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Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE2016; (110); 53479; doi: 10.3791/53479

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids.

Abstract: Adrenal activity can be assessed in the equine species by analysis of feces for corticosterone metabolites. During a potentially aversive situation, corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) is released from the hypothalamus in the brain. This stimulates the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates release of glucocorticoids from the adrenal gland. In horses the glucocorticoid corticosterone is responsible for several adaptations needed to support equine flight behaviour and subsequent removal from the aversive situation. Corticosterone metabolites can be detected in the feces of horses and assessment offers a non-invasive option to evaluate long term patterns of adrenal activity. Fecal assessment offers advantages over other techniques that monitor adrenal activity including blood plasma and saliva analysis. The non-invasive nature of the method avoids sampling stress which can confound results. It also allows the opportunity for repeated sampling over time and is ideal for studies in free ranging horses. This protocol describes the enzyme linked immunoassay (EIA) used to assess feces for corticosterone, in addition to the associated biochemical validation.
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Publication Date: 2016-04-25 PubMed ID: 27168477PubMed Central: PMC4941988DOI: 10.3791/53479Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research looks at the analysis of horse feces for corticosterone metabolites as a non-invasive approach to monitor adrenal activity. It offers comparative advantages over other methods like blood plasma and saliva analysis, as it eliminates sampling stress and enables repeated study over time, especially helpful in the research of free-range horses.

Introduction

  • The research focuses on a non-invasive method to monitor adrenal activity in equids (horses, donkeys, and zebras) through the examination of their feces to detect glucocorticoid corticosterone metabolites. Glucocorticoids are the hormones produced by adrenal glands in response to stimuli such as stress or danger.

Theory and Procedure

  • When an equine encounters an adverse situation, the hypothalamus in its brain initiates a response. It releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), which then encourages the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
  • ACTH administration leads the adrenal gland to excrete glucocorticoids. In equines, glucocorticoid corticosterone triggers several adaptations, allowing escape from the disturbing situation.
  • Corticosterone metabolites are detectable in the feces of horses. The researchers argue that fecal analysis provides a non-invasive alternative to measuring long term patterns of adrenal activity in these creatures.

Advantages of Fecal Analysis

  • Blood plasma and saliva analysis are traditional techniques for monitoring adrenal activity. However, this research points out that fecal assessment comes with benefits over these methods. Given its non-invasive nature, it eliminates the concern of sampling stress that often confounds results.
  • Another major advantage of this method is the possibility of repeated sampling over time. It is particularly beneficial for studies involving free-range horses, where frequent or continuous monitoring may be required.

Protocol and Validation

  • The research also describes the enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA), a specific technique used to examine feces for corticosterone. It involves an enzymatic biochemical test that can identify and quantify substances like hormones, antibodies, and antigens.
  • The scientists additionally discuss the biochemical validation associated with the EIA procedure, providing a solid evidence base for the reliability and effectiveness of this test in the assessment of adrenal activity in equids.

Cite This Article

APA
Yarnell K, Purcell RS, Walker SL. (2016). Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids. J Vis Exp(110), 53479. https://doi.org/10.3791/53479

Publication

Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE
ISSN: 1940-087X
NlmUniqueID: 101313252
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 110
PII: 53479

Researcher Affiliations

Yarnell, Kelly
  • School of Animal Rural and Environmental Science, Nottingham Trent University; kelly.yarnell@ntu.ac.uk.
Purcell, Rebecca S
  • Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester.
Walker, Susan L
  • Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester.

MeSH Terms

  • Adrenal Glands / metabolism
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Corticosterone / metabolism
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / analysis
  • Glucocorticoids / metabolism
  • Horses / metabolism
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques / methods
  • Male
  • Reproducibility of Results

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Wang Y, Zhang G, Jiang H, Liu D, Hu X, Qian F. Dynamic changes in the hormones of black-necked cranes during reproduction. Conserv Physiol 2022;10(1):coac040.
    doi: 10.1093/conphys/coac040pubmed: 36937702google scholar: lookup
  2. Botía M, Escribano D, Martínez-Subiela S, Tvarijonaviciute A, Tecles F, López-Arjona M, Cerón JJ. Different Types of Glucocorticoids to Evaluate Stress and Welfare in Animals and Humans: General Concepts and Examples of Combined Use. Metabolites 2023 Jan 9;13(1).
    doi: 10.3390/metabo13010106pubmed: 36677031google scholar: lookup
  3. Share ER, Mastellar SL, Suagee-Bedore JK, Eastridge ML. Validation of a Commercial ELISA Kit for Non-Invasive Measurement of Biologically Relevant Changes in Equine Cortisol Concentrations. Animals (Basel) 2024 Oct 1;14(19).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14192831pubmed: 39409780google scholar: lookup
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