A non-invasive method for measuring glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) in Mountain hares (Lepus timidus)

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated a non-invasive method for measuring glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) in the Mountain hare (Lepus timidus). An adrenocorticotrophic hormone challenge test was performed in order to select an appropriate enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to measure faecal GCM. Finally, an 11-oxoaetiocholanolone EIA and a 5α-pregnane-3β,11β,21-triol-20-one EIA were chosen. Both assays showed small fluctuations in baseline values and a clear response after stimulation of the adrenocortical activity. To test the stability of faecal metabolites under field conditions, the effects of different storage conditions and periods on GCM concentrations were examined. The assays revealed low fluctuations in metabolite concentrations within the storage period of 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, both at ambient temperatures of 10°C and 25°C, respectively. A washing-out effect of water was found for both assays, which must be taken into account in field studies. The results indicate that this non-invasive method can be used to evaluate glucocorticoid levels of free-ranging Mountain hares.

Measuring stress in wildlife: techniques for quantifying glucocorticoids

“…FGM levels can be affected by environmental conditions (Rehnus et al 2009;Washburn and Millspaugh 2002), age of the samples (Millspaugh and Washburn 2004), and bacterial or microbial degradation after defecation (Eriksson and Gustafsson 1970;Möstl et al 1999Möstl et al , 2005Lexen et al 2008). Fecal samples collected under field conditions often cannot be preserved immediately, and the length of time between excretion and collection is often not known (depending upon interval of checking live-traps).…”

“…In the cytosol, free cortisol can also be converted to the inert form cortisone, via 11b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11b-HSD) (free corticosterone is converted to the inert 11-dehydrocorticosterone under the same action). This action can protect tissues and organs (e.g., kidney) from activation of GR and MR. (Rosner 1990;Smith et al 1996;de Kloet et al 1999;Matthews 2002;Owen et al 2005;Malisch and Breuner 2010) (e.g., Lepus timidus vs. L. americanus; Rehnus et al 2009;Sheriff et al 2009b).…”

Determining Adrenocortical Activity as a Measure of Stress in African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) Based on Faecal Analysis

“…As the two group-specific 11-oxoaetiocholanolone EIAs recognize different groups of metabolites, it is not surprising that their suitability varies across species as hormone metabolism is highly species specific. In European (Lepus europaeus) and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) for example, the 11,17-DOA EIA appear to be suitable for monitoring adrenocortical function (Teskey-Gerstl et al 2000;Sheriff et al 2009), whereas, for example, in African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and mountain hares (Lepus timidus) only the 3~,11oxo-CM EIA (Ganswindt et al 2003;Rehnus et al 2009), and in goats both EIAs (Kleinsasser et al 2010) reflect adrenocortical activity adequately. Although the EIA measuring 11,17-DOA seems to perform slightly better and was therefore used for all subsequent analyses, both assays would be suited to provide information on the level of stress experienced by African buffalos.…”

Short-term effects of tagging on activity and movement patterns of Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber)

“…blood parameters and/or faeces; Bosson et al 2012;Harcourt et al 2010;Rehnus et al 2009;Sheriff et al 2011). Indeed, capture effects might only be physiological (Kock et al 1987;Meyer et al 2008) and do not necessarily imply visible behavioural changes.…”