands Rd, St Andrews KY16 9XL, UK
| | - Debbie Steel
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Ari S Friedlaender
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Ocean Health Building, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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Tang B, Hao Y, Wang C, Deng Z, Kou Z, Zhou H, Zhang H, Fan F, Wang K, Wang D. Biological characteristics of pregnancy in captive Yangtze finless porpoises revealed by urinary metabolomics†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:808-818. [PMID: 38169437 PMCID: PMC11017131 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis a.) are an endemic and critically endangered species in China. Intensive captive breeding is essential for understanding the biology of critically endangered species, especially their pregnancy characteristics, knowledge of which is crucial for effective breeding management. Urine metabolomics can reveal metabolic differences, arising from physiological changes across pregnancy stages. Therefore, we used the urinary metabolomic technology, to explore urinary metabolite changes in pregnant Yangtze finless porpoises. A total of 2281 metabolites were identified in all samples, which including organic acids and derivatives (24.45%), organoheterocyclic compounds (20.23%), benzenoids (18.05%), organic oxygen compounds (7.73%), and phenylpropanoids and polyketides (6.48%). There were 164, 387, and 522 metabolites demonstrating differential abundance during early pregnancy, mid pregnancy, and late pregnancy, respectively, from the levels observed in nonpregnancy. The levels of pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, and tetrahydrocortisone were significantly higher during all pregnancy stages, indicating their important roles in fetal development. The differential metabolites between nonpregnancy and pregnancy were mainly associated with amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, metabolic activity varied across pregnancy stages; steroid hormone biosynthesis was predominant in early pregnancy, and amino acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism were predominant in mid pregnancy and late pregnancy, respectively. Our results provide new insights into metabolic characteristics in the Yangtze finless porpoises' urine during pregnancy, and indicate that the differential levels of urine metabolites can determine pregnancy in Yangtze finless porpoises, providing valuable information for the husbandry and management of pregnant Yangtze finless porpoises in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujiang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengyu Deng
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhangbing Kou
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Haojie Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Kexiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
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Fernandez Ajó A, Pirotta E, Bierlich KC, Hildebrand L, Bird CN, Hunt KE, Buck CL, New L, Dillon D, Torres LG. Assessment of a non-invasive approach to pregnancy diagnosis in gray whales through drone-based photogrammetry and faecal hormone analysis. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230452. [PMID: 37476509 PMCID: PMC10354484 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of baleen whales' reproductive physiology is limited and requires long-term individual-based studies and innovative tools. We used 6 years of individual-level data on the Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales to evaluate the utility of faecal progesterone immunoassays and drone-based photogrammetry for pregnancy diagnosis. We explored the variability in faecal progesterone metabolites and body morphology relative to observed reproductive status and estimated the pregnancy probability for mature females of unknown reproductive status using normal mixture models. Individual females had higher faecal progesterone concentrations when pregnant than when presumed non-pregnant. Yet, at the population level, high overlap and variability in progesterone metabolite concentrations occurred between pregnant and non-pregnant groups, limiting this metric for accurate pregnancy diagnosis in gray whales. Alternatively, body width at 50% of the total body length (W50) correctly discriminated pregnant from non-pregnant females at individual and population levels, with high accuracy. Application of the model using W50 metric to mature females of unknown pregnancy status identified eight additional pregnancies with high confidence. Our findings highlight the utility of drone-based photogrammetry to non-invasively diagnose pregnancy in this group of gray whales, and the potential for improved data on reproductive rates for population management of baleen whales generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Fernandez Ajó
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Newport 97365, OR, USA
| | - E. Pirotta
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - K. C. Bierlich
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Newport 97365, OR, USA
| | - L. Hildebrand
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Newport 97365, OR, USA
| | - C. N. Bird
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Newport 97365, OR, USA
| | - K. E. Hunt
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Department of Biology, George Mason University, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - C. L. Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 617 South Beaver Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - L. New
- Ursinus College, 601 East Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - D. Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 617 South Beaver Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - L. G. Torres
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Newport 97365, OR, USA
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Schwarzenberger F, Hermes R. Comparative analysis of gestation in three rhinoceros species (Diceros bicornis; Ceratotherium simum; Rhinoceros unicornis). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 334:114214. [PMID: 36646327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This comparative analysis evaluated endocrine profiles and gestation length data of captive pregnant black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), and greater one-horned (GOH) rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). Hormone profiles were collected over three decades as part of pregnancy diagnoses. After the third month of gestation, the luteo-placental shift in progesterone production in pregnant rhinoceroses causes a significant increase in the concentration of faecal progesterone metabolites. We defined a laboratory-specific value of 1000 ng/g faeces as a threshold for incipient feto-placental progesterone production. Using this value allowed a comparison between species and revealed significant individual differences within a species. The mean ± SEM gestation days for reaching the 1000 ng/g faeces threshold were 89.5 ± 2.9 (range 56-138 days; n = 39) in black, 96.0 ± 2.6 (58-138; n = 39) in white, and 117.8 ± 5.3 (74-173; n = 19) in GOH rhinoceroses. For the calculations of gestation length, we complemented our results from three decades of reproductive monitoring with data from the literature, resulting in about 70 values for each species. Gestation length in the black, the white and the GOH rhinoceros was 460.6 ± 1.5 (range: 436 - 486), 503.8 ± 1.3 (range: 480 - 525) and 480.5 ± 1.1 (range: 453 - 505) days, respectively. Daylight length significantly affected gestation length, while the sex of offspring had no effect. On average, pregnancies with parturitions in spring and summer were one week shorter than those in autumn and winter. Although rhinoceroses are non-seasonal breeders, most parturitions in captivity occur in autumn and winter. We also analysed preconception endocrine profiles in the white rhinoceros. Conceptions in this species occurred after oestrous cycles of approximately 35 days (n = 18), 70 days (n = 3), 15 days (n = 1), after periods of ovarian inactivity (n = 5), and during a foal heat within one month after stillbirth parturition (n = 1). In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive overview of gestational parameters in three rhinoceros species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Schwarzenberger
- Dept. of Biomed. Sci. - Physiology, Pathophysiology & Experimental Endocrinology, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Robert Hermes
- Dept. Reproduction Management, Leibnitz Institute for Zoo & Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.
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Blank MH, Adania CH, Swanson WF, de Souza Ramos Angrimani D, Nichi M, Alcindo de Barros Vaz Guimarães M, Barnabe RC. Comparative fecal steroid profile during pregnancy, parturition, and lactation between natural fertilization and embryo transfer in ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). Theriogenology 2022; 182:26-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Zeng X, Chunyang L, Hao Y, Wang D, Fan F, Wang C, Deng Z, Guo H, Wang Z. Pregnancy diagnosis and fetal monitoring in Yangtze finless porpoises. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2022. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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7
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Rice C, Larue B, Festa-Bianchet M. Variation in age of primiparity in mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) estimated from horn growth increments. CAN J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2021-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Variation in age of primiparity is important for population dynamics and wildlife management because it can affect population growth. Using a novel technique based on the trade-off between annual horn growth and reproduction, we estimated the age of primiparity for 2274 female mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus (Blainville, 1816)) harvested across British Columbia, Canada, from 1976 to 2019. We then investigated spatio-temporal variation in the probability that harvested females were primiparous when aged 3, 4, or 5 years and older using Bayesian ordinal regressions. We found that the probability of primiparity at 3 years decreased over time in nearly all mountain ranges. In the Coastal Mountain range, however, the probability of primiparity at age 3 significantly increased. These results suggest that the large coastal populations of mountain goats could be more resilient to harvest than other populations in British Columbia, which may be experiencing environmental effects promoting later primiparity. Models predicting age of primiparity from annual growth measures are a valuable tool for wildlife management and could help conservation of many species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Rice
- Département de biologie et Centre d’Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
- Département de biologie et Centre d’Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Benjamin Larue
- Département de biologie et Centre d’Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
- Département de biologie et Centre d’Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Marco Festa-Bianchet
- Département de biologie et Centre d’Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
- Département de biologie et Centre d’Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
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Zhang P, Wei Z, Hui SW, Abel G, Martelli P, Hao Y, Li S. Sexual maturity, seasonal estrus, and gestation in female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus inferred from serum reproductive hormones. Integr Zool 2020; 16:575-585. [PMID: 32961018 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive hormones in serum concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone in female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus, n = 12) housed in Ocean Park Hong Kong were investigated in the present study. Results showed that, onset of puberty of captive Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins was at 5 years while sexual maturity was at 6. Average serum progesterone concentrations in non-pregnant sexually mature individuals was 0.33 (0.25-0.97) ng/mL (interquartile), significantly higher than in immature ones 0.26 (0.25-0.38) ng/mL. This study found significant difference in serum estradiol concentrations between individuals at the onset of puberty (9.5 ± 1.7 pg/mL, ±SD) and not (below detection limit 9 pg/mL). A slightly seasonal breeding pattern, with progesterone values tend to be higher from February to October (0.38 [0.25-1.07] ng/mL) was inferred. During pregnancy, serum progesterone concentrations range from 10.54 ± 8.74 ng/mL (indexed month post-conception [IMPC] 0) to 25.49 ± 12.06 ng/mL (IMPC 2), and display a bimodal pattern with 2 peaks in early- (25.49 ± 12.06 ng/mL, IMPC 2) and late-pregnancy (21.71 ± 10.25 ng/mL, IMPC 12), respectively. Serum estradiol concentrations can seldom be detected in early-pregnancy and increase constantly in mid- (9.45 ± 1.83 pg/mL) and late-pregnancy (11.88 ± 3.81 pg/mL), with a spike (15.45 ± 6.78 pg/mL) 1 month prior to delivery. Serum testosterone concentrations elevate significantly in IMPC 7 (0.36 ± 0.10 ng/mL) compared to other months (0.16 ± 0.10 ng/mL) of the year. The present study provides normal concentration profiles for some reproductive hormones in female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and can contribute to the breeding monitoring of this species. Also, our study would shed further light on the reproductive physiology of small cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijun Zhang
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Zhengzhi Wei
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Grant Abel
- Ocean Park Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Seattle Aquarium, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Yujiang Hao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Songhai Li
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
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9
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Parturition in white rhinoceros. Theriogenology 2020; 156:181-188. [PMID: 32755717 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In captive rhinoceros stillbirth and perinatal death are recorded at a rate of 6-17% in the various species. At the same time there is a substantial lack of knowledge on rhinoceros parturition. Yet, predicting parameters for birth and progress of parturition are fundamental for the recognition of dystocia and perinatal problems. Therefore, we here intended to pay close attention to the Achilles heel of the 1.5-2.5 year reproduction cycle in rhinoceros, the parturition. For the prediction of parturition we recorded timelines for pre-birth udder development, genital swelling, milk production, behavioral unrest, and decrease of serum progesterone concentration and the gestational length in 19 white rhinoceros. First, second and third labour stage, foetal presentation and events in perinatal period were recorded to describe normal parturition and establish a guideline for better birth management in rhinoceros. Udder development and genital swelling were observed 3 and 2 weeks prior birth, respectively. Milk production was observed to start up to 3 weeks prior birth and increased significantly in the last week with most significant increase one day before parturition to 50.6 ± 45.4 mL (p < 0.006). Serum progesterone concentration started to decrease 7 days prior parturition and more significantly 48 h before parturition. While behavioral unrest and first stage labour was not observed reliably in all females the break of foetal waters and thus the start of second stage labour was unmistakably observed. Second stage labour, when foetal membranes had ruptured until the foetus was born, took 1:50 ± 0:20 h:min. Eighty-four percent of fetuses were born in anterior presentation (n = 16/19) and the final expulsion took <25 min suggesting that this is the normal presentation in white rhinoceros. In the less frequent posterior presentation final expulsion took up to 47 min. Overall, 95% of calves were born alive. Calves were standing and nursing in 0:55 ± 0:12 min and 3:32 ± 0:53 h:min, respectively. In 10.5% of births (n = 2/19) in anterior presentation perinatal complications occurred. Stillbirth occurred once (5.3% n = 1/19) when the foetus was born in posterior presentation. The recorded gestational length was 506 ± 2d. Delivering live offspring is of key importance to establish a new generation and secure long-term survival of a species. Various pre-birth changes, significant decrease of serum progesterone 48 h prior birth, different labour stages, foetal presentation and perinatal events described here add substantial knowledge on the understanding of normal rhinoceros parturition and may help diagnose dystocia and perinatal complications.
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Magnadóttir B, Uysal-Onganer P, Kraev I, Svansson V, Hayes P, Lange S. Deiminated proteins and extracellular vesicles - Novel serum biomarkers in whales and orca. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2020; 34:100676. [PMID: 32114311 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2020.100676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a family of phylogenetically conserved calcium-dependent enzymes which cause post-translational protein deimination. This can result in neoepitope generation, affect gene regulation and allow for protein moonlighting via functional and structural changes in target proteins. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry cargo proteins and genetic material and are released from cells as part of cellular communication. EVs are found in most body fluids where they can be useful biomarkers for assessment of health status. Here, serum-derived EVs were profiled, and post-translationally deiminated proteins and EV-related microRNAs are described in 5 ceataceans: minke whale, fin whale, humpback whale, Cuvier's beaked whale and orca. EV-serum profiles were assessed by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. EV profiles varied between the 5 species and were identified to contain deiminated proteins and selected key inflammatory and metabolic microRNAs. A range of proteins, critical for immune responses and metabolism were identified to be deiminated in cetacean sera, with some shared KEGG pathways of deiminated proteins relating to immunity and physiology, while some KEGG pathways were species-specific. This is the first study to characterise and profile EVs and to report deiminated proteins and putative effects of protein-protein interaction networks via such post-translationald deimination in cetaceans, revealing key immune and metabolic factors to undergo this post-translational modification. Deiminated proteins and EVs profiles may possibly be developed as new biomarkers for assessing health status of sea mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bergljót Magnadóttir
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur v. Vesturlandsveg, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Pinar Uysal-Onganer
- Cancer Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK.
| | - Igor Kraev
- Electron Microscopy Suite, Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK.
| | - Vilhjálmur Svansson
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur v. Vesturlandsveg, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Polly Hayes
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK.
| | - Sigrun Lange
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK.
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11
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Dalle Luche G, Boggs ASP, Kucklick JR, Groß J, Hawker DW, Bengtson Nash S. Androstenedione and testosterone but not progesterone are potential biomarkers of pregnancy in Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) approaching parturition. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2954. [PMID: 32075989 PMCID: PMC7031522 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58933-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The blubber steroid hormone profiles of 52 female humpback whales migrating along the east coast of Australia were investigated for seasonal endocrine changes associated with reproduction. Individuals were randomly sampled during two stages of the annual migration: before reaching the breeding grounds (northward migration; June/July), and after departing from the breeding grounds (southward migration; September/October). Assignment of reproductive status of the sampled individuals was based on season, single-hormone ranks and multi-variate analysis of the hormonal profiles. High concentrations of progesterone (>19 ng/g, wet weight), recognised as an indicator of pregnancy in this species, were only detected in one sample. However, the androgens, testosterone and androstenedione were measured in unusually high concentrations (1.6-12 and 7.8-40 ng/g wet weight, respectively) in 36% of the females approaching the breeding grounds. The absence of a strong accompanying progesterone signal in these animals raises the possibility of progesterone withdrawal prior to parturition. As seen with other cetacean species, testosterone and androstenedione could be markers of near-term pregnancy in humpback whales. Confirmation of these androgens as alternate biomarkers of near-term pregnancy would carry implications for improved monitoring of the annual fecundity of humpback whales via non-lethal and minimally invasive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Dalle Luche
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
| | - Ashley S P Boggs
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - John R Kucklick
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Jasmin Groß
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Darryl W Hawker
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Susan Bengtson Nash
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
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12
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Legacki EL, Robeck TR, Steinman KJ, Conley AJ. Comparative analysis of steroids in cyclic and pregnant killer whales, beluga whales and bottlenose dolphins by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 285:113273. [PMID: 31525377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
There exists a surprising diversity in the physiology and endocrinology of pregnancy among mammals in both the source (luteal/placental) and metabolism of progesterone. To evaluate the possible diversity of steroid metabolism within toothed cetaceans, we investigated 5α-reduced progesterone metabolites and androgens in cyclic (luteal phase) and pregnant captive killer whales, belugas and bottlenose dolphins (n = 5/species) bled longitudinally in early, mid- and late pregnancy (0.16, 0.50 and 0.85 fractions of 535, 464 and 380 gestation days, respectively). Mid-luteal samples were also collected. Serum was analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry as previously validated for (among others) progesterone, 20αOH-progesterone (20αOHP), 5α-dihydroprogesterone (DHP), several additional 5α-reduced metabolites and androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione and testosterone). The predominant mid-luteal pregnanes were: progesterone, belugas; progesterone and 20αOHP, dolphins; allopregnanolone (3α-DHP) and progesterone, killer whales. Progesterone was 2-4-fold higher in early pregnancy than mid-luteal samples but decreased thereafter. The predominant metabolite, 3β,20α-dihydroprogesterone (3β,20α-DHP; 40-80 ng/ml) was higher in mid- and late-than early gestation in all 3 species. Concentrations of 20αOHP and 3β,20α-DHP were similar at mid-gestation but 20αOHP declined in late-gestation in killer whales, and 20αOHP was lower than 3β,20α-DHP in belugas and dolphins throughout gestation. Other 5α-reduced metabolites, DHP, 3α-DHP and 20α-DHP, were far lower throughout pregnancy (<10 ng/ml). DHP and 3α-DHP decreased from early to mid-gestation in belugas, but changed little in killer whales and dolphins. These data suggest that progesterone metabolism is relatively conserved among these cetacean species. As in equine pregnancies, 3β,20α-DHP is the major metabolite, increasing at the expense of progesterone as pregnancy progresses. Androstenedione and testosterone also increased detectably in mid- to late-gestation in these species. The tissue source remains unknown, but progesterone metabolism during gestation in these cetaceans is similar to horses and, together with androgens, may be reliable biomarkers of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Legacki
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| | - Karen J Steinman
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| | - Alan J Conley
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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13
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Galligan TM, Boggs ASP, Balmer BC, Rowles T, Smith CR, Townsend F, Wells RS, Kellar NM, Zolman ES, Schwacke LH. Blubber steroid hormone profiles as indicators of physiological state in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 239:110583. [PMID: 31648064 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.110583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Blubber has been proposed as a possible alternative to blood in the assessment of endocrine physiology in marine mammals because it can be collected via remote biopsy, which removes some of the confounding variables and logistical constraints associated with blood collection. To date, few studies have directly assessed the relationships between circulating versus blubber steroid hormone profiles in marine mammals, and these studies have been limited to a small subset of steroid hormones, which collectively limit the current utility of blubber steroid hormone measurements. In this study, we used liquid-chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to screen for 16 steroid hormones in matched blood and blubber samples from free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Seven steroid hormones were detected and quantified, including two progestogens, two androgens, and three corticosteroids. Using principal components analysis (PCA), we explored relationships between hormones in both matrices and three physiological states: sexual maturity, pregnancy, and acute stress response. Plasma and blubber testosterone and its precursors, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione, loaded to the first principal component (PC1), and PC1 scores were higher in mature males. Plasma and blubber progesterone loaded to PC2, and pregnant/probable pregnant females had significantly higher PC2 scores. Pregnant females also had higher PC1 scores than other females, suggesting differences in androgen profiles between these groups. There was disagreement between plasma and blubber corticosteroid profiles, as indicated by their loading to different PCs; plasma corticosteroids loaded to PC3 and blubber corticosteroids to PC4. PC3 scores were significantly predicted by elapsed time to blood collection (i.e., time between initiating the capture process and blood collection), while elapsed time to blubber collection significantly predicted PC4 scores, indicating that corticosteroid profiles shift in both tissues during acute stress. Corticosteroid profiles were not related to demographic group, site-month, body mass index, water temperature, or time spent outside of the water on the processing boat. Overall, these results demonstrate that blubber steroid hormone profiles reflect changes in endocrine function that occur over broad temporal scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Galligan
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, 331 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, College of Natural Resources and the Environment, Virginia Tech, 101 Cheatham Hall, 310 West Campus Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA.
| | - Ashley S P Boggs
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Brian C Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Teri Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Cynthia R Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Forrest Townsend
- Bayside Hospital for Animals, 251 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547, USA
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
| | - Nicholas M Kellar
- Ocean Associates, Inc., under contract to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 4007 N Abingdon St, Arlington, VA 22207, USA
| | - Eric S Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
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14
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Dalle Luche G, Bengtson Nash S, Kucklick JR, Mingramm FMJ, Boggs ASP. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of steroid hormone profiles in blubber from stranded humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 7:coz030. [PMID: 32742659 PMCID: PMC6664595 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammal blubber is known to have quantifiable concentrations of steroid hormones and is increasingly chosen as a matrix for the detection of these reproductive and stress biomarkers. Steroid hormones act through complex cascades, often in concert, yet studies conducted on cetaceans have rarely measured more than two steroids simultaneously. Due to the role of steroid hormones in multiple physiological processes, and variability in concentration among individuals, data on single compounds are often difficult to interpret. Here a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous analyses of multiple steroid hormones in cetacean blubber was validated and applied to samples from 10 stranded humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, oestrone, oestradiol, cortisone, cortisol, corticosterone and 11-deoxycorticosterone were reliably (relative standard deviation on six replicates <15%) and accurately (recovery of an amended sample between 70% and 120%) quantified, but not 11-deoxycortisol. With the exception of progesterone, testosterone, oestradiol and cortisol, these compounds were quantified for the first time in humpback whales. Given that blubber is frequently collected from free-swimming cetaceans in ongoing research programs, the technique developed here could substantially strengthen understanding and monitoring of the physiological condition of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Dalle Luche
- Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Susan Bengtson Nash
- Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - John R Kucklick
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standard and Technology, Charleston, SC , USA
| | | | - Ashley S P Boggs
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standard and Technology, Charleston, SC , USA
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15
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Grossi E, Parisi F, Duca P, Savasi VM. Maternal estradiol and progesterone concentrations among singleton spontaneous pregnancies during the first trimester. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:633-638. [PMID: 30324258 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0961-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy hormonal milieu represents a crucial determinant of fetal outcome. We aim to determine 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PGT) concentrations in spontaneous pregnancies during the first trimester. In addition, we aim to determine E2 concentrations as a function of gestational age (GA) and PGT. METHODS Between November 2015 and March 2017, 104 healthy women of at least 18 years undergoing medical consultation for voluntary interruption of pregnancy were enrolled in an observational study at University Hospital ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy. Only singleton pregnancies between 5+0 and 13+6 weeks of gestation were eligible. First trimester ultrasound scans were performed for dating and one fasting venous blood sample was collected for E2 and PGT determinations. RESULTS E2 and PGT concentrations steadily increased according to GA. The correlation between E2 on a logarithmic scale and PGT concentrations was expressed by the following equation, explaining 12.6% of E2 variance: logE2 = 2.57 + 0.1 × PGT, (r = 0.34, p < 0.001). By performing a multivariable linear regression analysis adjusted for variables significantly correlated with E2 concentrations, we obtained a model explaining the 53.5% of E2 variance. The final equation to determine E2 concentrations among Caucasian women was: logE2 = 1.96 + 0.01 × GA + 0.004 × PGT. CONCLUSIONS Gestational week-specific reference intervals are reported for maternal E2 and PGT concentrations during early pregnancy, further providing a model for E2 assessment in this period. This will represent a starting point for further evaluations between twin and ART pregnancies, as well as to potentially improve pregnancy outcome and future health of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Grossi
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Hospital "L. Sacco", University of Milan, via GB Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy.
- Centre for Fetal Research Giorgio Pardi, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - F Parisi
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Hospital "L. Sacco", University of Milan, via GB Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy
- Centre for Fetal Research Giorgio Pardi, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - P Duca
- Medical Statistics, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Hospital "L. Sacco", via GB Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - V M Savasi
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Hospital "L. Sacco", University of Milan, via GB Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy
- Centre for Fetal Research Giorgio Pardi, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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16
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Robeck TR, Blum JL, Steinman KJ, Ratner JR, Bergfelt DR, O'Brien JK. Longitudinal profiles of relaxin and progestagens during pregnancy, pregnancy loss and false pregnancy in the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 267:98-108. [PMID: 29913171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The circulating pattern of immunoreactive relaxin and progestagens based on monthly and gestational stage (early, mid, late) profiles were determined during pregnancies that resulted in live calves (LIVE, n = 30), stillbirths (STILLB, n = 3), abortions (ABORT, n = 5) and presumptive false pregnancies (FALSE, n = 8), and during the follicular (n = 34) and luteal phase (n = 58). Monthly LIVE relaxin concentrations steadily increased during gestation, but values did not significantly exceed those of the luteal phase until 9 months prior to parturition, peaking during the final month at 2356 ng/ml. Relaxin surged (P < 0.05) during the final week of gestation (36,397 ng/ml), undergoing a 3 and 9-fold increase compared with concentrations in the preceding two weeks, respectively. Monthly relaxin production did not differ among each reproductive state with the exception of months-13-16 where concentrations were higher (P < 0.001) for STILLB than LIVE. Relaxin concentration was reduced (P < 0.0001) by 849% in placental versus maternal serum collected within 1 day of labor. Mid- and late-pregnancy progestagen concentrations were lower for FALSE (P < 0.001) compared with STILLB and LIVE. Late pregnancy progestagen concentrations were reduced for FALSE (P < 0.05) and ABORT (P < 0.02) compared with LIVE and STILLB. Monthly progestagen production in ABORT tended to be lower than LIVE across a range of gestational months (Months 2, 7, 8, 11) but this difference only became significant during months 14 and 15. Results indicate that relaxin is primarily produced by the CL during pregnancy, and that concentrations could not be used to differentiate from non-pregnant females until the final 6 months of gestation. In addition, as would be expected from a primarily CL product, relaxin cannot be used to detect abnormal pregnancies. Conversely, progestagens, which are produced by both the placenta and CL can be used to differentiate FALSE from normal pregnancy and may be useful indicators of fetal health in the killer whale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, United States.
| | - Jason L Blum
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, NY 10987, United States
| | - Karen J Steinman
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
| | - Jill R Ratner
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, NY 10987, United States
| | - Don R Bergfelt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre KN 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Justine K O'Brien
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
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17
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Wasser SK, Lundin JI, Ayres K, Seely E, Giles D, Balcomb K, Hempelmann J, Parsons K, Booth R. Population growth is limited by nutritional impacts on pregnancy success in endangered Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179824. [PMID: 28662095 PMCID: PMC5491047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Southern Resident killer whale population (Orcinus orca) was listed as endangered in 2005 and shows little sign of recovery. These fish eating whales feed primarily on endangered Chinook salmon. Population growth is constrained by low offspring production for the number of reproductive females in the population. Lack of prey, increased toxins and vessel disturbance have been listed as potential causes of the whale’s decline, but partitioning these pressures has been difficult. We validated and applied temporal measures of progesterone and testosterone metabolites to assess occurrence, stage and health of pregnancy from genotyped killer whale feces collected using detection dogs. Thyroid and glucocorticoid hormone metabolites were measured from these same samples to assess physiological stress. These methods enabled us to assess pregnancy occurrence and failure as well as how pregnancy success was temporally impacted by nutritional and other stressors, between 2008 and 2014. Up to 69% of all detectable pregnancies were unsuccessful; of these, up to 33% failed relatively late in gestation or immediately post-partum, when the cost is especially high. Low availability of Chinook salmon appears to be an important stressor among these fish-eating whales as well as a significant cause of late pregnancy failure, including unobserved perinatal loss. However, release of lipophilic toxicants during fat metabolism in the nutritionally deprived animals may also provide a contributor to these cumulative effects. Results point to the importance of promoting Chinook salmon recovery to enhance population growth of Southern Resident killer whales. The physiological measures used in this study can also be used to monitor the success of actions aimed at promoting adaptive management of this important apex predator to the Pacific Northwest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K. Wasser
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jessica I. Lundin
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Katherine Ayres
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Seely
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Deborah Giles
- Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Balcomb
- Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Hempelmann
- Northwest Fisheries Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Kim Parsons
- Northwest Fisheries Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Booth
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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18
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Robeck TR, Steinman KJ, O'Brien JK. Characterization and longitudinal monitoring of serum androgens and glucocorticoids during normal pregnancy in the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 247:116-129. [PMID: 28126344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The secretory patterns of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisol (C), and corticosterone (Co) were characterized throughout 28 normal pregnancies until two-months post-partum in eleven killer whales. Effects of fetal sex, dam parity or age, and season were evaluated across either day post-conception (DPC), stage of pregnancy (PRE, EARLY, MID, LATE, POST) or indexed month post-conception (IMPC) using a mixed model linear regression with animal ID and pregnancy number as the random variables. Across DPC, DHEA, A4 and T concentrations were affected (P<0.05) by season, with highest concentrations during spring (DHEA, A4, & T) and summer (A4) as compared to the fall. A significant effect of parity on androgen production was observed only for DHEA, with multiparous females having higher (P=0.01) concentrations than nulliparous females. All three androgens significantly increased with each successive pregnancy stage and IMPC with peak concentrations occurring during IMPC 10 (DHEA), 13 (A4) and 14 (T), respectively. Cortisol was affected by season (P=0.03) with highest concentrations being detected during the months of fall, while Co was only affected by parity (P=0.003) with significant increases observed for primiparous females as compared to nulliparous females. Cortisol and Co concentrations peaked (P<0.05) during IMPC 17 (i.e., the month prior to parturition). The C to Co ratio during pregnancy was 7.4 to 1, indicating that cortisol is the major circulating glucocorticoid studied to date in pregnant killer whales. The significant increase in concentrations of maternal androgens throughout pregnancy, which were unrelated to fetal sex, indicates that they play an important role during killer whale fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, USA.
| | - Karen J Steinman
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| | - Justine K O'Brien
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
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19
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Clark CT, Fleming AH, Calambokidis J, Kellar NM, Allen CD, Catelani KN, Robbins M, Beaulieu NE, Steel D, Harvey JT. Heavy with child? Pregnancy status and stable isotope ratios as determined from biopsies of humpback whales. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:1-13. [PMID: 27766149 PMCID: PMC5070529 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding reproductive rates of wild animal populations is crucially important for management and conservation. Assessing pregnancy status of free-ranging cetaceans has historically been difficult; however, recent advances in analytical techniques have allowed the diagnosis of pregnancy from small samples of blubber tissue. The primary objectives of this study were as follows: (i) to test the efficacy of blubber progesterone assays as a tool for diagnosing pregnancy in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae); (ii) to estimate the pregnancy rate of humpback whales in Monterey Bay, California; and (iii) to investigate the relationship between stable isotopes and reproductive status of these whales. Progesterone concentrations of female whales fell into two distinct groups, allowing for diagnostic separation of pregnant and non-pregnant individuals. Pregnancy rate varied between years of the study (48.4%% in 2011 and 18.5% in 2012), but fell within the range of other estimates of reproductive success for this population. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were examined to investigate the impacts of pregnancy on these values. Neither δ15N nor δ13C varied in a consistent way among animals of different sex or reproductive status. The relationship between δ15N and δ13C was strongly positive for male and non-pregnant female humpbacks; however, no relationship existed for pregnant whales. This difference may be indicative of the effects of pregnancy on δ15N, resulting from tissue synthesis and reduced excretion of nitrogenous waste, as well as on δ13C through increased mobilization of lipid stores to meet the energetic demands of pregnancy. Ultimately, our results support the use of blubber progesterone assays for diagnosing pregnancy in humpback whales and indicate that, when paired with other approaches (e.g. stable isotope analysis), pregnancy status can be an informative tool for addressing questions about animal physiology, ecology and population biology. This information will provide for more effective management and conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey T. Clark
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
- Corresponding author:College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA. Tel: +1 907 474-7824.
| | - Alyson H. Fleming
- Department of Paleobiology and Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013, USA
| | | | - Nicholas M. Kellar
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Camryn D. Allen
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Krista N. Catelani
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Michelle Robbins
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Nicole E. Beaulieu
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Debbie Steel
- Marine Mammal Institute and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - James T. Harvey
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
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