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Lemos LS, Manfrin da Silva E, Steinman KJ, Robeck TR, Quinete N. Assessment of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and physiological biomarkers in aquarium-based bottlenose dolphins and killer whales. CHEMOSPHERE 2024:143038. [PMID: 39117081 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Environmental concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are considerably increasing due to their extensive use in commercial and consumer products. PFAS bioaccumulate and biomagnify throughout the food chain, and their toxicity and potential adverse health effects can potentially represent a threat to living organisms. In this study, we described PFAS profiles in the serum of two species of zoo-based bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, n = 14 individuals) and killer whales (Orcinus orca, n = 14 individuals) from three locations (California, Florida, and Texas, USA), from 1994-2020. Potential physiological effects of PFAS were also explored by measuring different biomarkers (cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, TBARS, and hydrogen peroxide) while accounting for individual age, sex, and reproductive stage. All PFAS were detected in at least one of the individuals, considering both species. ΣPFAS reached 496 ng.mL-1 in bottlenose dolphins and 230 ng.mL-1 in killer whales. In both species, the PFAS with higher mean concentrations were PFOS (108.0-183.0 ng.ml-1) and PFNA (14.40-85.50 ng.ml-1), which are long-chain compounds. Newborn individuals of both species were also exposed to PFAS, indicating transference via placenta and lactation. Linear mixed model analyses indicated significant correlations between aldosterone, month, year, location, and status; and between hydrogen peroxide, month, year, age, status, ΣPFAS, and Σ short-chain PFAS in killer whales suggesting seasonal variations related to the animal's physiological state (e.g., reproductive cycles, stress responses, weaning events) and increased reactive oxygen species formation due to PFAS exposure. Given our results, other contaminant classes should be investigated in cetaceans as they might have additive and synergistic detrimental effects on these individuals. This study lays the foundation to guide future researchers and highlights the importance of such assessments for animal welfare, and species conservation. Our results may inform management decisions regarding regulations of contaminant thresholds in delphinids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila S Lemos
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA; Emerging Contaminants of Concern Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Florida International University, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA.
| | - Estela Manfrin da Silva
- Emerging Contaminants of Concern Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Florida International University, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA
| | - Karen J Steinman
- Species Preservation Laboratory, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, San Diego, CA, 92109, USA
| | - Todd R Robeck
- Species Preservation Laboratory, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, San Diego, CA, 92109, USA; SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 7007 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando Florida 32821
| | - Natalia Quinete
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA; Emerging Contaminants of Concern Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Florida International University, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA.
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2
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Lemos LS, Di Perna AC, Steinman KJ, Robeck TR, Quinete NS. Assessment of Phthalate Esters and Physiological Biomarkers in Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) and Killer Whales ( Orcinus orca). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1488. [PMID: 38791705 PMCID: PMC11117373 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
There is growing concern about the potential adverse health effects of phthalates (PAEs) on human health and the environment due to their extensive use as plasticizers and additives in commercial and consumer products. In this study, we assessed PAE concentrations in serum samples from aquarium-based delphinids (Tursiops truncatus, n = 36; Orcinus orca, n = 42) from California, Florida, and Texas, USA. To better understand the physiological effects of phthalates on delphinids, we also explored potential correlations between phthalates and the biomarkers aldosterone, cortisol, corticosterone, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde while accounting for sex, age, and reproductive stage. All PAEs were detected in at least one of the individuals. ΣPAE ranges were 5.995-2743 ng·mL-1 in bottlenose dolphins and 5.372-88,675 ng·mL-1 in killer whales. Both species displayed higher mean concentrations of DEP and DEHP. PAEs were detected in newborn delphinids, indicating transference via placenta and/or lactation. Linear mixed model results indicated significant correlations between aldosterone, month, location, status, and ΣPAEs in killer whales, suggesting that aldosterone concentrations are likely affected by the cumulative effects of these variables. This study expands on the knowledge of delphinid physiological responses to PAEs and may influence management and conservation decisions on contamination discharge regulations near these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila S. Lemos
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
- Emerging Contaminants of Concern Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA;
| | - Amanda C. Di Perna
- Emerging Contaminants of Concern Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA;
| | - Karen J. Steinman
- SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, United Parks and Resorts, San Diego, CA 92109, USA; (K.J.S.); (T.R.R.)
| | - Todd R. Robeck
- SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, United Parks and Resorts, San Diego, CA 92109, USA; (K.J.S.); (T.R.R.)
- United Parks and Resorts, 7007 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821, USA
| | - Natalia S. Quinete
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
- Emerging Contaminants of Concern Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA;
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Pirotta E, Fernandez Ajó A, Bierlich KC, Bird CN, Buck CL, Haver SM, Haxel JH, Hildebrand L, Hunt KE, Lemos LS, New L, Torres LG. Assessing variation in faecal glucocorticoid concentrations in gray whales exposed to anthropogenic stressors. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad082. [PMID: 38026800 PMCID: PMC10660368 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad082] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how individual animals respond to stressors behaviourally and physiologically is a critical step towards quantifying long-term population consequences and informing management efforts. Glucocorticoid (GC) metabolite accumulation in various matrices provides an integrated measure of adrenal activation in baleen whales and could thus be used to investigate physiological changes following exposure to stressors. In this study, we measured GC concentrations in faecal samples of Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG) gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) collected over seven consecutive years to assess the association between GC content and metrics of exposure to sound levels and vessel traffic at different temporal scales, while controlling for contextual variables such as sex, reproductive status, age, body condition, year, time of year and location. We develop a Bayesian Generalized Additive Modelling approach that accommodates the many complexities of these data, including non-linear variation in hormone concentrations, missing covariate values, repeated samples, sampling variability and some hormone concentrations below the limit of detection. Estimated relationships showed large variability, but emerging patterns indicate a strong context-dependency of physiological variation, depending on sex, body condition and proximity to a port. Our results highlight the need to control for baseline hormone variation related to context, which otherwise can obscure the functional relationship between faecal GCs and stressor exposure. Therefore, extensive data collection to determine sources of baseline variation in well-studied populations, such as PCFG gray whales, could shed light on cetacean stress physiology and be used to extend applicability to less-well-studied taxa. GC analyses may offer greatest utility when employed as part of a suite of markers that, in aggregate, provide a multivariate measure of physiological status, better informing estimates of individuals' health and ultimately the consequences of anthropogenic stressors on populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Pirotta
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, The Observatory, Buchanan Gardens, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland KY16 9LZ, UK
| | - Alejandro Fernandez Ajó
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - KC Bierlich
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Clara N Bird
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 617 S. Beaver St., Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Samara M Haver
- Cooperative Institute for Marine Ecosystem and Resources Studies, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Joseph H Haxel
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Coastal Sciences Division, 1529 W. Sequim Bay Rd., Sequim, WA 98362, USA
| | - Lisa Hildebrand
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Kathleen E Hunt
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation & Department of Biology, George Mason University, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Leila S Lemos
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
| | - Leslie New
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ursinus College, 601 E Main St, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Leigh G Torres
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA
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Pallin LJ, Botero-Acosta N, Steel D, Baker CS, Casey C, Costa DP, Goldbogen JA, Johnston DW, Kellar NM, Modest M, Nichols R, Roberts D, Roberts M, Savenko O, Friedlaender AS. Variation in blubber cortisol levels in a recovering humpback whale population inhabiting a rapidly changing environment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20250. [PMID: 36424421 PMCID: PMC9686265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24704-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are regularly used as biomarkers of relative health for individuals and populations. Around the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP), baleen whales have and continue to experience threats, including commercial harvest, prey limitations and habitat change driven by rapid warming, and increased human presence via ecotourism. Here, we measured demographic variation and differences across the foraging season in blubber cortisol levels of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) over two years around the WAP. Cortisol concentrations were determined from 305 biopsy samples of unique individuals. We found no significant difference in the cortisol concentration between male and female whales. However, we observed significant differences across demographic groups of females and a significant decrease in the population across the feeding season. We also assessed whether COVID-19-related reductions in tourism in 2021 along the WAP correlated with lower cortisol levels across the population. The decline in vessel presence in 2021 was associated with a significant decrease in humpback whale blubber cortisol concentrations at the population level. Our findings provide critical contextual data on how these hormones vary naturally in a population over time, show direct associations between cortisol levels and human presence, and will enable comparisons among species experiencing different levels of human disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. J. Pallin
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Present Address: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Ocean Health Building, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA
| | - N. Botero-Acosta
- Fundación Macuáticos Colombia, Calle 27 # 79-167, Medellín, Colombia ,Programa Antártico Colombiano, Avenida Ciudad de Cali #51 - 66, Oficina 306, Edificio World Business Center – WBC, Bogotá, D.C. Colombia
| | - D. Steel
- grid.4391.f0000 0001 2112 1969Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365 USA
| | - C. S. Baker
- grid.4391.f0000 0001 2112 1969Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365 USA
| | - C. Casey
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Institute for Marine Science, University of California Santa Cruz, Ocean Health Building, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA ,California Ocean Alliance, 9099 Soquel Ave, Aptos, CA 95003 USA
| | - D. P. Costa
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Present Address: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Ocean Health Building, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA
| | - J. A. Goldbogen
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Biology, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 USA
| | - D. W. Johnston
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516 USA
| | - N. M. Kellar
- grid.422702.10000 0001 1356 4495Marine 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
| | - M. Modest
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Present Address: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Ocean Health Building, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA
| | - R. Nichols
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Ocean Health Building, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA
| | - D. Roberts
- California Ocean Alliance, 9099 Soquel Ave, Aptos, CA 95003 USA
| | - M. Roberts
- California Ocean Alliance, 9099 Soquel Ave, Aptos, CA 95003 USA
| | - O. Savenko
- National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine, 16 Taras Shevchenko Blvd., Kyiv, 01601 Ukraine ,grid.438834.0Ukrainian Scientific Center of Ecology of the Sea, 89 Frantsuzsky Blvd., Odesa, 65009 Ukraine
| | - A. S. Friedlaender
- California Ocean Alliance, 9099 Soquel Ave, Aptos, CA 95003 USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Ocean Health Building, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA
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Melica V, Atkinson S, Calambokidis J, Gendron D, Lang A, Scordino J. Naturally stressed? Glucocorticoid profiles in blubber of blue and gray whales in response to life history parameters. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE 2022; 38:1524-1548. [PMID: 36619002 PMCID: PMC9815209 DOI: 10.1111/mms.12954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to carry out a thorough methodological validation and describe baseline profiles for glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol and corticosterone) in blubber from blue (n = 77) and gray (n = 103) whales from the eastern North Pacific Ocean. For each species, we modelled cortisol and corticosterone concentrations in response to life history parameters (age, sex, reproductive status) and season or geographic location. In blue whales, cortisol concentrations did not vary significantly by age class, sex, or reproductive status, whereas corticosterone was significantly lower in immature than in adult females (p < .001). In gray whales, cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in lactating whales (p < .05), while corticosterone was significantly different between females and males (p = .001) and elevated in calves (p = .003). In gray whales, corticosterone concentrations were significantly lower in males sampled later in the year (August to November) compared to both sexes sampled between March and August (p = .05), but no seasonal trend occurred in blue whales. Our results indicate that glucocorticoid actions vary between species and sex in large whales. Analysis of multiple hormones improves our understanding of the physiology of maintaining metabolic homeostasis or coping with chronic stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Melica
- Fisheries Department, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Juneau, Alaska
| | - Shannon Atkinson
- Fisheries Department, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Juneau, Alaska
| | | | - Diane Gendron
- Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marina (IPN-CICIMAR), La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Aimee Lang
- Ocean Associates Inc., on contract to NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, California
| | - Jonathan Scordino
- Marine Mammal Program, Makah Fisheries Management, Neah Bay, Washington
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Hu D, Tang Y, Wang C, Qi Y, Ente M, Li X, Zhang D, Li K, Chu H. The Role of Intestinal Microbial Metabolites in the Immunity of Equine Animals Infected With Horse Botflies. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:832062. [PMID: 35812868 PMCID: PMC9257286 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.832062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota and its metabolites play an important role in regulating the host metabolism and immunity. However, the underlying mechanism is still not well studied. Thus, we conducted the LC-MS/MS analysis and RNA-seq analysis on Equus przewalskii with and without horse botfly infestation to determine the metabolites produced by intestinal microbiota in feces and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the immune response in blood and attempted to link them together. The results showed that parasite infection could change the composition of microbial metabolites. These identified metabolites could be divided into six categories, including compounds with biological roles, bioactive peptides, endocrine-disrupting compounds, pesticides, phytochemical compounds, and lipids. The three pathways involving most metabolites were lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites. The significant differences between the host with and without parasites were shown in 31 metabolites with known functions, which were related to physiological activities of the host. For the gene analysis, we found that parasite infection could alarm the host immune response. The gene of “cathepsin W” involved in innate and adaptive immune responses was upregulated. The two genes of the following functions were downregulated: “protein S100-A8” and “protein S100-A9-like isoform X2” involved in chemokine and cytokine production, the toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and immune and inflammatory responses. GO and KEGG analyses showed that immune-related functions of defense response and Th17 cell differentiation had significant differences between the host with and without parasites, respectively. Last, the relationship between metabolites and genes was determined in this study. The purine metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism contained the most altered metabolites and DEGs, which mainly influenced the conversion of ATP, ADP, AMP, GTP, GMP, GDP, UTP, UDP, UMP, dTTP, dTDP, dTMP, and RNA. Thus, it could be concluded that parasitic infection can change the intestinal microbial metabolic activity and enhance immune response of the host through the pathway of purine and pyrimidine metabolism. This results will be a valuable contribution to understanding the bidirectional association of the parasite, intestinal microbiota, and host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dini Hu
- Key Laboratory of Non-invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yujun Tang
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Ürümqi, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Altay Management Station of Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Altay, China
| | - Yingjie Qi
- Altay Management Station of Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Altay, China
| | - Make Ente
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Ürümqi, China
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Ürümqi, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Kai Li
| | - Hongjun Chu
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Xinjiang Academy of Forestry, Ürümqi, China
- Hongjun Chu
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Miller LJ, Lauderdale LK, Walsh MT, Bryant JL, Mitchell KA, Granger DA, Mellen JD. Reference intervals and values for fecal cortisol, aldosterone, and the ratio of cortisol to dehydroepiandrosterone metabolites in four species of cetaceans. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250331. [PMID: 34460862 PMCID: PMC8404979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the current study was to create reference intervals and values for several common and one potential novel physiological indicators of animal welfare for four species of cetaceans. The subjects included 189 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), 27 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), eight Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and 13 beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) at Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facilities. During two sampling time periods between July and November of 2018 and between January and April of 2019, fecal samples were collected weekly for five weeks from all animals. Samples were processed and analyzed using enzyme immunoassay for fecal cortisol, aldosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) metabolites. Linear mixed models were used to examine demographic and time factors impacting hormone metabolite concentrations. Age, sex, and time of year were all significant predictors for some of the models (p < 0.01). An iOS mobile application ZooPhysioTrak was created for easy access to species-specific reference intervals and values accounting for significant predictors. For facilities without access to this application, additional reference intervals and values were constructed without accounting for significant predictors. Information gained from this study and the use of the application can provide reference intervals and values to make informed management decisions for cetaceans in zoological facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Jocelyn L. Bryant
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kevin A. Mitchell
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
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Moore MJ, Rowles TK, Fauquier DA, Baker JD, Biedron I, Durban JW, Hamilton PK, Henry AG, Knowlton AR, McLellan WA, Miller CA, Pace RM, Pettis HM, Raverty S, Rolland RM, Schick RS, Sharp SM, Smith CR, Thomas L, der Hoop JMV, Ziccardi MH. REVIEW: Assessing North Atlantic right whale health: threats, and development of tools critical for conservation of the species. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2021; 143:205-226. [PMID: 33629663 DOI: 10.3354/dao03578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Whaling has decimated North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis (NARW) since the 11th century and southern right whales E. australis (SRW) since the 19th century. Today, NARWs are Critically Endangered and decreasing, whereas SRWs are recovering. We review NARW health assessment literature, NARW Consortium databases, and efforts and limitations to monitor individual and species health, survival, and fecundity. Photographs are used to track individual movement and external signs of health such as evidence of vessel and entanglement trauma. Post-mortem examinations establish cause of death and determine organ pathology. Photogrammetry is used to assess growth rates and body condition. Samples of blow, skin, blubber, baleen and feces quantify hormones that provide information on stress, reproduction, and nutrition, identify microbiome changes, and assess evidence of infection. We also discuss models of the population consequences of multiple stressors, including the connection between human activities (e.g. entanglement) and health. Lethal and sublethal vessel and entanglement trauma have been identified as major threats to the species. There is a clear and immediate need for expanding trauma reduction measures. Beyond these major concerns, further study is needed to evaluate the impact of other stressors, such as pathogens, microbiome changes, and algal and industrial toxins, on NARW reproductive success and health. Current and new health assessment tools should be developed and used to monitor the effectiveness of management measures and will help determine whether they are sufficient for a substantive species recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Moore
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA 02543, USA Co-authors' addresses given in a supplement; www.int-res.com/articles/suppl/d143p205_supp.pdf
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Steinman KJ, Robeck TR. Establishing models of corticosteroid patterns during the life history of killer whales (Orcinus orca) under human care. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 301:113664. [PMID: 33220299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of corticosteroids and their metabolites as a physiologic measure of stress in wildlife species is increasing in both in and ex situ populations. However, factors such as season, circadian rhythm, sex and age are also known to influence corticosteroid production in wildlife. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of these variables on serum cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone and their fecal metabolites in zoo-based killer whales (Orcinus orca). For evaluation of season, sex and age, we examined 30 animals (21 females, 9 males), and for circadian rhythm, we studied 18 animals (10 females, 8 males). Season did not influence corticosteroids (P ≥ 0.19). Circadian rhythm influenced all corticosteroids (P ≤ 0.012). Serum cortisol and corticosterone were highest in the morning and lower by mid-day and evening. Serum aldosterone was lowest during mid-day and highest in the evening. Excreted corticosteroid metabolites were higher in the morning and mid-day compared to evening (P ≤ 0.002). Serum cortisol was higher in males than females (P = 0.011). The inverse was observed for fecal corticosterone metabolites (P = 0.03). Serum corticosterone increased with age in all animals (P = 0.002), but serum cortisol increased with age in males only (P < 0.001). Finally, combining previously published data and these data reported herein, we developed models of corticosteroid patterns for zoo-based killer whales during life history events, including circadian variation, pregnancy and acute stress that may serve as a guide for evaluating stress physiology and animal welfare in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Steinman
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - T R Robeck
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, San Diego, CA, USA
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10
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Graham KM, Burgess EA, Rolland RM. Stress and reproductive events detected in North Atlantic right whale blubber using a simplified hormone extraction protocol. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coaa133. [PMID: 33489237 PMCID: PMC7808127 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As studies quantifying steroid hormones in marine mammal blubber progress, methodological refinements may improve the utility and consistency of blubber hormone measurements. This study advances blubber extraction methodologies by testing a simplified extraction protocol that reduces time and complexity compared to a protocol widely used in cetacean blubber studies. Using blubber samples archived from remote biopsy (n = 21 live whales) and necropsy collection (n = 7 dead whales) of North Atlantic right whales (NARW; Eubalaena glacialis) of known life history states, we performed analytical and biological validations to assess the feasibility of measuring reproductive (testosterone, progesterone) and glucocorticoid (cortisol) hormones in blubber via enzyme immunoassay following the simplified extraction. Analytical validations (parallelism, accuracy, extraction efficiency, repeatability) showed the simplified extraction produced similar results to the extended protocol, offering a more efficient and consistent technique. In live, apparently healthy whales, blubber testosterone concentrations (mean ± SE) were significantly higher in males (2.02 ± 0.36 ng/g) compared to females (0.81 ± 0.15 ng/g). Blubber progesterone was highest in a confirmed pregnant female (60.3 ng/g), which was 12-fold greater than the mean concentration of non-pregnant females (4.56 ± 0.88 ng/g). Blubber cortisol concentrations in whales that died from anthropogenic causes averaged 5.31 ± 2.28 ng/g, whereas most live, healthy whales had cortisol values below 1 ng/g. Among living whales, a whale actively entangled in fishing gear had the highest blubber cortisol measurement (3.51 ng/g), exhibiting levels similar to whales that died from acute entanglement (2.88 ± 0.42 ng/g). Overall, the highest blubber cortisol concentration (18.0 ng/g) was measured in a dead whale with a severe chronic entanglement, approximately 30-fold greater than mean blubber cortisol of apparently healthy whales (0.58 ± 0.11 ng/g). The methodological approach presented here provides a reference for researchers interested in an alternative, streamlined technique for hormone extraction of cetacean blubber and contributes to the diverse tool set for stress and reproductive assessments of endangered NARWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Graham
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Burgess
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Rosalind M Rolland
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA
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11
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Pujade Busqueta L, Crocker DE, Champagne CD, McCormley MC, Deyarmin JS, Houser DS, Khudyakov JI. A blubber gene expression index for evaluating stress in marine mammals. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa082. [PMID: 32904591 PMCID: PMC7456562 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Evaluating the impacts of anthropogenic disturbance on free-ranging marine mammal populations, many of which are in decline, requires robust diagnostic markers of physiological stress and health. However, circulating levels of canonical 'stress hormones' such as glucocorticoids, which are commonly used to evaluate animal health, do not capture the complexity of species-specific responses and cannot be easily measured in large, fully aquatic marine mammals. Alternatively, expression of stress-responsive genes in hormone target tissues such as blubber, the specialized subcutaneous adipose tissue that can be manually or remotely sampled from many marine mammals, may be a more informative and sensitive indicator of recent (within 24 h) exposure to stressors. We previously identified genes that were upregulated in the inner blubber of juvenile northern elephant seals during experimental stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In this study, we measured baseline expression levels of a subset of these genes in inner blubber of unmanipulated juvenile elephant seals of varying physiological states and correlated them with other stress markers (body condition index, corticosteroid and thyroid hormone levels). Expression of 10 genes, including those associated with lipid metabolism (ACSL1, HMGCS2, CDO1), redox homeostasis (GPX3), adipokine signaling (ADIPOQ), lipid droplet formation (PLIN1, CIDEA) and adipogenesis (DKK1, AZGP1, TGFBI), was described by three principal components and was associated with cortisol and thyroid hormone levels. Significantly, baseline gene expression levels were predictive of circulating hormone levels, suggesting that these markers may be potential indicators of exposure to stressors in marine mammal species that are inaccessible for blood sampling. A similar approach may be used to identify species-specific stress markers in other tissues that can be sampled by remote biopsy dart from free-ranging marine mammals, such as outer blubber and skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pujade Busqueta
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
| | - Daniel E Crocker
- Biology Department, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, USA
| | | | - Molly C McCormley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
| | - Jared S Deyarmin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
| | | | - Jane I Khudyakov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
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12
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Bechshoft T, Wright AJ, Styrishave B, Houser D. Measuring and validating concentrations of steroid hormones in the skin of bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa032. [PMID: 32431813 PMCID: PMC7221262 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A previously published analytical method demonstrated the quantification of the hormone cortisol in cetacean skin. However, little is known about the transfer of hormones between blood and skin. Recognizing that such information is essential to effectively using skin samples within marine mammal stress research, the primary goals of this study were to (i) expand on the number of steroid hormones proved quantifiable in the cetacean skin matrix and (ii) validate the use of cetacean skin as a matrix for measuring stress-related hormones. Five adult bottlenose dolphins were subjected to an out of water stress test. Non-invasive sloughed skin samples were collected from each dolphin: once ~3 and once ~1 week prior to the stress test; at the time of the stress test; and twice weekly for 11 to 17 weeks subsequent to the stress test. LCMS/MS analysis of the samples recovered consistent data on three corticosteroids (cortisol, aldosterone, corticosterone), two androgens (testosterone, DHEA) and one progestagen (progesterone). A range of other hormones were also quantifiable, although not consistently so across samples. Results demonstrated that the hormonal response to an acute stressor could be detected in skin: the time from stress test to skin cortisol peak was an average of 46 days, whereas it was 55 days for corticosterone and 47 days for aldosterone. Results also showed that baseline hormonal concentrations were obtainable from skin samples collected during or immediately after the animals were subjected to the acute stressor. This study further develops and validates a non-invasive method for measuring cortisol and other hormones related to stress, health, and reproduction in the skin of cetaceans, potentially supporting investigations of acute and chronic stress, such as cetacean endocrine responses to distinct (e.g. naval sonar exposure) or prolonged stressors (e.g. shipping noise).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Bechshoft
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Andrew J Wright
- Ocean and Ecosystem Sciences Division, Maritimes Region Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Dr., PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Toxicology and Drug Metabolism Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen OE, Denmark
| | - Dorian Houser
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
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13
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Ames EM, Gade MR, Nieman CL, Wright JR, Tonra CM, Marroquin CM, Tutterow AM, Gray SM. Striving for population-level conservation: integrating physiology across the biological hierarchy. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa019. [PMID: 32274066 PMCID: PMC7125044 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The field of conservation physiology strives to achieve conservation goals by revealing physiological mechanisms that drive population declines in the face of human-induced rapid environmental change (HIREC) and has informed many successful conservation actions. However, many studies still struggle to explicitly link individual physiological measures to impacts across the biological hierarchy (to population and ecosystem levels) and instead rely on a 'black box' of assumptions to scale up results for conservation implications. Here, we highlight some examples of studies that were successful in scaling beyond the individual level, including two case studies of well-researched species, and using other studies we highlight challenges and future opportunities to increase the impact of research by scaling up the biological hierarchy. We first examine studies that use individual physiological measures to scale up to population-level impacts and discuss several emerging fields that have made significant steps toward addressing the gap between individual-based and demographic studies, such as macrophysiology and landscape physiology. Next, we examine how future studies can scale from population or species-level to community- and ecosystem-level impacts and discuss avenues of research that can lead to conservation implications at the ecosystem level, such as abiotic gradients and interspecific interactions. In the process, we review methods that researchers can use to make links across the biological hierarchy, including crossing disciplinary boundaries, collaboration and data sharing, spatial modelling and incorporating multiple markers (e.g. physiological, behavioural or demographic) into their research. We recommend future studies incorporating tools that consider the diversity of 'landscapes' experienced by animals at higher levels of the biological hierarchy, will make more effective contributions to conservation and management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Ames
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Meaghan R Gade
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Chelsey L Nieman
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - James R Wright
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Christopher M Tonra
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Cynthia M Marroquin
- Departmant of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 318 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Annalee M Tutterow
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Suzanne M Gray
- School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Corresponding author: School of the Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Tel: 614-292-4643.
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Lemos LS, Olsen A, Smith A, Chandler TE, Larson S, Hunt K, Torres LG. Assessment of fecal steroid and thyroid hormone metabolites in eastern North Pacific gray whales. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa110. [PMID: 33304590 PMCID: PMC7720082 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Baleen whale fecal samples have high potential for endocrine monitoring, which can be used as a non-invasive tool to identify the physiological response to disturbance events and describe population health and vital rates. In this study, we used commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to validate and quantify fecal steroid (progestins, androgens and glucocorticoids) and thyroid hormone metabolite concentrations in eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) along the Oregon coast, USA, from May to October of 2016-2018. Higher mean progestin metabolite concentrations were observed in postweaning females, followed by pregnant females. Mean androgen, glucocorticoid and thyroid metabolites were higher in mature males. Progestin, glucocorticoids and thyroid fecal metabolites varied significantly by year, with positive correlations between progestin and androgen, and between glucocorticoid and thyroid metabolites. We also present two case studies of a documented injured whale and a mature male displaying reproductive competitive behavior, which provide reference points for physiologically stressed individuals and adult breeding males, respectively. Our methods and findings advance the knowledge of baleen whale physiology, can help guide future research on whale physiology and can inform population management and conservation efforts regarding minimizing the impact of anthropogenic stressors on whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila S Lemos
- Fisheries and Wildlife Department, Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365, USA
- Corresponding author: Fisheries and Wildlife Department, Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365, USA. Tel: +1 (971) 3409610.
| | - Amy Olsen
- Conservation Programs and Partnerships, Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Angela Smith
- Conservation Programs and Partnerships, Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Todd E Chandler
- Fisheries and Wildlife Department, Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Shawn Larson
- Conservation Programs and Partnerships, Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Kathleen Hunt
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Leigh G Torres
- Fisheries and Wildlife Department, Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365, USA
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15
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Hunt KE, Robbins J, Buck CL, Bérubé M, Rolland RM. Evaluation of fecal hormones for noninvasive research on reproduction and stress in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 280:24-34. [PMID: 30951726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Fecal hormone analysis shows high potential for noninvasive assessment of population-level patterns in stress and reproduction of marine mammals. However, the marine environment presents unique challenges for fecal sample collection. Data are still lacking on collection methodology and assay validations for most species, particularly for those mysticete whales that have variable diets. In this study we tested collection techniques for fecal samples of free-swimming humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), and validated immunoassays for five steroid and thyroid hormones. Resulting data were used for preliminary physiological validations, i.e., comparisons to independently confirmed sex and reproductive state. Pregnant females had significantly higher fecal progestins and glucocorticoids than did other demographic categories of whales. Two possible cases of previously undetected pregnancies were noted. Males had significantly higher fecal testosterone metabolites than nonpregnant females. Fecal glucocorticoids were significantly elevated in pregnant females and mature males compared to nonpregnant females. Calf fecal samples had elevated concentrations of all fecal hormones. Fecal thyroid hormones showed a significant seasonal decline from spring to summer. Though sample sizes were small, and sampling was necessarily opportunistic, these patterns indicate that noninvasive fecal hormone analysis may facilitate studies of reproduction, stress and potentially energetics in humpback whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Hunt
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, New England, Boston, MA 02110, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA.
| | - Jooke Robbins
- Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Martine Bérubé
- Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA; Marine Evolution and Conservation, Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rosalind M Rolland
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, New England, Boston, MA 02110, USA
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16
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Edwards KL, Edes AN, Brown JL. Stress, Well-Being and Reproductive Success. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1200:91-162. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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17
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Hunt KE, Lysiak NSJ, Matthews CJD, Lowe C, Fernández Ajó A, Dillon D, Willing C, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Ferguson SH, Moore MJ, Buck CL. Multi-year patterns in testosterone, cortisol and corticosterone in baleen from adult males of three whale species. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy049. [PMID: 30254748 PMCID: PMC6148970 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Male baleen whales have long been suspected to have annual cycles in testosterone, but due to difficulty in collecting endocrine samples, little direct evidence exists to confirm this hypothesis. Potential influences of stress or adrenal stress hormones (cortisol, corticosterone) on male reproduction have also been difficult to study. Baleen has recently been shown to accumulate steroid hormones during growth, such that a single baleen plate contains a continuous, multi-year retrospective record of the whale's endocrine history. As a preliminary investigation into potential testosterone cyclicity in male whales and influences of stress, we determined patterns in immunoreactive testosterone, two glucocorticoids (cortisol and corticosterone), and stable-isotope (SI) ratios, across the full length of baleen plates from a bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), a North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) and a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), all adult males. Baleen was subsampled at 2 cm (bowhead, right) or 1 cm (blue) intervals and hormones were extracted from baleen powder with methanol, followed by quantification of all three hormones using enzyme immunoassays validated for baleen extract of these species. Baleen of all three males contained regularly spaced peaks in testosterone content, with number and spacing of testosterone peaks corresponding well to SI data and to species-specific estimates of annual baleen growth rate. Cortisol and corticosterone exhibited some peaks that co-occurred with testosterone peaks, while other glucocorticoid peaks occurred independent of testosterone peaks. The right whale had unusually high glucocorticoids during a period with a known entanglement in fishing gear and a possible disease episode; in the subsequent year, testosterone was unusually low. Further study of baleen testosterone patterns in male whales could help clarify conservation- and management-related questions such as age of sexual maturity, location and season of breeding, and the potential effect of anthropogenic and natural stressors on male testosterone cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Hunt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Nadine S J Lysiak
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cory J D Matthews
- Arctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Carley Lowe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Alejandro Fernández Ajó
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Danielle Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Cornelia Willing
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Steven H Ferguson
- Arctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Michael J Moore
- Marine Mammal Center, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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18
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Champagne CD, Kellar NM, Trego ML, Delehanty B, Boonstra R, Wasser SK, Booth RK, Crocker DE, Houser DS. Comprehensive endocrine response to acute stress in the bottlenose dolphin from serum, blubber, and feces. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 266:178-193. [PMID: 29852162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Several hormones are potential indicators of stress in free-ranging animals and provide information on animal health in managed-care settings. In response to stress, glucocorticoids (GC, e.g. cortisol) first appear in circulation but are later incorporated into other tissues (e.g. adipose) or excreted in feces or urine. These alternative matrices can be sampled remotely, or by less invasive means, than required for blood collection and are especially valuable in highly mobile species, like marine mammals. We characterized the timing and magnitude of several hormones in response to a stressor in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the subsequent incorporation of cortisol into blubber, and its metabolites excreted in feces. We evaluated the endocrine response to an acute stressor in bottlenose dolphins under managed care. We used a standardized stress protocol where dolphins voluntarily beached onto a padded platform and remained out of water for two hours; during the stress test blood samples were collected every 15 min and blubber biopsies were collected every hour (0, 60, and 120 min). Each subject was studied over five days: voluntary blood samples were collected on each of two days prior to the stress test; 1 and 2 h after the conclusion of the out-of-water stress test; and on the following two days after the stress test. Fecal samples were collected daily, each afternoon. The acute stressor resulted in increases in circulating ACTH, cortisol, and aldosterone during the stress test, and each returned to baseline levels within 2 h of the dolphin's return to water. Both cortisol and aldosterone concentrations were correlated with ACTH, suggesting both corticosteroids are at least partly regulated by ACTH. Thyroid hormone concentrations were generally unaffected by the acute stressor. Blubber cortisol increased during the stress test, and fecal GC excretion was elevated on the day of the stress test. We found that GCs in bottlenose dolphins can recover within hours of acute stress, and that cortisol release can be detected in alternate matrices within a few hours-within 2 h in blubber, and 3.5-5 h in fecal samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory D Champagne
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Dr Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, United States.
| | - Nicholas M Kellar
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Marisa L Trego
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States; Ocean Associates, Inc., 4007 N Abingdon St, Arlington, VA 22207, United States
| | - Brendan Delehanty
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rudy Boonstra
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel K Wasser
- Center for Conservation Biology Box 351800, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Rebecca K Booth
- Center for Conservation Biology Box 351800, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Daniel E Crocker
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University. 1801 E. Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, United States
| | - Dorian S Houser
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Dr Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, United States
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19
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Madliger CL, Love OP, Hultine KR, Cooke SJ. The conservation physiology toolbox: status and opportunities. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy029. [PMID: 29942517 PMCID: PMC6007632 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
For over a century, physiological tools and techniques have been allowing researchers to characterize how organisms respond to changes in their natural environment and how they interact with human activities or infrastructure. Over time, many of these techniques have become part of the conservation physiology toolbox, which is used to monitor, predict, conserve, and restore plant and animal populations under threat. Here, we provide a summary of the tools that currently comprise the conservation physiology toolbox. By assessing patterns in articles that have been published in 'Conservation Physiology' over the past 5 years that focus on introducing, refining and validating tools, we provide an overview of where researchers are placing emphasis in terms of taxa and physiological sub-disciplines. Although there is certainly diversity across the toolbox, metrics of stress physiology (particularly glucocorticoids) and studies focusing on mammals have garnered the greatest attention, with both comprising the majority of publications (>45%). We also summarize the types of validations that are actively being completed, including those related to logistics (sample collection, storage and processing), interpretation of variation in physiological traits and relevance for conservation science. Finally, we provide recommendations for future tool refinement, with suggestions for: (i) improving our understanding of the applicability of glucocorticoid physiology; (ii) linking multiple physiological and non-physiological tools; (iii) establishing a framework for plant conservation physiology; (iv) assessing links between environmental disturbance, physiology and fitness; (v) appreciating opportunities for validations in under-represented taxa; and (vi) emphasizing tool validation as a core component of research programmes. Overall, we are confident that conservation physiology will continue to increase its applicability to more taxa, develop more non-invasive techniques, delineate where limitations exist, and identify the contexts necessary for interpretation in captivity and the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Madliger
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Ontario, Canada
| | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin R Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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20
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McCormley MC, Champagne CD, Deyarmin JS, Stephan AP, Crocker DE, Houser DS, Khudyakov JI. Repeated adrenocorticotropic hormone administration alters adrenal and thyroid hormones in free-ranging elephant seals. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy040. [PMID: 30034809 PMCID: PMC6048993 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the physiological response of marine mammals to anthropogenic stressors can inform marine ecosystem conservation strategies. Stress stimulates the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and synthesis of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones, which increase energy substrate availability while suppressing energy-intensive processes. Exposure to repeated stressors can potentially affect an animal's ability to respond to and recover from subsequent challenges. To mimic repeated activation of the HPA axis by environmental stressors (or challenges), we administered adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to free-ranging juvenile northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris; n = 7) once daily for 4 days. ACTH administration induced significant elevation in circulating cortisol and aldosterone levels. The cortisol responses did not vary in magnitude between the first ACTH administration on Day 1 and the last administration on Day 4. In contrast, aldosterone levels remained elevated above baseline for at least 24 h after each ACTH injection, and responses were greater on Day 4 than Day 1. Total triiodothyronine (tT3) levels were decreased on Day 4 relative to Day 1, while reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) concentrations increased relative to baseline on Days 1 and 4 in response to ACTH, indicating a suppression of thyroid hormone production. There was no effect of ACTH on the sex steroid dehydroepiandrosterone. These data suggest that elephant seals are able to mount adrenal responses to multiple ACTH administrations. However, repeated ACTH administration resulted in facilitation of aldosterone secretion and suppression of tT3, which may impact osmoregulation and metabolism, respectively. We propose that aldosterone and tT3 are informative additional indicators of repeated stress in marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly C McCormley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Cory D Champagne
- Conservation and Biological Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jared S Deyarmin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Alicia P Stephan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Daniel E Crocker
- Biology Department, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, USA
| | - Dorian S Houser
- Conservation and Biological Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jane I Khudyakov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
- Conservation and Biological Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA 95211, USA.
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Hunt KE, Lysiak NS, Moore M, Rolland RM. Multi-year longitudinal profiles of cortisol and corticosterone recovered from baleen of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 254:50-59. [PMID: 28919447 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Research into stress physiology of mysticete whales has been hampered by difficulty in obtaining repeated physiological samples from individuals over time. We investigated whether multi-year longitudinal records of glucocorticoids can be reconstructed from serial sampling along full-length baleen plates (representing ∼10years of baleen growth), using baleen recovered from two female North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) of known reproductive history. Cortisol and corticosterone were quantified with immunoassay of subsamples taken every 4cm (representing ∼60d time intervals) along a full-length baleen plate from each female. In both whales, corticosterone was significantly elevated during known pregnancies (inferred from calf sightings and necropsy data) as compared to intercalving intervals; cortisol was significantly elevated during pregnancies in one female but not the other. Within intercalving intervals, corticosterone was significantly elevated during the first year (lactation year) and/or the second year (post-lactation year) as compared to later years of the intercalving interval, while cortisol showed more variable patterns. Cortisol occasionally showed brief high elevations ("spikes") not paralleled by corticosterone, suggesting that the two glucocorticoids might be differentially responsive to certain stressors. Generally, immunoreactive corticosterone was present in higher concentration in baleen than immunoreactive cortisol; corticosterone:cortisol ratio was usually >4 and was highly variable in both individuals. Further investigation of baleen cortisol and corticosterone profiles could prove fruitful for elucidating long-term, multi-year patterns in stress physiology of large whales, determined retrospectively from stranded or archived specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Hunt
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, New England, Boston, MA 02110, USA.
| | - Nadine S Lysiak
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, New England, Boston, MA 02110, USA; Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Michael Moore
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Rosalind M Rolland
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, New England, Boston, MA 02110, USA
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Hunt KE, Lysiak NS, Robbins J, Moore MJ, Seton RE, Torres L, Buck CL. Multiple steroid and thyroid hormones detected in baleen from eight whale species. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 5:cox061. [PMID: 29230292 PMCID: PMC5691779 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cox061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that some hormones are present in baleen powder from bowhead (Balaena mysticetus) and North Atlantic right (Eubalaena glacialis) whales. To test the potential generalizability of this technique for studies of stress and reproduction in large whales, we sought to determine whether all major classes of steroid and thyroid hormones are detectable in baleen, and whether these hormones are detectable in other mysticetes. Powdered baleen samples were recovered from single specimens of North Atlantic right, bowhead, blue (Balaenoptera [B.]musculus), sei (B. borealis), minke (B. acutorostrata), fin (B. physalus), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) and gray (Eschrichtius robustus) whales. Hormones were extracted with a methanol vortex method, after which we tested all species with commercial enzyme immunoassays (EIAs, Arbor Assays) for progesterone, testosterone, 17β-estradiol, cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine, representing a wide array of steroid and thyroid hormones of interest for whale physiology research. In total, 64 parallelism tests (8 species × 8 hormones) were evaluated to verify good binding affinity of the assay antibodies to hormones in baleen. We also tested assay accuracy, although available sample volume limited this test to progesterone, testosterone and cortisol. All tested hormones were detectable in baleen powder of all species, and all assays passed parallelism and accuracy tests. Although only single individuals were tested, the consistent detectability of all hormones in all species indicates that baleen hormone analysis is likely applicable to a broad range of mysticetes, and that the EIA kits tested here perform well with baleen extract. Quantification of hormones in baleen may be a suitable technique with which to explore questions that have historically been difficult to address in large whales, including pregnancy and inter-calving interval, age of sexual maturation, timing and duration of seasonal reproductive cycles, adrenal physiology and metabolic rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Hunt
- Biological Sciences & Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Corresponding author: Biological Sciences & Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ 86011, USA. Tel (cell): +1-928-523-0634;
| | | | | | - Michael J Moore
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | | | - Leigh Torres
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Biological Sciences & Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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