Use of the ACTH challenge test to identify the predominant glucocorticoid in the southern sea otter ( Enhydra lutris nereis)

摘要: After nearly being hunted to extinction during the fur trade of late 20th Century, sea otter (Enhydra lutris) populations have recovered varying degrees their historical range. While overall population numbers and range increased, there are regions in which expansion has occurred at a slower rate and/or animal decreased, may be result chronic stress from variety sources. Some employed glucocorticoid analysis attempts validate these explanations. Our goal was conduct controlled study using otters managed under human care use serum monitor physiology otter. We used standard ACTH challenge test compare cortisol corticosterone responses, thereby identifying primary Fourteen both sexes (five males, nine females), including juveniles, sub-adults adults, participated study. The results testing supported as Sex age did not affect how individual responded or saline injection. Interestingly, injection only confirmed effects on release adrenal glands but also provided information long it takes otter's levels return baseline after capture sedation. insight gained this will aid future efforts better understand role free-ranging populations. Recognition facilitate evaluation more stable biological material, such whiskers, tend less affected by diurnal cycling glucocorticoids.