1
|
Valdés-Flores J, Ley-Quiñonez CP, León-Sicairos N, Flores-Villaseñor H, Velázquez-Román J, Angulo-Zamudio U, Zavala-Norzagaray A, Hart CE, Olimón-Andalón V, Leal-Moreno R, Sosa-Cornejo I, Aguirre AA, Canizalez-Román A. Comparison of the blood biochemical values of foraging and nesting Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) from Sinaloa, Mexico. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106491. [PMID: 38657368 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Our study aimed to establish reference values for nesting females and compare them with those previously reported to understand olive ridley turtles' health status and contribute to long-term health assessment and monitoring in foraging and nesting areas from the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. In August and September 2018, morphometric data and biochemical profiles were collected from 33 nesting olive ridley turtles from Ceuta Beach Sanctuary (CBS) and 14 foraging female turtles captured at the foraging site, Navachiste Marine Area (NMA). Nesting turtles sampled had greater CCL (65.86 ± 1.70 cm) than those from the foraging area (61.54 ± 1.22) (p < 0.05). Regarding biochemical profiles, post-nesting turtles had higher packed cell volume (PCV), albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cholesterol, triglycerides, and calcium than turtles from the foraging area (p < 0.05). Phosphorus levels were higher in foraging turtles than in nesting turtles (p = 0.001), while the remaining parameters showed no significant differences. The present study describes for the first time the blood biochemical values of nesting turtles from the Ceuta Beach Sanctuary in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, similar to those of foraging turtles from the north of the state. The significant differences observed between the two analysis groups may be due to the energy reserves and reproductive and nesting activity of the nesting turtles, so the blood biochemistry values described in this study can be used as a standard reference blood value for the olive ridley turtle population of Sinaloa, Mexico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Valdés-Flores
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, 80040, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | | | - Nidia León-Sicairos
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80019, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico; Pediatric Hospital of Sinaloa, 80200, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Hector Flores-Villaseñor
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80019, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico; The Sinaloa State Public Health Laboratory, Secretariat of Health, 80020, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Jorge Velázquez-Román
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80019, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Uriel Angulo-Zamudio
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80019, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | | | - Catherine E Hart
- Centro de Investigaciones Oceánicas del Mar de Cortés, Gran Acuario Mazatlán, 82017, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Vicente Olimón-Andalón
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, 80040, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Renato Leal-Moreno
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CIIDIR-SIN, 81049, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Ingmar Sosa-Cornejo
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, 80040, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - A Alonso Aguirre
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Warner College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, 80523, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Adrian Canizalez-Román
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80019, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico; The Women's Hospital, Secretariat of Health, 80020, Culiacan, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kucinick M, Charles KE, Carter K, Edwards J, Costlow C, Wilkerson M, Seddon D, Marancik D. Comparative plasma biochemistry analyte data in nesting leatherback ( Dermochelys coriacea), foraging green ( Chelonia mydas) and foraging and nesting hawksbill ( Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles in Grenada, West Indies. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 12:coae028. [PMID: 38765884 PMCID: PMC11099945 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Blood biochemistry represents a minimally invasive tool for monitoring sea turtle health, assessing injured sea turtles and supporting conservation strategies. In Grenada, West Indies, plasma biochemical variables were examined in 33 nesting leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), 49 foraging green (Chelonia mydas), 49 foraging hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and 12 nesting hawksbill sea turtles sampled between 2017 and 2022. Plasma biochemistry reference intervals are described herein except for nesting hawksbills, which are represented by descriptive statistics due to the low sample size. Select analyte concentrations were positively correlated with curved carapace length in leatherbacks (chloride), green turtles (total protein, albumin and globulin) and foraging hawksbills (total protein, albumin and phosphorus). Cholesterol (7.8 mmol/l ± 1.6 SD) and triglyceride (6.9 mmol/l ± 1.9 SD) concentrations were significantly higher in leatherbacks compared to foraging green turtles, foraging hawksbills and nesting hawksbills (P < 0.001 for all). Cholesterol was significantly higher in nesting hawksbills compared to foraging green turtles (P = 0.050) and foraging hawksbills (P = 0.050). Foraging hawksbills demonstrated significantly higher aspartate transaminase activities than leatherbacks (P = 0.002), green turtles (P = 0.009) and nesting hawksbills (P < 0.001). Biochemical results provide baseline population health data and support guidance for treatments during clinical sea turtle rehabilitation efforts. They also provide insight into species-specific physiologic differences and preludes further studies to better characterize the impacts of life-stage class on biochemistry reference intervals to better support wild sea turtle populations in Grenada.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madison Kucinick
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | | | - Kenrith Carter
- Ocean Spirits, Inc, Levera, Grenada, West Indies
- Dr Carter Veterinary Services, St. David's, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Jonnel Edwards
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Catherine Costlow
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Melinda Wilkerson
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Dawn Seddon
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - David Marancik
- Department of Pathobiology, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Morphometrics and blood analytes of leatherback sea turtle hatchlings (Dermochelys coriacea) from Florida: reference intervals, temporal trends with clutch deposition date, and body size correlations. J Comp Physiol B 2022; 192:313-324. [PMID: 34997274 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-021-01422-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The northwest Atlantic leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) population is exhibiting decreasing trends along numerous nesting beaches. Since population health and viability are inherently linked, it is important to establish species- and life-stage class-specific blood analyte reference intervals (RIs) so that effects of future disturbances on organismal health can be better understood. For hatchling leatherbacks, the objectives of this study were to (1) establish RIs for morphometrics and blood analytes; (2) evaluate correlations between hatchling morphometrics, blood analytes, and hatching success; and (3) determine temporal trends in hatchling morphometrics and blood analytes across nesting season. Blood samples were collected from 176 naturally emerging leatherback hatchlings from 18 clutches. Reference intervals were established for morphometrics and blood analytes. Negative relationships were noted between hatchling mass and packed cell volume, total white blood cells, heterophils, lymphocytes, and total protein and between body condition index (BCI) and immature red blood cells (RBC), RBC polychromasia and anisocytosis, and total protein. Clutch deposition date showed positive relationships with lymphocytes and total protein, and negative relationships with hatchling mass and BCI. Hatching success was positively correlated with mass, and negatively with total protein and glucose, suggesting that nutritional provisions in eggs, incubation time, and/or metabolic rates could change later in the season and affect survivorship. These various observed correlations provide evidence for increased physiological stress (e.g., inflammation, subclinical dehydration) in hatchlings emerging later in nesting season, presumably due to increased nest temperatures or other environmental factors (e.g., moisture/rainfall). Data reported herein provide morphometric and blood analyte data for leatherback hatchlings and will allow for future investigations into spatiotemporal trends and responses to various stressors.
Collapse
|
4
|
Banerjee SM, Allen CD, Schmitt T, Cheng BS, Seminoff JA, Eguchi T, Komoroske LM. Baseline Health Parameters of East Pacific Green Turtles at Southern California Foraging Grounds. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1347.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shreya M. Banerjee
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003 USA [; ; ]
| | - Camryn D. Allen
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California 92037 USA [; ; tomo.eguchi@n
| | - Todd Schmitt
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, California 92109 USA []
| | - Brian S. Cheng
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003 USA [; ; ]
| | - Jeffrey A. Seminoff
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California 92037 USA [; ; tomo.eguchi@n
| | - Tomoharu Eguchi
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California 92037 USA [; ; tomo.eguchi@n
| | - Lisa M. Komoroske
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003 USA [; ; ]
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stacy NI, Chabot RM, Innis CJ, Cray C, Fraser KM, Rigano KS, Perrault JR. Plasma chemistry in nesting leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) from Florida: Understanding the importance of sample hemolysis effects on blood analytes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222426. [PMID: 31504062 PMCID: PMC6736308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma chemistry is widely used in diagnostic and research settings in sea turtles. However, plasma discolorations such as hemolysis are often not considered in data interpretation. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the effects of moderate hemolysis on plasma electrolytes, minerals, and proteins using dry chemistry analysis (DCA) and protein electrophoresis from nesting leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) from Florida and to (2) establish blood analyte reference intervals. Twenty-six plasma samples with absence of hemolysis were selected and sub-divided into one non-hemolytic aliquot and an aliquot that was experimentally manipulated to mimic moderate hemolysis. Plasma samples were analyzed for hemoglobin using a handheld photometer; sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and total protein using DCA; and protein electrophoresis. Packed cell volume and hemoglobin were measured in corresponding whole blood samples. Reference intervals were established. All analytes except calcium and pre-albumin were significantly higher and the calcium:phosphorus and albumin:globulin ratios were significantly lower in hemolytic plasma compared to non-hemolytic plasma. Alpha2-globulins and potassium were the analytes most impacted by hemolysis, averaging 3.3- and 2.0-fold higher in hemolyzed samples, respectively, indicating that (1) hemoglobin migrates into the alpha2-globulin region in this species and (2) notable intracellular potassium is released into plasma with hemolysis. Attempted conversion factors for compensation of hemolysis were considered inaccurate for 4 of 16 analytes due to non-significant regression lines. We also report that PCV provides an estimate of hemoglobin (g/L) using the formula: (2.59 × PCV) + 24.59. Given the spurious effects of hemolysis, the degree of this artifact should be reported with biochemistry data, and samples with moderate to severe hemolysis should be excluded from datasets when interpreting electrolyte, mineral, and protein results. This will ensure accurate data interpretation for individual turtles in rehabilitation or research settings and population-level data relevant to conservation-focused projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole I. Stacy
- Aquatic, Amphibian, and Reptile Pathology Program, Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ryan M. Chabot
- Inwater Research Group, Inc., Jensen Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Charles J. Innis
- New England Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Katelyn M. Fraser
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kimberly S. Rigano
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Justin R. Perrault
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Price ER. The physiology of lipid storage and use in reptiles. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:1406-1426. [PMID: 27348513 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Lipid metabolism is central to understanding whole-animal energetics. Reptiles store most excess energy in lipid form, mobilise those lipids when needed to meet energetic demands, and invest lipids in eggs to provide the primary source of energy to developing embryos. Here, I review the mechanisms by which non-avian reptiles store, transport, and use lipids. Many aspects of lipid absorption, transport, and storage appear to be similar to birds, including the hepatic synthesis of lipids from glucose substrates, the transport of triglycerides in lipoproteins, and the storage of lipids in adipose tissue, although adipose tissue in non-avian reptiles is usually concentrated in abdominal fat bodies or the tail. Seasonal changes in fat stores suggest that lipid storage is primarily for reproduction in most species, rather than for maintenance during aphagic periods. The effects of fasting on plasma lipid metabolites can differ from mammals and birds due to the ability of non-avian reptiles to reduce their metabolism drastically during extended fasts. The effect of fasting on levels of plasma ketones is species specific: β-hydroxybutyrate concentration may rise or fall during fasting. I also describe the process by which the bulk of lipids are deposited into oocytes during vitellogenesis. Although this process is sometimes ascribed to vitellogenin-based transport in reptiles, the majority of lipid deposition occurs via triglycerides packaged in very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs), based on physiological, histological, biochemical, comparative, and genomic evidence. I also discuss the evidence for non-avian reptiles using 'yolk-targeted' VLDLs during vitellogenesis. The major physiological states - feeding, fasting, and vitellogenesis - have different effects on plasma lipid metabolites, and I discuss the possibilities and potential problems of using plasma metabolites to diagnose feeding condition in non-avian reptiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin R Price
- Department of Biological Sciences, Developmental Integrative Biology Research Group, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Development of a Summarized Health Index (SHI) for use in predicting survival in sea turtles. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120796. [PMID: 25803431 PMCID: PMC4372459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinary care plays an influential role in sea turtle rehabilitation, especially in endangered species. Physiological characteristics, hematological and plasma biochemistry profiles, are useful references for clinical management in animals, especially when animals are during the convalescence period. In this study, these factors associated with sea turtle surviving were analyzed. The blood samples were collected when sea turtles remained alive, and then animals were followed up for surviving status. The results indicated that significantly negative correlation was found between buoyancy disorders (BD) and sea turtle surviving (p < 0.05). Furthermore, non-surviving sea turtles had significantly higher levels of aspartate aminotranspherase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK), creatinine and uric acid (UA) than surviving sea turtles (all p < 0.05). After further analysis by multiple logistic regression model, only factors of BD, creatinine and UA were included in the equation for calculating summarized health index (SHI) for each individual. Through evaluation by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the result indicated that the area under curve was 0.920 ± 0.037, and a cut-off SHI value of 2.5244 showed 80.0% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity in predicting survival. Therefore, the developed SHI could be a useful index to evaluate health status of sea turtles and to improve veterinary care at rehabilitation facilities.
Collapse
|
8
|
Perrault JR, Wyneken J, Page-Karjian A, Merrill A, Miller DL. Seasonal trends in nesting leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) serum proteins further verify capital breeding hypothesis. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 2:cou002. [PMID: 27293623 PMCID: PMC4732470 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cou002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Serum protein concentrations provide insight into the nutritional and immune status of organisms. It has been suggested that some marine turtles are capital breeders that fast during the nesting season. In this study, we documented serum proteins in neophyte and remigrant nesting leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). This allowed us to establish trends across the nesting season to determine whether these physiological parameters indicate if leatherbacks forage or fast while on nesting grounds. Using the biuret method and agarose gel electrophoresis, total serum protein (median = 5.0 g/dl) and protein fractions were quantified and include pre-albumin (median = 0.0 g/dl), albumin (median = 1.81 g/dl), α1-globulin (median = 0.90 g/dl), α2-globulin (median = 0.74 g/dl), total α-globulin (median = 1.64 g/dl), β-globulin (median = 0.56 g/dl), γ-globulin (median = 0.81 g/dl) and total globulin (median = 3.12 g/dl). The albumin:globulin ratio (median = 0.59) was also calculated. Confidence intervals (90%) were used to establish reference intervals. Total protein, albumin and total globulin concentrations declined in successive nesting events. Protein fractions declined at less significant rates or remained relatively constant during the nesting season. Here, we show that leatherbacks are most likely fasting during the nesting season. A minimal threshold of total serum protein concentrations of around 3.5-4.5 g/dl may physiologically signal the end of the season's nesting for individual leatherbacks. The results presented here lend further insight into the interaction between reproduction, fasting and energy reserves and will potentially improve the conservation and management of this imperiled species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Perrault
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 136 Sanson Science, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
- Corresponding author: Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA. Tel: +1 941 388 4441 ext. 213.
| | - Jeanette Wyneken
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 136 Sanson Science, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Annie Page-Karjian
- The University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Anita Merrill
- The University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory, 43 Brighton Road, Tifton, GA 31793, USA
| | - Debra L. Miller
- The University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory, 43 Brighton Road, Tifton, GA 31793, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Innis CJ, Merigo C, Cavin JM, Hunt K, Dodge KL, Lutcavage M. Serial assessment of the physiological status of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) during direct capture events in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean: comparison of post-capture and pre-release data. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 2:cou048. [PMID: 27293669 PMCID: PMC4806728 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cou048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Revised: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The physiological status of seven leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) was assessed at two time points during ecological research capture events in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Data were collected as soon as possible after securing each turtle onboard the capture vessel and again immediately prior to release. Measured parameters included sea surface temperature, body temperature, morphometric data, sex, heart rate, respiratory rate and various haematological and blood biochemical variables. Results indicated generally stable physiological status in comparison to previously published studies of this species. However, blood pH and blood potassium concentrations increased significantly between the two time points (P = 0.0018 and P = 0.0452, respectively). Turtles were affected by a mild initial acidosis (mean [SD] temperature-corrected pH = 7.29 [0.07]), and blood pH increased prior to release (mean [SD] = 7.39 [0.07]). Initial blood potassium concentrations were considered normal (mean [SD] = 4.2 [0.9] mmol/l), but turtles experienced a mild to moderate increase in blood potassium concentrations during the event (mean [SD] pre-release potassium = 5.9 [1.7] mmol/l, maximum = 8.5 mmol/l). While these data support the general safety of direct capture for study of this species, the observed changes in blood potassium concentrations are of potential concern due to possible adverse effects of hyperkalaemia on cardiac function. The results of this study highlight the importance of physiological monitoring during scientific capture events. The results are also likely to be relevant to unintentional leatherback capture events (e.g. fisheries interactions), when interactions may be more prolonged or extreme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles J. Innis
- Animal Health Department, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA 02110, USA
- Corresponding author: Animal Health Department, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA 02110, USA. Tel: +1 617 877 5415.
| | - Constance Merigo
- Rescue and Rehabilitation Department, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Julie M. Cavin
- Animal Health Department, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Kathleen Hunt
- John H. Prescott Marine Laboratory, Research Department, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Kara L. Dodge
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Molly Lutcavage
- Large Pelagics Research Center, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Plot V, Jenkins T, Robin JP, Fossette S, Georges JY. Leatherback Turtles Are Capital Breeders: Morphometric and Physiological Evidence from Longitudinal Monitoring. Physiol Biochem Zool 2013; 86:385-97. [DOI: 10.1086/671127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
11
|
Goldberg DW, Leitão SAT, Godfrey MH, Lopez GG, Santos AJB, Neves FA, de Souza ÉPG, Moura AS, Bastos JDC, Bastos VLFDC. Ghrelin and leptin modulate the feeding behaviour of the hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata during nesting season. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 1:cot016. [PMID: 27293600 PMCID: PMC4732442 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cot016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Female sea turtles have rarely been observed foraging during the nesting season. This suggests that prior to their migration to nesting beaches the females must store sufficient energy and nutrients at their foraging grounds and must be physiologically capable of undergoing months without feeding. Leptin (an appetite-suppressing protein) and ghrelin (a hunger-stimulating peptide) affect body weight by influencing energy intake in all vertebrates. We investigated the levels of these hormones and other physiological and nutritional parameters in nesting hawksbill sea turtles in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, by collecting consecutive blood samples from 41 turtles during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 reproductive seasons. We found that levels of serum leptin decreased over the nesting season, which potentially relaxed suppression of food intake and stimulated females to begin foraging either during or after the post-nesting migration. Concurrently, we recorded an increasing trend in ghrelin, which may have stimulated food intake towards the end of the nesting season. Both findings are consistent with the prediction that post-nesting females will begin to forage, either during or immediately after their post-nesting migration. We observed no seasonal trend for other physiological parameters (values of packed cell volume and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein). The observed downward trends in general serum biochemistry levels were probably due to the physiological challenge of vitellogenesis and nesting in addition to limited energy resources and probable fasting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Wrobel Goldberg
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Toxicologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida 28 de Setembro 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20551-030, Brazil
- Fundação Pró-Tamar, Professor Ademir Francisco s/n, Barra da Lagoa, Florianópolis, SC 88061-160, Brazil
- Corresponding author:
| | - Santiago Alonso Tobar Leitão
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Toxicologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida 28 de Setembro 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Matthew H. Godfrey
- NC Wildlife Resources Commission, 1507 Ann Street, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | | | | | - Fabiana Alves Neves
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Fisiologia da Nutrição e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Érica Patrícia Garcia de Souza
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Fisiologia da Nutrição e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Anibal Sanchez Moura
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Fisiologia da Nutrição e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Jayme da Cunha Bastos
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Toxicologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida 28 de Setembro 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Freire da Cunha Bastos
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Toxicologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida 28 de Setembro 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20551-030, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Perrault JR, Miller DL, Eads E, Johnson C, Merrill A, Thompson LJ, Wyneken J. Maternal health status correlates with nest success of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) from Florida. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31841. [PMID: 22359635 PMCID: PMC3281022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Of the seven sea turtle species, the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) exhibits the lowest and most variable nest success (i.e., hatching success and emergence success) for reasons that remain largely unknown. In an attempt to identify or rule out causes of low reproductive success in this species, we established the largest sample size (n = 60-70 for most values) of baseline blood parameters (protein electrophoresis, hematology, plasma biochemistry) for this species to date. Hematologic, protein electrophoretic and biochemical values are important tools that can provide information regarding the physiological condition of an individual and population health as a whole. It has been proposed that the health of nesting individuals affects their reproductive output. In order to establish correlations with low reproductive success in leatherback sea turtles from Florida, we compared maternal health indices to hatching success and emergence success of their nests. As expected, hatching success (median = 57.4%) and emergence success (median = 49.1%) in Floridian leatherbacks were low during the study period (2007-2008 nesting seasons), a trend common in most nesting leatherback populations (average global hatching success = ∼50%). One protein electrophoretic value (gamma globulin protein) and one hematologic value (red blood cell count) significantly correlated with hatching success and emergence success. Several maternal biochemical parameters correlated with hatching success and/or emergence success including alkaline phosphatase activity, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, calcium:phosphorus ratio, carbon dioxide, cholesterol, creatinine, and phosphorus. Our results suggest that in leatherbacks, physiological parameters correlate with hatching success and emergence success of their nests. We conclude that long-term and comparative studies are needed to determine if certain individuals produce nests with lower hatching success and emergence success than others, and if those individuals with evidence of chronic suboptimal health have lower reproductive success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|