Utility of serum progesterone and prolactin analysis for assessing reproductive status in the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

Concentrations of serum progesterone and prolactin were assessed during the perioestrous period and throughout gestation in the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) as a means of generating information of potential use to managers. In > 95% of perioestrous periods (n=35), behavioural oestrus (as determined by bull interest, mounting and/or breeding) coincided with the onset of increased serum progesterone concentrations at the beginning of the luteal phase and continued through Day 7 (Day 1 = first significant serum progesterone rise). Within individuals, 1- to 2-day transient decreases (P < 0.05) in serum progesterone occurred between Days 2 and 9. Notably, no sexual behaviour was observed in any female after this transient fall in progesterone. Prolactin concentrations fluctuated randomly throughout the perioestrous period, with no clear pattern. During the study, four females conceived (one conceived twice), and two delivered three viable offspring. Serum progesterone was elevated above baseline throughout gestation, and then declined precipitously 2-3 days before parturition. Serum prolactin concentrations were significantly elevated above baseline (P < 0.05) after 5-6 months of gestation and remained high until after parturition. This study confirms that serum progesterone and prolactin analyses are useful tools for monitoring the reproductive status of Asian elephant females. Specifically, the transition from low to high progesterone secretion during the late interluteal/early luteal phase is predictive of oestrus and can be used to coordinate breeding efforts. Pregnancy can be confirmed by elevated serum prolactin after 6 months postbreeding, whereas the late gestational decrease in progesterone is predictive of impending parturition.

Shrew metabolic rates and thyroxine utilization

Elevated basal metabolic rates (BMR) in shrews have been observed for over 40 years, yet no one has investigated the physiological basis for this phenomenon. This paper reports on investigations of thyroid function in a shrew (Sorex vagrans), and in three rodent species for comparison. The utilization rate of thyroxine in shrews is found to be much higher than for any of the rodents, and is correlated with BMR expressed as a percentage of the predicted BMR. It is concluded that the unusually high thyroxine utilization rates of Sorex are an important, if not the sole, determinant of their elevated metabolic rates.

Regional deficiency of secretory IgA in a patient with combined immunodeficiency of the ADA deficient type

The IgA system in a patient with SCID and ADA deficiency showed heterogeneity. Serum IgA and stool secretory IgA (SIgA) levels were normal, but with altered kappa/lambda and A1/A2 subclass ratios; IgA in saliva and urine was deficient. Amounts of secretory component were normal. Jejunal and rectal biopsies showed prominent lymphonodular hyperplasia, but no cells containing IgA. A normal serum IgA level therefore does not always predict an intact secretory IgA system.