Evaluation of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide concentration in healthy bottlenose dolphins (<i>Tursiops truncates</i>)

Abstract

There are currently no standard methods for diagnosing cardiac diseases in dolphins. These diseases may consequently be overlooked and go undiagnosed. The presence and severity of cardiac diseases in humans can be determined using blood tests. Human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) used in human cardiac examinations has low species specificity. There have already been reports of homology between dolphin ANP and hANP; however, its potential for clinical application in dolphins has not been tested. This study was conducted to establish a reference for plasma hANP levels in healthy bottlenose dolphins. Healthy bottlenose dolphins (seven females; estimated to be 7-30 years of age) at an aquarium in Japan were sampled. Each animal was tested for hANP at least three times, and the mean value and standard deviation were calculated to be 43.4 ± 19.2 pg/mL. In humans, patients with high plasma hANP levels have a poor prognosis. In veterinary medicine, cutoff values for the diagnosis of mitral regurgitation and heart failure in dogs have been established and used to predict prognosis. The results of the present study may contribute to the health management of bottlenose dolphins, particularly in the early detection and treatment of cardiac disease. KEYWORDS: bottlenose dolphin, cardiac disease human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP), normal mean value, water immersion.