Effects of a simulated wolf encounter on brain and blood biomarkers of stress-related psychological disorders in beef cows with or without previous exposure to wolves

摘要: This experiment compared mRNA expression of brain-blood biomarkers associated with stress-related psychological disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in beef cows from wolf-naive and wolf-experienced origins that were subjected to a simulated wolf encounter. Multiparous, non-pregnant, non-lactating Angus-crossbred the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center (Burns, OR; CON; = 10) commercial operation near Council, ID (WLF; used. To date, gray wolves are not present around Burns, OR, thus CON naive wolves. Conversely, ID, WLF selected herd had experienced multiple wolf-predation episodes 2008 2015. After 60-d commingling adaptation period, allocated groups A or B (d -1; 5 each group). On d 0, group sampled for blood immediately slaughtered, samples analyzed evaluate inherent differences between cows. 1, exposed pairs (1 1 cow) experimental procedures. Cows blood, moved 2 adjacent drylot pens cow/pen) encounter event 20 min. The consisted (1) cotton plugs saturated urine attached fence, (2) reproduction howls, (3) three leashed dogs walked along fence perimeter. Thereafter, another sample was collected slaughtered. Upon slaughter, brain removed dissected collection hypothalamus, one longitudinal slice medial pre-frontal cortex, amygdala, Cornu Ammonis region hippocampus both hemispheres). Within A, amygdala greater ( < 0.01) vs. B, hippocampal c less ≤ 0.04) These key biological markers known be downregulated during disorders elicited by fear, particularly PTSD. Hence, originated presented evidence suggesting disorder, such as PTSD, after when herd.