Validation of an enzyme immunoassay for the non-invasive measurement of faecal androgen metabolites in spinifex hopping mice (Notomys alexis)

Williams-Kelly, Kelly S.; Robert, Kylie A.; Palme, Rüpert; Fanson, Kerry V.

doi:10.1071/am22025

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…For example, in a study investigating the ovarian cycle in Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicoris), GnRH administration led to an increase in luteinizing hormone concentrations in urine [39]. Additionally, this approach was previously successfully used to stimulate the production of androgens in the testes of spinifex hopping mice (Notomys alexis) [40] and domestic/house mice (Mus musculus f. domesticus) [41] to validate the monitoring of androgens in faeces. Both studies showed significant increases in fAM concentrations following GnRH administration.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-Invasive Quantification of Faecal and Urine Reproductive Hormone Metabolites in the Naked Mole-Rat (Heterocephalus glaber)

Majelantle,

Ganswindt,

Ganswindt

et al. 2023

Animals

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The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) occurs in colonies with a distinct dominance hierarchy, including one dominant, breeding female (the queen), 1–3 breeding males, and non-reproductive subordinates of both sexes that are reproductively suppressed while in the colony. To non-invasively evaluate reproductive capacity in the species, we first had to examine the suitability of enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for determining progestogen and androgen metabolite concentrations in the naked mole-rat, using urine and faeces. A saline control and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were administered to twelve (six males and six females) naked mole-rats which were previously identified as dispersers and housed singly. The results revealed that urine is possibly not an ideal matrix for progestogen and androgen metabolite quantification in naked mole-rats as no signal was detected in the matrix post GnRH administration. A 5α-Progesterone EIA and an Epiandrosterone EIA were identified as suitable for quantifying faecal progesterone metabolites (fPMs) and faecal androgen metabolites (fAMs) in males and females, respectively. The results suggest that there are individual variations in baseline fPM and fAM concentrations, and only two out of six females and no males exhibited an increase in fPM concentrations greater than 100% (−20% SD) post GnRH administration. Conversely, only four out of six females and three out of six males had an increase in fAM concentrations greater than 100% (−20% SD) following GnRH administration. These results imply that some naked mole-rat individuals have a reduced reproductive capacity even when they are separated from the queen.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%