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Burger M, Webster AB, Majelantle TL, Scheun J, Ganswindt A. Method development: Assigning sex to African clawless otter spraints and assessing stability of faecal androgen and progestagen metabolites post-defaecation. MethodsX 2024; 13:102883. [PMID: 39206057 PMCID: PMC11350257 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Monitoring reproductive physiology in wildlife can be a useful tool for assessing population dynamics for conservation and management purposes. Utilizing non-invasive approaches for this, such as quantifying reproductive hormone metabolites from faeces, can be challenging when defaecation events are not observed, or when cryptic species like African clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) are involved. Additionally, test systems for quantifying hormone metabolites in a species for the first time must first be reliably validated prior to use. Our results indicate that Epiandrosterone and Progesterone EIAs are most suitable for determining fAM and fPM concentrations in African clawless otter spraints. The fAM:fPM ratio and respective thresholds are more reliable in sex identification compared to the separate use of individual hormone classes. Sex-related hormone metabolite concentrations remained comparable for up to 12hrs post-defaecation in both sexes.•We screened two androgen and two progestagen enzyme-immunoassays (EIAs) for suitability and reliable quantification of faecal androgen metabolites (fAM) and faecal progestagen metabolites (fPM) in African clawless otters.•We assessed whether the ratio of fAM:fPM concentrations can be used to assign sex to faecal samples from unknown individuals.•We tested the stability of fAM and fPM concentrations post-defaecation to determine the effects of environmental exposure and bacterial metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marli Burger
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andrea B. Webster
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tshepiso L. Majelantle
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Juan Scheun
- Department Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Laktionova T, Kvasha I, Voznessenskaya V. Male Body Odor Affects Emotional State, LH, and Cortisol Secretion in Women of Different Age Groups. Brain Sci 2024; 14:721. [PMID: 39061461 PMCID: PMC11274401 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14070721] [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: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hormone changes across women's menstrual cycles may lead to changes in their perceptions of chemical signals and their hormonal responses to these cues. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of menstrual cycle phase in the response to extracts of male axillary secretions (EMAS) in women. We tested healthy reproductive age and premenopausal women (n = 29). An EMAS/control solution was applied once every two hours during either the follicular or luteal phase, at which point saliva samples for luteinizing hormone (LH) and cortisol monitoring were collected. LH and cortisol concentrations were analyzed using the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique. Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) scores were used to assess the participants' moods. For the first time, we showed that EMAS may produce opposite effects on LH secretion depending on the menstrual cycle phase of the recipient. We observed a significant increase in the number of LH peaks (p = 0.0447) and their amplitudes (p = 0.0469) when EMAS was applied during the follicular phase, while the same application in the luteal phase lowered the amplitudes of LH peaks (p = 0.0382). For the first time, we showed that EMAS application increased salivary cortisol levels in reproductive age women relative to premenopausal women (p = 0.0032). PANAS scores revealed changes in positive and negative affect after EMAS application. Our data indicate the significance of the menstrual cycle phase for EMAS' effects on LH secretion and mood, but not on cortisol secretion in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Laktionova
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 33 Leninski Prospect, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Kvasha
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 33 Leninski Prospect, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vera Voznessenskaya
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 33 Leninski Prospect, 119071 Moscow, Russia
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Medger K, Prins A, Lutermann H, Ganswindt A, Ganswindt SB, Bennett NC. Repeatability of daily profiles of baseline glucocorticoid metabolites measured in the urine and faeces of eastern rock sengis (Elephantulus myurus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 312:113857. [PMID: 34284023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113857] [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: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Repeatability of hormone concentrations is of great interest for studies investigating the evolution of hormonal traits. Particularly the repeatability of glucocorticoids (GCs) in response to a stressor is frequently investigated, but often only point (initial and/or response value), or single measures are used. A new method takes into account the entire individual hormone profile and generates an individual profile repeatability (PR) score. The method was developed for response profiles, but it may also be valuable for baseline values in species with diurnal changes in hormone concentrations. GCs are determined in a variety of matrices, and repeatability can vary considerably depending on the matrix. We investigated the repeatability of baseline GC metabolite (GCM) concentrations measured in urine (uGCM) and faeces (fGCM) of captive eastern rock sengis (Elephantulus myurus) using the more traditional linear mixed model approach and the PR method. GCMs were assessed over 24 h and measurements were repeated twice with two weeks between replicates. A diurnal rhythm in GCM concentrations associated with the activity period of the sengis was found in urine, but not in the faeces. Urinary GCM concentrations exhibited a moderate repeatability, whereas the repeatability of fGCM concentrations was low. Urinary GCM concentrations and their repeatability differed between the sexes; with higher concentrations and lower PR scores in females. No such sex differences were apparent for fGCM concentrations and the PR score was not able to characterise repeatability of fGCM concentrations, which were lacking a distinct profile. The PR score enabled a successful quantification of the repeatability of the diurnal uGCM profiles. Hormone profile, sex and sample matrix can affect hormonal traits considerably and the results may be obscured if these factors are not carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Medger
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa.
| | - André Prins
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Heike Lutermann
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - André Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Stefanie B Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; SARChI Chair of Mammal Behavioural Ecology and Physiology, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
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Wolf TE, Arif A, Bennett NC, Ganswindt A. Noninvasive measurements of ovarian activity in Beira antelope (Dorcatragus megalotis). Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 54:275-279. [PMID: 30246895 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As the natural habitat of more and more species becomes depleted, captive breeding programmes have become established to bring species back from the brink of extinction. Monitoring the reproductive status of an individual is essential in order to improve breeding success. Traditional methods have involved stressful blood sampling, and thus noninvasive methods have been proven to be reliable alternatives for monitoring reproductive function in both captive and free-ranging animals. Subsequently, noninvasive methods have become an invaluable tool in longitudinal studies and conservation efforts, as animals can be observed without, or minimal human contact. The Beira antelope is a small antelope endemic to the northern part of the Horn of Africa. Population numbers of the Beira have been declining over the last few decades due to habitat fragmentation. We show here that the reproductive cycle of female Beira antelopes can be monitored noninvasively, by using faecal samples to analyse oestrogen (fEM) as well as progestagen (fPM) metabolites. The profiles of fPM and fEM of both females showed regular cyclic patterns in which the follicular and luteal phases could be distinguished. The overall mean cycle length is 22 days (range: 21-25 days), with a mean length of the follicular phase of 6 days (range: 4-7 days) and a mean length for the luteal phase being 15 days (range: 12-16 days). The suitability of these noninvasive techniques should assist in optimizing breeding efforts of this endemic small antelope in captivity. Being noninvasive, this method could also be a useful tool for monitoring reproductive function in the dwindling wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja E Wolf
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Abdi Arif
- Wildlife & Veterinary Service, Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - André Ganswindt
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Medger K, Bennett NC, Lutermann H, Ganswindt A. Non-invasive assessment of glucocorticoid and androgen metabolite levels in cooperatively breeding Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 266:202-210. [PMID: 29782838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Dominant females of cooperative breeding species often use aggression to suppress reproduction of subordinate females, resulting in subordinates experiencing stress-related increases in glucocorticoid levels, which may cause reproductive down-regulation. This would suggest a general pattern with higher glucocorticoid levels in subordinate compared to dominant individuals; however, the opposite was found in a number of cooperatively breeding species. Furthermore, breeding females of the cooperatively breeding Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis) exhibit very high androgen concentrations during the wet season, presumably to support their breeding monopoly. Hormone analysis in Damaraland mole-rats have typically been measured using plasma and urine, but faecal analysis offers additional advantages especially for field studies on this species. The present study examines the suitability of Damaraland mole-rat faecal samples for determining glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) and androgen metabolite (fAM) concentrations using enzyme immunoassays. Using these assays, we further evaluated the effects of breeding status on fGCM and fAM concentrations in wild-caught and captive Damaraland mole-rats. Wild-caught breeding and non-breeding males and females exhibited no differences in fAM concentrations. Immunoreactive fGCM concentrations were only high in male breeders and comparatively low in non-breeders and breeding females. Concentrations of fAMs and fGCMs were similar in captive males and females, but fAM concentrations were elevated in captive compared to wild-caught individuals, which may be related to a higher reproductive activity due to removal from the breeding female. The relatively uniform fAM and fGCM concentrations found in wild-caught mole-rats may be explained by a stable colony structure during the dry season during which this study was conducted. Limited dispersal opportunities result in lower aggression and stress levels within a colony and as a result lower fAM and fGCM concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Medger
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa.
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; SARChI Chair of Mammal Behavioural Ecology and Physiology, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Heike Lutermann
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
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de Bruin R, Ganswindt A, Bennett NC, Medger K. The influence of food restriction and photoperiod on reproduction in male spiny mice ( Acomys spinosissimus ): Evidence for terminal investment? Mamm Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Kvasha IG, Laktionova TK, Voznessenskaya VV. The Presentation Rate of Chemical Signals of the Domestic Cat Felis catus Affects the Reproductive Status of the House Mouse. BIOL BULL+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359018030081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Katandukila JV, Bennett NC. Pattern of ovulation in the East African root rat (Tachyoryctes splendens) from Tanzania: induced or spontaneous ovulator? CAN J ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2015-0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The East African root rat (Tachyoryctes splendens (Rüppell, 1835)) is a solitary subterranean rodent that exhibits a marked seasonal reproduction linked to the bimodal rainfall pattern of East Africa. The current study sets out to determine whether the East African root rat is an induced or spontaneous ovulator. Five wild caught adult females were monitored noninvasively for ovarian cyclicity by measuring urinary progesterone every 2 days over a period of 120 days. Females were subjected to three different experimental treatments, namely, initially singly housed or control (C), nonphysical contact with a male (NPC), and physical contact with a vasectomised male (PC), respectively. The concentration of urinary progesterone was higher during PC than during either NPC or C. The act of coitus appears to be necessary for ovulation to occur in the females. The male East African root rats were found to possess epidermal spines on the penis that can be used to bring about cervical stimulation during coitus. The spines result in the induction of ovulation as has been proposed for other solitary subterranean rodents. The findings from the female progesterone profiles and the assessment of penile morphology suggest that the female East African root rat is an induced ovulator stimulated by penile intromission during coitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jestina V. Katandukila
- Departments of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, Republic of South Africa
- Department of Zoology, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nigel C. Bennett
- Departments of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, Republic of South Africa
- South African Research Chair for Mammal Behavioural Ecology and Physiology, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, Republic of South Africa
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Pribbenow S, Wachter B, Ludwig C, Weigold A, Dehnhard M. Validation of an enzyme-immunoassay for the non-invasive monitoring of faecal testosterone metabolites in male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 228:40-47. [PMID: 26828820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the sex hormone testosterone is the major endocrine variable to objectify testicular activity and thus reproductive function in males. Testosterone is involved in the development and function of male reproductive physiology and sex-related behaviour. The development of a reliable androgen enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) to monitor faecal testosterone metabolites (fTM) is a powerful tool to non-invasively assess the gonadal status of males. We validated an epiandrosterone EIA for male cheetahs by performing a testosterone radiometabolism study followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses and excluding possible cross-reactivities with androgenic metabolites not derived from testosterone metabolism. The physiological and biological relevance of the epiandrosterone EIA was validated by demonstrating (1) a significant increase in fTM concentrations within one day in response to a testosterone injection, (2) a significant increase in fTM concentrations within one day in response to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection, which failed following a placebo injection, and (3) significant differences in fTM concentrations between adult male and adult female cheetahs and between adult and juvenile male cheetahs of a free-ranging population. Finally, we demonstrated stability of fTM concentrations measured in faecal samples exposed to ambient temperatures up to 72h. Our results clearly demonstrate that the epiandrosterone EIA is a reliable non-invasive method to monitor testicular activity in male cheetahs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Pribbenow
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 19315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Bettina Wachter
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 19315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Carsten Ludwig
- Allwetterzoo Münster, Westfälischer Zoologischer Garten Münster GmbH, Sentruper Str. 315, 48161 Münster, Germany.
| | - Annika Weigold
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 19315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martin Dehnhard
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 19315 Berlin, Germany.
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de Bruin PR, Ganswindt A, Bennett NC, Medger K. The pattern of ovulation in the southern African spiny mouse (Acomys spinosissimus). Mamm Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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