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Vail M, Beaufrère H, Gallini S, Paluch H, Brandão J, DiGeronimo PM. Hematologic and plasma biochemical prognostic indicators for stranded free-ranging phocids presented for rehabilitation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10546. [PMID: 35732807 PMCID: PMC9217849 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14923-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This retrospective study used data obtained from medical records of 530 stranded free-ranging harbor (Phoca vitulina), grey (Halichoerus grypus), harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus), and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) presented to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, New Jersey from January 1998 through December 2016. The objective was to identify hematological and plasma biochemical parameters of seals at time of presentation that were associated with successful rehabilitation and with duration of hospitalization using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. At presentation, animals that subsequently survived rehabilitation had greater alkaline phosphatase activity and absolute lymphocyte and total calcium concentrations and lower blood urea nitrogen, sodium, chloride, phosphorus, and total bilirubin concentrations and lower aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities than animals that eventually died or were euthanized while under care. Results suggest that young, actively growing animals are more likely to survive rehabilitation and that bloodwork consistent with dehydration, systemic disease, and exhaustion are negative prognostic indicators. These results provide prognostic indicators that may aid clinical decision-making for seals presented for rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Vail
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hugues Beaufrère
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Stefan Gallini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hubert Paluch
- Marine Mammal Stranding Center, 3625 Atlantic Brigantine Blvd., Brigantine, NJ, 08203, USA
| | - João Brandão
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, 2065 W. Farm Rd., Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Peter M DiGeronimo
- Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
- Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Komnenou AT, Gkafas GA, Kofidou E, Sarantopoulou J, Exadactylos A, Tounta E, Koemtzopoulos K, Dendrinos P, Karamanlidis AA, Gulland F, Papadopoulos E. First Report of Uncinaria hamiltoni in Orphan Eastern Mediterranean Monk Seal Pups in Greece and Its Clinical Significance. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121581. [PMID: 34959536 PMCID: PMC8708642 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121581] [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: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is classified by the IUCN as “endangered,” with a global population estimated to number fewer than 800 individuals. Our understanding of the biology and health status of the species is still limited, rendering every medical case a challenge for conservationists and veterinary clinicians. Although studying and managing disease in wild marine hosts is complex and challenging, studying and mitigating the effects of any disease to the Mediterranean monk seal is of utmost importance for conservation. The aim of this study was to document for the first time the presence of the hookworm Uncinaria hamiltoni in rehabilitated Mediterranean monk seal pups in Greece. A detailed examination protocol was followed for all pups that live-stranded over 30 years in 22 different locations, including physical, parasitological, and other examinations. Hookworms (adults and/or eggs) were detected in all the fecal samples, from all animals. Molecular identification using MtDNA (COI) and ribosomal DNA (D2/D3 28S and internal transcribed spacer [ITS] regions) identified the nematode species as Uncinaria hamiltoni. The clinical impacts and the benefits of anthelmintic treatment as a tool for the conservation management of the species are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Th. Komnenou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.T.K.); (E.K.)
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, 10682 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (K.K.); (P.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - George A. Gkafas
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece; (G.A.G.); (J.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Evangelia Kofidou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.T.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Joanne Sarantopoulou
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece; (G.A.G.); (J.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Athanasios Exadactylos
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece; (G.A.G.); (J.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Eleni Tounta
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, 10682 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (K.K.); (P.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Kimon Koemtzopoulos
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, 10682 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (K.K.); (P.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Panagiotis Dendrinos
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, 10682 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (K.K.); (P.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Alexandros A. Karamanlidis
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, 10682 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (K.K.); (P.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Frances Gulland
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Heath Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Marine Mammal Commission, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.T.K.); (E.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-6944882872
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Tryland M, Lydersen C, Kovacs KM, Rafter E, Thoresen SI. Serum biochemistry and haematology in wild and captive bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) from Svalbard, Norway. Acta Vet Scand 2021; 63:33. [PMID: 34446071 PMCID: PMC8396409 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-021-00598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health assessment of seals in captivity include haematology and serum biochemistry measurements. Because such parameters differ between species, it is crucial to have species-specific reference values for the interpretation of clinical samples. Furthermore, differences in nutrition and environment, life cycles as well as seasonal/annual cycles and varying physiological conditions can potentially affect serum chemistry and haematology parameters. Blood samples from four captive adult bearded seals (initially caught as pups in Svalbard, Norway, now held at Polaria, an Arctic experience centre in Tromsø, Norway) collected over a 16-month period were analysed for haematology (n = 22) and serum chemistry (n = 25) parameters. Serum chemistry analyses were also conducted on blood samples from 74 wild bearded seals (1995–2007) collected from Svalbard, Norway. Results We found higher activity of creatine kinase (CK) and higher concentrations of cortisol in the wild animals when compared to the captive seals, probably reflecting the physical restraint and concomitant stress induced during sampling. For the captive bearded seals, we did not find marked differences in haematology or serum chemistry parameters throughout the different seasons of sampling. Conclusions This study presents haematology and serum chemistry reference values for captive and wild bearded seals. Comparing physiological parameters for captive seals with wild seals indicated that having wild-caught bearded seals under the conditions offered at Polaria for several years did not markedly affect physiological parameters of the animals, and that training may have helped to alleviate stress associated with blood sampling and veterinary inspection.
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REFERENCE RANGES AND AGE-RELATED AND DIVING EXERCISE EFFECTS ON HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM CHEMISTRY OF FEMALE STELLER SEA LIONS ( EUMETOPIAS JUBATUS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2019. [PMID: 29517439 DOI: 10.1638/2017-0072r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Decreased health may have lowered the birth and survival rates of Steller sea lions ( Eumetopias jubatus) in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands over the past 30 yr. Reference ranges for clinical hematology and serum chemistry parameters needed to assess the health of wild sea lion populations are limited. Here, blood parameters were serially measured in 12 captive female Steller sea lions ranging in age from 3 wk to 16 yr to establish baseline values and investigate age-related changes. Whether diving activity affects hematology parameters in animals swimming in the ocean compared with animals in a traditional aquarium setting was also examined. Almost all blood parameters measured exhibited significant changes with age. Many of the age-related changes reflected developmental life history changes, including a change in diet during weaning, an improvement of diving capacity, and the maturity of the immune system. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume were also higher in the ocean diving group compared with the aquarium group, likely reflecting responses to increased exercise regimes. These data provide ranges of hematology and serum chemistry values needed to evaluate and compare the health and nutritional status of captive and wild Steller sea lions.
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Nabi G, Robeck TR, Hao Y, Wang D. Hematologic and Biochemical Reference Interval Development and the Effect of Age, Sex, Season, and Location on Hematologic Analyte Concentrations in Critically Endangered Yangtze Finless Porpoise ( Neophocaena asiaeorientalis ssp. asiaeorientalis). Front Physiol 2019; 10:792. [PMID: 31354505 PMCID: PMC6637261 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, references intervals for 49 clinicopathological parameters were established for the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (YFP) (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaorientalis). Both from the wild (Poyang Lake) and seminatural (Tian-E-Zhou Oxbow) populations, individual blood samples from 188 animals were collected from 2009 to 2017 and from 2002 to 2015, respectively. For reference interval determination, we used a non-parametric bootstrap-based procedure to determine the 95th percentiles and the associated 90% confidence interval for each analyte. Our results indicated a need to partition the analyte concentrations by sex, age group, or pregnancy; however, we did not find a need to partition results by location. We then used a linear mixed model to determine if evidence existed for mean differences between location with sex and season as covariates and age group as the clustered random variable on mean hematological parameters in the YFP. We found that 88% of the analytes were significantly different between locations. Within the covariates, sex and season showed 31 and 69% significant difference in mean distributions, respectively. Additionally, age group provided a significant source of variation in 25% of the analytes. In summary, our finding suggests that analytes should be grouped according to sex, age, and reproductive status (non-pregnant and non-lactating, pregnant and lactating). Furthermore, we have provided the first set of reference intervals for 49 clinicopathological parameters that could provide guidelines for the initial evaluation of individuals during health assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Nabi
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Todd R. Robeck
- SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Yujiang Hao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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Goertz CEC, Reichmuth C, Thometz NM, Ziel H, Boveng P. Comparative Health Assessments of Alaskan Ice Seals. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:4. [PMID: 30792982 PMCID: PMC6375287 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bearded (Erignathus barbatus), ringed (Pusa hispida), spotted (Phoca largha), and ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata) seals rely on seasonal sea-ice in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Many aspects of the biology and physiology of these seals are poorly known, and species-typical health parameters are not available for all species. Such information has proven difficult to obtain due to the challenges of studying Arctic seals in the wild and their minimal historic representation in aquaria. Here, we combine diagnostic information gathered between 2000 and 2017 from free-ranging seals, seals in short-term rehabilitation, and seals living in long-term human care to evaluate and compare key health parameters. For individuals in apparent good health, hematology, and blood chemistry values are reported by the source group for 10 bearded, 13 ringed, 73 spotted, and 81 ribbon seals from Alaskan waters. For a smaller set of individuals handled during veterinary or necropsy procedures, the presence of parasites and pathogens is described, as well as exposure to a variety of infectious diseases known to affect marine mammals and/or humans, with positive titers observed for Brucella, Leptospira, avian influenza, herpesvirus PhHV-1, and morbillivirus. These data provide initial baseline parameters for hematology, serum chemistries, and other species-level indicators of health that can be used to assess the condition of individual seals, inform monitoring and management efforts, and guide directed research efforts for Alaskan populations of ice-associated seals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colleen Reichmuth
- Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, AK, United States.,Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Nicole M Thometz
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States.,Department of Biology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Heather Ziel
- Polar Ecosystems Program, Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Peter Boveng
- Polar Ecosystems Program, Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, United States
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Cavefish as an evolutionary mutant model system for human disease. Dev Biol 2018; 441:355-357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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8
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Peng F, Chen X, Meng T, Li E, Zhou Y, Zhang S. Hematology and serum biochemistry parameters of captive Chinese alligators (Alligator sinensis) during the active and hibernating periods. Tissue Cell 2018; 51:8-13. [PMID: 29622092 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The Chinese alligator Alligator sinensis is an endangered freshwater crocodilian species endemic to China. Hematology and serum biochemistry reference range are useful in the assessment and management of animal health condition. In this study, a total of 74 Chinese Alligators (30 males and 44 females) were examined to establish reference range values of hematology and serum biochemistry parameters during the active and hibernating periods. We measured and analyzed 9 hematology and 21 serum biochemistry parameters including 4 serum electrolyte parameters, and described the morphology of different types of blood cells. No statistical differences between the sexes were found for hematology parameter, while significant differences were noted for some serum biochemistry parameters, with males having greater alkaline phosphatase activity level and lower globulin concentration value than females. There were some significant differences between the two different periods with alligators during the active period possessing lower values for mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, total bilirubin and creatine kinase, but higher values for red blood cell and white blood cell counts, monocyte percentage, aspartate aminotransferase, a-amylase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglycerides, and cholesterol. These baseline data were essential for health condition evaluation and disease diagnosis of this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Peng
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Xianxian Chen
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Ting Meng
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - En Li
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Yongkang Zhou
- Alligator Research Center of Anhui Province, Xuancheng, 242000, China
| | - Shengzhou Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China.
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Khatri-Chhetri R, Sun CM, Wu HY, Pei KJC. Reference intervals for hematology, serum biochemistry, and basic clinical findings in free-ranging Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) from Taiwan. Vet Clin Pathol 2015; 44:380-90. [PMID: 26175074 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are 8 species of Pangolins found in Asia and Africa. Among them, the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is an endangered insectivorous mammal found only in Asia. Hematology and serum chemistry reference intervals are critical for evaluating an animal's well-being and can be useful for clinical diagnostic purposes. Currently, there are no such reference intervals available for any Pangolin species. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to establish reference intervals for hematology and serum biochemical analytes, and some basic clinical findings, in Chinese Pangolins. METHODS Reference intervals for the hematology and serum chemistry variables, and basic clinical findings (body weight, heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen saturation) were collected from 100 clinically healthy Chinese Pangolins (51 males and 49 females) using parametric and nonparametric percentile methods. In addition, seasonal, age-related, and sexual differences for all variables were statistically analyzed. RESULTS No significant differences in the reference intervals were found between males and females, except for body weight. However, significant seasonal differences were observed for heart rate, body temperature, serum ALT and lipase activities, and phosphate concentrations. The variables, which were significantly different between adult and sub-adult Pangolins were heart rate, MCH, creatinine, total protein, phosphate, glucose, and potassium concentration, and amylase activity. Seasonal and age group differences should be taken into consideration when using these reference intervals. CONCLUSIONS The findings from the present study represent a valuable resource for assessing the health of Chinese Pangolins, and contribute toward the conservation of this endangered mammal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupak Khatri-Chhetri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Min Sun
- Pingtung Rescue Centre for Endangered Wild Animals, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yi Wu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Kurtis Jai-Chyi Pei
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan.,Pingtung Rescue Centre for Endangered Wild Animals, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
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Marcus AD, Higgins DP, Gray R. Health assessment of free-ranging endangered Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) pups: effect of haematophagous parasites on haematological parameters. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2015; 184:132-43. [PMID: 25724096 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of the health status of free-ranging populations is important for understanding the impact of disease on individuals and on population demography and viability. In this study, haematological reference intervals were developed for free-ranging endangered Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) pups within the context of endemic hookworm (Uncinaria sanguinis) infection and the effects of pathogen, host, and environment factors on the variability of haematological parameters were investigated. Uncinaria sanguinis was identified as an important agent of disease, with infection causing regenerative anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, and a predominantly lymphocytic-eosinophilic systemic inflammatory response. Conversely, the effects of sucking lice (Antarctophthirus microchir) were less apparent and infestation in pups appears unlikely to cause clinical impact. Overall, the effects of U. sanguinis, A. microchir, host factors (standard length, body condition, pup sex, moult status, and presence of lesions), and environment factors (capture-type and year of sampling) accounted for 26-65% of the total variance observed in haematological parameters. Importantly, this study demonstrated that anaemia in neonatal Australian sea lion pups is not solely a benign physiological response to host-environment changes, but largely reflects a significant pathological process. This impact of hookworm infection on pup health has potential implications for the development of foraging and diving behaviour, which would subsequently influence the independent survival of juveniles following weaning. The haematological reference intervals developed in this study can facilitate long-term health surveillance, which is critical for the early recognition of changes in disease impact and to inform conservation management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Marcus
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, McMaster Building B14, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Damien P Higgins
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, McMaster Building B14, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Rachael Gray
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, McMaster Building B14, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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Witte KA, Driver J, Rosenberger T, Adler S, Siebert U. Analysis of blood gases, serum fat and serum protein: a new approach to estimate survival chances of stranded Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups from the German North Sea. Acta Vet Scand 2014; 56:10. [PMID: 24490584 PMCID: PMC3930289 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-56-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facing numerous challenges, such as illness, storms or human disturbance, some harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups lose contact to their dams and are found abandoned along the North Sea coast. In Schleswig-Holstein, pups with the prospect of surviving rehabilitation are admitted to the Seal Center Friedrichskoog. Despite elaborate clinical health assessments on admission, including differential hematology, in 2010, 17% of 108 admitted pups did not survive the first 20 days. The death rate during the years 2006 and 2009 varied between 9 and 19%. To broaden the spectrum of variables which could be predictive for survival, blood gas and serum analyses were performed for 99 pups using venous blood. Variables included total CO2, pH, partial CO2, HCO3-, base excess and anion gap as well as glucose, urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium and chloride. Moreover, total serum protein and fat (triglyceride) concentrations were measured for all pups on admission. RESULTS Repeated measurements of 12 randomly selected individuals revealed a significant (p = 0.002) positive influence of time in rehabilitation on triglyceride concentrations. This trend probably shows the improvement of the pups' nutritional status as a consequence of the shift from milk replacer formula to fish. No such positive influence was detected for total protein concentrations though. Hematologic values, including blood gases, were not predictive for survival. CONCLUSIONS For the first time blood gas values are reported in this study for a large sample size (N = 99) of seal pups (regardless of their health status). The ranges and medians calculated from the data can serve as a stepping stone towards the establishment of reference values for neonate harbor seals. However, future investigations on the development of blood gases in harbor seals with different health conditions and ages over time are necessary to allow for a better understanding of acid-base regulation in harbor seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina A Witte
- Institute of Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, Büsum D-25761, Germany
| | - Jörg Driver
- Veterinary Clinic, Bosselweg 10, Reinsbüttel D-25764, Germany
| | - Tanja Rosenberger
- Seal Center Friedrichskoog, An der Seeschleuse 4, Friedrichskoog D-25718, Germany
| | - Sven Adler
- Institute of Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, Büsum D-25761, Germany
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå 901 83, Sweden
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute of Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, Büsum D-25761, Germany
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Murphy WG. The sex difference in haemoglobin levels in adults - mechanisms, causes, and consequences. Blood Rev 2014; 28:41-7. [PMID: 24491804 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Men and women have different mean haemoglobin levels in health in venous blood - women have mean levels approximately 12% lower than men. A similar sex-related difference in haemoglobin levels in adult animals is found in many species of mammals, birds and reptiles, indicating that it is an important physiological phenomenon. It is probably a direct effect of sex hormones, both oestrogen and androgens, on erythropoiesis. However, since there is no difference in erythropoietin levels between the sexes, this effect most likely takes place in the kidney, rather than in the bone marrow. Oestrogens dilate and androgens constrict the renal microvasculature: dilation and vasoconstriction in vessels below 300 μm in diameter respectively increase and decrease the haematocrit in blood in arterioles, capillaries and venules, altering the oxygen delivery per unit red cell mass, and providing a mechanism for varying the red cell mass without compensatory changes in erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Murphy
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Ireland; Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Ireland
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13
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Lander ME, Fadely BS, Gelatt TS, Rea LD, Loughlin TR. Serum chemistry reference ranges for Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups from Alaska: stock differentiation and comparisons within a North Pacific sentinel species. ECOHEALTH 2013; 10:376-393. [PMID: 24419664 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-013-0891-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Blood chemistry and hematologic reference ranges are useful for population health assessment and establishing a baseline for future comparisons in the event of ecosystem changes due to natural or anthropogenic factors. The objectives of this study were to determine if there was any population spatial structure for blood variables of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), an established sentinel species, and to report reference ranges for appropriate populations using standardized analyses. In addition to comparing reference ranges between populations with contrasting abundance trends, data were examined for evidence of disease or nutritional stress. From 1998 to 2011, blood samples were collected from 1,231 pups captured on 37 rookeries across their Alaskan range. Reference ranges are reported separately for the western and eastern distinct population segments (DPS) of Steller sea lion after cluster analysis and discriminant function analysis (DFA) supported underlying stock structure. Variables with greater loading scores for the DFA (creatinine, total protein, calcium, albumin, cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase) also were greater for sea lions from the endangered western DPS, supporting previous studies that indicated pup condition in the west was not compromised during the first month postpartum. Differences between population segments were likely a result of ecological, physiological, or age related differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E Lander
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle, WA, 98115, USA,
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Villanger GD, Gabrielsen KM, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Lie E, Karimi M, Sørmo EG, Jenssen BM. Effects of complex organohalogen contaminant mixtures on thyroid homeostasis in hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) mother-pup pairs. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 92:828-842. [PMID: 23726007 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 04/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Many lipid-soluble and phenolic compounds present in the complex mixture of orgaohalogen contaminants (OHCs) that arctic wildlife is exposed to have the ability to interfere with the thyroid hormone (TH) system. The aim of this study was to identify compounds that might interfere with thyroid homeostasis in 14 nursing hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) mothers and their pups (1-4d old) sampled in the West Ice in March 2008. Multivariate modelling was used to assess the potential effects of measured plasma levels of OHCs on circulating TH levels of the measured free (F) and total (T) levels of triidothyrine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Biological factors were important in all models (e.g. age and sex). In both mothers and pups, TT3:FT3 ratios were associated with α- and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), ortho-PCBs, chlordanes and DDTs. The similarities between the modelled TT3:FT3 responses to OHC levels in hooded seal mothers and pups most probably reflects similar exposure patterns, but could also indicate interconnected TH responses. There were some differences in the modelled TH responses of mothers and pups. Most importantly, the negative relationships between many OH-PCBs (particularly 3'-OH-CB138) and TT3:FT3 ratio and the positive relationships between TT4:FT4 ratios and polybrominated diphenyl ether [PBDE]-99, -100 and 4-OH-CB107 in pups, which was not found in mothers. Although statistical associations are not evidence per se of biological cause-effect relationships, the results suggest that thyroid homeostasis is affected in hooded seals, and that the inclusion of the fullest possible OHC mixture is important when assessing TH related effects in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro D Villanger
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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15
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Mqokeli BR, Downs CT. Blood Plasma Glucose Regulation in Wahlberg's Epauletted Fruit Bat. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.3377/004.047.0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Yerokhina IA, Kavtsevich NN. New data characterizing the metabolic status of hooded (Cystophora cristata Erxleben, 1777) and harp (Pagophilus groenlandica Erxleben, 1777) seals in the early postnatal period of development. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2011; 440:303-305. [PMID: 22134817 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496611050103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- I A Yerokhina
- Murmansk Marine Biological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Murmansk, Russia
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17
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Mellish JAE, Hindle AG, Horning M. Health and condition in the adult Weddell seal of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. ZOOLOGY 2011; 114:177-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2010.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Revised: 11/06/2010] [Accepted: 11/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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18
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Minzyuk TV, Kavtsevich NN. New data on the cellular composition of the hooded seal blood. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2011; 435:444-7. [PMID: 21221906 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496610060219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T V Minzyuk
- Murmansk Marine Biological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vladimirskaya 17, Murmansk, Russia
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Wolkers H, Boily F, Fink-Gremmels J, van Bavel B, Hammill MO, Primicerio R. Tissue-specific contaminant accumulation and associated effects on hepatic serum analytes and cytochrome P450 enzyme activities in hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2009; 56:360-370. [PMID: 18626617 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-008-9186-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2007] [Accepted: 05/27/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The current study aims to assess contaminant levels and tissue burdens in hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) blubber, liver, and blood in association with cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes (CYP1A and -3A) and serum analytes (hepatic enzymes like alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase [AP], and gamma-glutamyltransferase [GGT], serum proteins, and creatine kinase). Contaminant accumulation levels and patterns of polychlorinated biphenyls, chlorinated pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) differed between tissues and seal groups, with the highest levels in liver. Pups showed higher liver contaminant levels, especially for PBDEs, than adults. These high levels might be associated with the ingestion of large amounts of contaminated milk and subsequent accumulation in the liver. Adult males and females mainly differed in PBDE levels, which were higher in females, possibly due to a sex-specific diet. The association between blubber contaminant burdens and the diagnostic enzymes ALT, GGT, and AP, and serum albumin, was inconclusive. In contrast, several CYP isoenzymes showed a clear positive relationship with the overall blubber contaminant burden, indicating enzyme induction following exposure to polyhalogenated hydrocarbons. Therefore, liver CYP isoenzymes may serve as a sensitive biomarker for long-term exposure to polyhalogenated hydrocarbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Wolkers
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Environmental Centre, Hjalmar Johansensgt. 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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20
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Kakuschke A, Griesel S, Fonfara S, Rosenberger T, Prange A. Concentrations of selected essential and non-essential elements in blood of harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups of the German North Sea. Biol Trace Elem Res 2009; 127:28-36. [PMID: 18802673 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-008-8220-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2008] [Accepted: 08/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study on harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups of the North Sea evaluated concentrations of 14 essential and non-essential elements (Al, As, Be, Ca, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, and Zn) in whole blood samples. The essential elements are analyzed to give references for health status determinations of pups. The measurement of classic toxic metals, like Pb or Cd, and other elements that may be in toxic concentrations in blood, is important due to their influence on health, particularly on the immune system. Blood samples of six seal pups found on the German Wadden Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein in 2004 and transported to the Seal Centre Friedrichskoog, Germany were collected. The blood sampling was performed three times, immediately after collection of the newborns, after 1.5 months, and after 2 months before their release back into the wild. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry were used to determine the element concentrations. We found higher concentrations of Al, As, Fe, Mo, and Zn in blood samples of newborns compared to samples collected later, probably due to transplacental and lactational transfer from mother to fetus. Furthermore, there is a high need for, in particular, Fe and Zn in the developing organism, which may cause reduced values after some month. In contrast, the concentrations of Be, Cd, Ca, Cr, Pb, Mn, Ni, Se, and Sn, which were low in newborns and increased during the study, may be due to the fish fed to infant pups. Compared to free-ranging adults, in pups, the concentrations of Al, Ni, and Pb were higher in contrast to lower concentrations of As, Mn, and Mo. This case study is the first report on element levels in harbor seal pups of the North Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Kakuschke
- GKSS Research Centre, Institute for Coastal Research, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
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Erokhina IA. Metabolic characteristics of the gray seal (Halichoerus grypus Fabricius, 1791) in early postnatal development. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2009; 424:42-44. [PMID: 19341082 DOI: 10.1134/s001249660901013x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- I A Erokhina
- Murmansk Marine Biological Institute, Kola Research Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vladimirskaya 17, Murmansk 183010, Russia
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Burns JM, Lestyk KC, Folkow LP, Hammill MO, Blix AS. Size and distribution of oxygen stores in harp and hooded seals from birth to maturity. J Comp Physiol B 2007; 177:687-700. [PMID: 17576570 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-007-0167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2006] [Revised: 04/25/2007] [Accepted: 04/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pinnipeds rely primarily on oxygen stores in blood and muscles to support aerobic diving; therefore rapid development of body oxygen stores (TBO(2)) is crucial for pups to transition from nursing to independent foraging. Here, we investigate TBO(2) development in 45 harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and 46 hooded (Cystophora cristata) seals ranging in age from neonates to adult females. We found that hooded seal adults have the largest TBO(2) stores yet reported (89.5 ml kg(-1)), while harp seal adults have values more similar to other phocids (71.6 ml kg(-1)). In adults, large TBO(2) stores resulted from large blood volume (harp169, hood 194 ml kg(-1)) and high muscle Mb content (harp 86.0, hood 94.8 mg g(-1)). In contrast, pups of both species had significantly lower mass-specific TBO(2 )stores than adults, and stores declined rather than increased during the nursing period. This decline was due to a reduction in mass-specific blood volume and the absence of an increase in the low Mb levels (harp 21.0, hood 31.5 mg g(-1)). Comparisons with other phocid species suggests that the pattern of blood and muscle development in the pre- and post-natal periods varies with terrestrial period, and that muscle maturation rates may influence the length of the postweaning fast. However, final maturation of TBO(2) stores does not take place until after foraging begins.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Burns
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA.
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How OJ, Nordøy ES. Seawater drinking restores water balance in dehydrated harp seals. J Comp Physiol B 2007; 177:535-42. [PMID: 17375309 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-007-0152-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2006] [Revised: 02/02/2007] [Accepted: 02/12/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to answer the question of whether dehydrated harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) are able to obtain a net gain of water from the intake of seawater. Following 24 h of fasting, three subadult female harp seals were dehydrated by intravenous administration of the osmotic diuretic, mannitol. After another 24 h of fasting, the seals were given 1,000 ml seawater via a stomach tube. Urine and blood were collected for measurement of osmolality and osmolytes, while total body water (TBW) was determined by injections of tritiated water. In all seals, the maximum urinary concentrations of Na(+) and Cl(-) were higher than in seawater, reaching 540 and 620 mM, respectively, compared to 444 and 535 mM in seawater. In another experiment, the seals were given ad lib access to seawater for 48 h after mannitol-induced hyper-osmotic dehydration. In animals without access to seawater, the mean blood osmolality increased from 331 to 363 mOsm kg(-1) during dehydration. In contrast, the blood osmolality, hematocrit and TBW returned to normal when the seals were permitted ad lib access to seawater after dehydration. In conclusion, this study shows that harp seals have the capacity to gain net water from mariposa (voluntarily drinking seawater) and are able to restore water balance after profound dehydration by drinking seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole-Jakob How
- Department of Arctic Biology and Institute of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Breivika, Tromsø 9037, Norway.
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