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Chen LD, Santos-Rivera M, Burger IJ, Kouba AJ, Barber DM, Vance CK. Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) as a Method for Biological Sex Discrimination in the Endangered Houston Toad ( Anaxyrus houstonensis). Methods Protoc 2021; 5:4. [PMID: 35076558 PMCID: PMC8788558 DOI: 10.3390/mps5010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological sex is one of the more critically important physiological parameters needed for managing threatened animal species because it is crucial for informing several of the management decisions surrounding conservation breeding programs. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive technology that has been recently applied in the field of wildlife science to evaluate various aspects of animal physiology and may have potential as an in vivo technique for determining biological sex in live amphibian species. This study investigated whether NIRS could be used as a rapid and non-invasive method for discriminating biological sex in the endangered Houston toad (Anaxyrus houstonensis). NIR spectra (N = 396) were collected from live A. houstonensis individuals (N = 132), and distinct spectral patterns between males and females were identified using chemometrics. Linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) classified the spectra from each biological sex with accuracy ≥ 98% in the calibration and internal validation datasets and 94% in the external validation process. Through the use of NIRS, we have determined that unique spectral signatures can be holistically captured in the skin of male and female anurans, bringing to light the possibility of further application of this technique for juveniles and sexually monomorphic species, whose sex designation is important for breeding-related decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Dunn Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (L.-D.C.); (M.S.-R.)
| | - Mariana Santos-Rivera
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (L.-D.C.); (M.S.-R.)
| | - Isabella J. Burger
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (I.J.B.); (A.J.K.)
| | - Andrew J. Kouba
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (I.J.B.); (A.J.K.)
| | - Diane M. Barber
- Department of Ectotherms, Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth, TX 76110, USA;
| | - Carrie K. Vance
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (L.-D.C.); (M.S.-R.)
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Lamb SD, Altobelli JT, Easton LJ, Godfrey SS, Bishop PJ. Captive Hamilton’s frog (Leiopelma hamiltoni) associates non-randomly under retreat sites: preliminary insights into their social networks. NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2021.1994426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon D. Lamb
- Zoology Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Luke J. Easton
- Zoology Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Germano JM, Cree A, Molinia F, Arregui L, Bishop PJ. Hormone treatment does not reliably induce spermiation or mating in Hamilton. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:447-452. [PMID: 34437832 DOI: 10.1071/rd21061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Amidst a global amphibian decline, captive breeding has become an important component of many conservation management programs. Some species fail to readily reproduce in captivity, including leiopelmatid frogs, an archaic lineage endemic to New Zealand. Assisted reproductive technologies can improve the reproductive potential and genetic management of captive programs. Herein we describe efforts to induce spermiation and mating in the threatened Hamilton's frog Leiopelma hamiltoni using a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist and human chorionic gonadotrophin. The spermiation response was poor, with few individuals releasing spermatozoa and a low sperm concentration (mean (±s.e.) 27.4±8.5×103 spermatozoa mL-1) when spermiation was stimulated. The sperm concentration peaked 12-24h after hormone administration, suggesting this species may be slower to react than other anurans. Spermic urine was present in five males before hormone treatment. The sperm concentration was higher in this group (128.7±54.9×103 spermatozoa mL-1) than in the hormone-induced males. All spermatozoa observed exhibited no motility or, at most, a limited swaying movement with no forward progression. In separate hormone induction trials with 60 individuals (two males to one female per trial), no mating was exhibited during the 12h after treatment. Further studies to hormonally stimulate gamete release and mating are needed in leiopelmatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Germano
- Terrestrial Science Unit, Department of Conservation, Nelson, Aotearoa, New Zealand; and Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand; and Corresponding author
| | - Alison Cree
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - Frank Molinia
- Ecosystems and Conservation, Maanaki Whenua Landcare Research, Auckland, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - Lucia Arregui
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiologia, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Phillip J Bishop
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand
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Blecher AS, Ganswindt A, Scheun J. Scales of our lives: Sex identification of Temminck's pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) using scales retrieved out of the illegal wildlife trade. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 308:113782. [PMID: 33862053 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammals, with their scales in high demand. Scales are often the only part of the animal confiscated from the trade, but they represent accessible material for forensic investigations, including for sexing. This study aimed to develop a sexing tool for Temminck's pangolin, using scales for hormone quantification. Scales from males and females were liquidised using keratinase and the resulting suspension analysed for progestagen and androgen metabolite (scPM and scAM) concentrations. Scale PM and scAM concentrations were compared between sexes, while overall median values for scPM and scAM, as well as a ratio of scPM to scAM (P/A) were used as boundary values for sex identification. Neither scPM nor scAM concentrations were significantly different between the sexes and concentrations of a juvenile and sub-adult male overlapped with females, possibly indicating later sexual maturity in males. Boundary values for scAM concentrations and the P/A ratio predicted sex with 100% accuracy for females and 78% for males, while the accuracies for the scPM boundary value were lower. When only adult individuals are considered, scAM and P/A ratio boundaries are 100% accurate for both sexes. Therefore, scale hormone ratios show promise as a sex identification tool for Temminck's pangolin, particularly applicable in forensic investigations on the pangolin trade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arantxa S Blecher
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - André Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Biodiversity Research Services, National Zoological Gardens, South Africa
| | - Juan Scheun
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Biodiversity Research Services, National Zoological Gardens, South Africa; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa
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5
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Santymire RM, Sacerdote-Velat AB, Gygli A, Keinath DA, Poo S, Hinkson KM, McKeag EM. Using dermal glucocorticoids to determine the effects of disease and environment on the critically endangered Wyoming toad. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab093. [PMID: 35186296 PMCID: PMC8849142 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Amphibian populations are declining worldwide, and increased exposure to environmental stressors, including global climate change and pathogens like Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), may be contributing to this decline. Our goal was to use a novel dermal swabbing method to measure glucocorticoid (GC) hormones and investigate the relationship among disease and environmental conditions in the critically endangered Wyoming toad (Anaxyrus baxteri). Our objectives were to (i) validate the use of dermal swabs to measure GCs using an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge on eight captive toads (4 ACTH: 2 M, 2F and 4 saline as a control: 2 M, 2F), (ii) investigate stress physiology and disease status of toads across six reintroduction sites and (iii) compare dermal cortisol between reintroduced and captive toads. Dermal cortisol peaked immediately after the ACTH and saline injections. Faecal GC metabolites (FGMs) were significantly higher one week after the ACTH injection compared with the week before. Saline-injected toads had no change in FGM over time. Toads were only found in three reintroduction sites and dermal cortisol was similar across sites; however, reintroduced toads had higher dermal cortisol in August compared with June and compared with captive individuals. Bd status did not influence dermal cortisol concentrations. Dermal and faecal hormonal metabolite analyses can be used to study amphibian stress physiology and learn how environmental conditions are impacting population success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Santymire
- Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, 100 Piedmont Avenue SE, Fourth floor, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
- Corresponding author: Georgia State University, 100 Piedmont Avenue SE, Fourth floor, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. Tel: +1 404-413-5300.
| | | | - Andrew Gygli
- US Fish & Wildlife Service, Wyoming Ecological Services Field Office, 334 Parsley Boulevard, Cheyenne, WY, 82007, USA
| | - Douglas A Keinath
- US Fish & Wildlife Service, Wyoming Ecological Services Field Office, 334 Parsley Boulevard, Cheyenne, WY, 82007, USA
| | - Sinlan Poo
- Department of Conservation & Research, Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 599, State University, Jonesboro, AR 72467, USA
| | - Kristin M Hinkson
- Department of Conservation & Research, Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
| | - Elizabeth M McKeag
- USDA Forest Service, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, 104 Airport Drive, Grangeville, ID 83530, USA
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Ruiz-Fernández MJ, Jiménez S, Fernández-Valle E, García-Real MI, Castejón D, Moreno N, Ardiaca M, Montesinos A, Ariza S, González-Soriano J. Sex Determination in Two Species of Anuran Amphibians by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasound Techniques. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2142. [PMID: 33217993 PMCID: PMC7698606 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether gender determination in two amphibian species (Kaloula pulchra and Xenopus laevis) can be reliably carried out by means of magnetic resonance imaging (benchtop magnetic resonance imaging; BT-MRI) or ultrasound (high-resolution ultrasound; HR-US) techniques. Two species of healthy, sexually mature anurans have been used in the present study. Eight Kaloula (blind study) and six Xenopus were used as controls. Magnetic resonance imaging experiments were carried out on a low-field (1 Tesla) benchtop-MRI (BT-MRI) system. HR-US examination was performed with high-resolution equipment. Low-field BT-MRI images provided a clear and quantifiable identification of all the sexual organs present in both genders and species. The HR-US also allowed the identification of testes and ovaries in both species. Results indicate that BT-MRI allowed a very precise sex identification in both anuran species, although its use is limited by the cost of the equipment and the need for anesthesia. HR-US allowed an accurate identification of ovaries of both species whereas a precise identification of testes is limited by the ultrasonographer experience. The main advantages of this technique are the possibility of performing it without anesthesia and the higher availability of equipment in veterinary and zoo institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Ruiz-Fernández
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Avenida Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.J.R.-F.); (M.I.G.-R.)
| | - Sara Jiménez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, Avenida José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.J.); (N.M.)
| | - Encarnación Fernández-Valle
- Unidad de RMN—CAI Bioimagen Complutense, Universidad Complutense, Paseo de Juan XXIII 1, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.F.-V.); (D.C.)
| | - M. Isabel García-Real
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Avenida Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.J.R.-F.); (M.I.G.-R.)
| | - David Castejón
- Unidad de RMN—CAI Bioimagen Complutense, Universidad Complutense, Paseo de Juan XXIII 1, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.F.-V.); (D.C.)
| | - Nerea Moreno
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, Avenida José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.J.); (N.M.)
| | - María Ardiaca
- Centro Veterinario Los Sauces, Calle de Santa Engracia 63, 28010 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Andrés Montesinos
- Centro Veterinario Los Sauces, Calle de Santa Engracia 63, 28010 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Salvador Ariza
- Centro Veterinario Los Sauces, Calle de Santa Engracia 63, 28010 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Juncal González-Soriano
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología, Sección Departamental de Anatomía y Embriología (Veterinaria), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Avenida Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Easton LJ, Bishop PJ, Whigham PA. Balancing act: modelling sustainable release numbers for translocations. Anim Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. J. Easton
- Department of Conservation Te Kūiti New Zealand
- Department of Zoology University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - P. J. Bishop
- Department of Zoology University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - P. A. Whigham
- Department of Information Science University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
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8
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Narayan EJ, Forsburg ZR, Davis DR, Gabor CR. Non-invasive Methods for Measuring and Monitoring Stress Physiology in Imperiled Amphibians. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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de Bruijn R, Romero LM. The role of glucocorticoids in the vertebrate response to weather. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 269:11-32. [PMID: 30012539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the environment related to inclement weather can threaten survival and reproductive success both through direct adverse exposure and indirectly by decreasing food availability. Glucocorticoids, released during activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as part of the stress response, are an important candidate for linking vertebrate coping mechanisms to weather. This review attempts to determine if there is a consensus response of glucocorticoids to exposure to weather-related stimuli, including food availability, precipitation, temperature and barometric pressure. The included studies cover field and laboratory studies for all vertebrate taxa, and are separated into four exposure periods, e.g., hours, days, weeks and months. Each reported result was assigned a score based on the glucocorticoid response, e.g., increased, no change, or decreased. Short-term exposure to weather-related stimuli, of up to 24 h, is generally associated with increased glucocorticoids (79% of studies), suggesting that these stimuli are perceived as stressors by most animals. In contrast, the pattern for exposures longer than 24 h shows more variation, even though a majority of studies still report an increase (64%). Lack of glucocorticoid increases appeared to result from instances where: (1) prolonged exposure was a predictable part of the life history of an animal; (2) environmental context was important for the ultimate effect of a stimulus (e.g., precipitation limited food availability in one environment, but increased food in another); (3) prolonged exposure induced chronic stress; and (4) long-term responses appeared to reflect adaptations to seasonal shifts, instead of to short-term weather. However, there is a strong bias towards studies in domesticated laboratory species and wild animals held in captivity, indicating a need for field studies, especially in reptiles and amphibians. In conclusion, the accumulated literature supports the hypothesis that glucocorticoids can serve as the physiological mechanism promoting fitness during inclement weather.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert de Bruijn
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| | - L Michael Romero
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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Calatayud NE, Stoops M, Durrant BS. Ovarian control and monitoring in amphibians. Theriogenology 2017; 109:70-81. [PMID: 29325879 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian evolution spans over 350 million years, consequently this taxonomic group displays a wide, complex array of physiological adaptations and their diverse modes of reproduction are a prime example. Reproduction can be affected by taxonomy, geographic and altitudinal distribution, and environmental factors. With some exceptions, amphibians can be categorized into discontinuous (strictly seasonal) and continuous breeders. Temperature and its close association with other proximate and genetic factors control reproduction via a tight relationship with circadian rhythms which drive genetic and hormonal responses to the environment. In recent times, the relationship of proximate factors and reproduction has directly or indirectly lead to the decline of this taxonomic group. Conservationists are tackling the rapid loss of species through a wide range of approaches including captive rescue. However, there is still much to be learned about the mechanisms of reproductive control and its requirements in order to fabricate species-appropriate captive environments that address a variety of reproductive strategies. As with other taxonomic groups, assisted reproductive technologies and other reproductive monitoring tools such as ultrasound, hormone analysis and body condition indices can assist conservationists in optimizing captive husbandry and breeding. In this review we discuss some of the mechanisms of ovarian control and the different tools being used to monitor female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- N E Calatayud
- San Diego Zoo Global, Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States.
| | - M Stoops
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220, United States
| | - B S Durrant
- San Diego Zoo Global, Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States
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Graham KM, Kouba AJ, Langhorne CJ, Marcec RM, Willard ST. Biological sex identification in the endangered dusky gopher frog (Lithobates sevosa): a comparison of body size measurements, secondary sex characteristics, ultrasound imaging, and urinary hormone analysis methods. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2016; 14:41. [PMID: 27484119 PMCID: PMC4969659 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0174-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate sex identification techniques are important for wildlife demographic studies and for genetic management of captive breeding colonies. Various non-invasive methods for identification of biological sex in the weakly dimorphic endangered dusky gopher frog (DGF; Lithobates sevosa) were explored to support planned recovery efforts for this species including breeding and augmentation of wild populations. METHODS Body size (snout-vent length and body weight) measurements, observation of nuptial pads, ultrasound imaging, and urinary hormone analysis for testosterone and estrone were performed on 27 male and 19 female DGFs. For each method, the mean and range of measurement values were determined for male and female DGFs housed in a captive breeding population. The ability of these methods to accurately predict the true biological sex of the individuals was assessed retrospectively. RESULTS Body size measurements were of limited use for sex identification purposes, as males and females demonstrated overlapping body lengths and weights. Observation of the presence/absence of nuptial pads in males and females, respectively, proved to be accurate and easy to perform in most cases. Ultrasound imaging was useful for predicting the sex of female frogs, particularly when females were gravid. Commercial enzyme immunoassay kits were validated to measure urinary hormones in the DGF. Mean urinary testosterone (males: 2.22 ± 0.38 ng/ml; females: 0.92 ± 0.11 ng/ml) and estrone (males: 0.08 ± 0.01 ng/ml; females: 1.50 ± 0.39 ng/ml) concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) different between the sexes. However, there was some overlap in hormone concentrations between the sexes. When a ratio of testosterone (T) to estrone (E) concentrations was calculated for each individual, males demonstrated significantly greater T/E ratios compared to females (p < 0.05). Use of this ratio showed greater accuracy in predicting the sex of the animal compared to using testosterone or estrone concentrations alone. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring for presence/absence of nuptial pads and using urinary testosterone to estrone hormone ratios were the most accurate methods for identifying the biological sex of adult DGFs. Urinary hormone measurements for sex identification may be useful in other weakly dimorphic and monomorphic amphibian species in both ex situ and in situ settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Graham
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Starkville, MS 39762 USA
| | - Andrew J. Kouba
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Starkville, MS 39762 USA
| | - Cecilia J. Langhorne
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Starkville, MS 39762 USA
| | - Ruth M. Marcec
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Starkville, MS 39762 USA
| | - Scott T. Willard
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Starkville, MS 39762 USA
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12
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Reilly S, Essner R, Wren S, Easton L, Bishop PJ. Movement patterns in leiopelmatid frogs: Insights into the locomotor repertoire of basal anurans. Behav Processes 2015; 121:43-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Liang Q, Xu W, Hong Q, Xiao C, Yang L, Ma Z, Wang Y, Tan H, Tang X, Gao Y. Rapid comparison of metabolites in humans and rats of different sexes using untargeted UPLC-TOFMS and an in-house software platform. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2015; 21:801-821. [PMID: 26764310 DOI: 10.1255/ejms.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Metabolite differences between sexes have rarely been observed in a global manner, but it has recently been made possible by the advancement in metabolomics techniques. In this study, untargeted ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry and an in-house software platform were used for a rapid comparison of sex differences in urinary metabolites in humans and in urinary and serum metabolites in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. In addition, the species differences of urinary metabolites between humans and SD rats were also observed. Principle component analysis showed that all the observed metabolite sex differences were more distinct in SD rats than in humans, indicating that the sex differences of human urinary metabolites is small compared with that of SD rats. In SD rats, the observed metabolite sex differences were more distinct in urine than in serum, indicating the importance of urine analysis for metabolomics studies. The species differences in the urinary metabolites of humans and SD rats were much more distinct than any of the observed sex differences. Many sex- and species-related markers were discovered and putatively identified. In both humans and SD rats, steroid metabolites appeared to constitute a major sex difference in urinary metabolites. This provides new proof of the special importance of steroid metabolites in sex differences from an untargeted metabolomics investigation, which is rare for sex differences. Contrary patterns involving adrenocortical activity appeared to exist between rodents and humans, which agrees with previous reports. In the serum metabolites of SD rats, sex differences in ascorbic acid or its isomer and pantothenic acid or its isomer, but not in steroid metabolites, were prominent. Human-specific α-N- phenylacetyl-l-glutamine and androsterone glucuronide were among the putative identities of the markers discriminating humans and SD rats. This study demonstrated the feasibility of an in-house software platform and provides metabolite-related information on sex and species differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiande Liang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Wangyanjun Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qian Hong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chengrong Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zengchun Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuguang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hongling Tan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xianglin Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yue Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China.
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14
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Adult and Juvenile Sex Identification in Threatened MonomorphicGeocriniaFrogs Using Fecal Steroid Analysis. J HERPETOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1670/11-290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Narayan EJ. Non-invasive reproductive and stress endocrinology in amphibian conservation physiology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 1:cot011. [PMID: 27293595 PMCID: PMC4806611 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cot011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive endocrinology utilizes non-invasive biological samples (such as faeces, urine, hair, aquatic media, and saliva) for the quantification of hormones in wildlife. Urinary-based enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and radio-immunoassay have enabled the rapid quantification of reproductive and stress hormones in amphibians (Anura: Amphibia). With minimal disturbance, these methods can be used to assess the ovarian and testicular endocrine functions as well as physiological stress in captive and free-living populations. Non-invasive endocrine monitoring has therefore greatly advanced our knowledge of the functioning of the stress endocrine system (the hypothalamo-pituitary-interrenal axis) and the reproductive endocrine system (the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis) in the amphibian physiological stress response, reproductive ecology, health and welfare, and survival. Biological (physiological) validation is necessary for obtaining the excretory lag time of hormone metabolites. Urinary-based EIA for the major reproductive hormones, estradiol and progesterone in females and testosterone in males, can be used to track the reproductive hormone profiles in relationship to reproductive behaviour and environmental data in free-living anurans. Urinary-based corticosterone metabolite EIA can be used to assess the sublethal impacts of biological stressors (such as invasive species and pathogenic diseases) as well as anthropogenic induced environmental stressors (e.g. extreme temperatures) on free-living populations. Non-invasive endocrine methods can also assist in the diagnosis of success or failure of captive breeding programmes by measuring the longitudinal patterns of changes in reproductive hormones and corticosterone within captive anurans and comparing the endocrine profiles with health records and reproductive behaviour. This review paper focuses on the reproductive and the stress endocrinology of anurans and demonstrates the uses of non-invasive endocrinology for advancing amphibian conservation physiology. It also provides key technical considerations for future research that will increase the accuracy and reliability of the data and the value of non-invasive endocrinology within the conceptual framework of conservation physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. J. Narayan
- Corresponding author: Environmental Futures Centre, School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia. Tel: +61 (0)4 0169 7287. ;
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Urinary corticosterone metabolites and chytridiomycosis disease prevalence in a free-living population of male Stony Creek frogs (Litoria wilcoxii). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2012; 162:171-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2012.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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