Fecal testosterone immunoreactivity as a non-invasive index of functional testosterone dynamics in male Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata).
Primates
; 43(1): 29-39, 2002 Jan.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-12091745
ABSTRACT
Validation of a simple method for the extraction and quantification of testosterone (T) from the excreta of male Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) is presented. Radioimmunoassay of paired fecal and serum samples collected from four intact sexually mature males during the breeding season provided profiles that were significantly correlated when samples were offset by approximately 48 hr. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the pattern of temporal variation of T levels in serum and feces. Two castrated males were injected with radioinert T, and the patterns of excretion were observed by analysis of serial fecal and urine samples. Approximately 48 hr after the steroid was administered, a significant peak in the average fecal T levels was apparent. The injection event was also registered in the urine of both males, although qualitative differences were observed. These data suggest that measures of fecal T provide a reliable and non-invasive means of assessing gonadal function in this species. As the analysis of hormone levels in feces allows for frequent, stress-free sampling with minimal disruption, this method should be preferred in long-term or in situ applications requiring endocrine monitoring.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Testosterona
/
Fezes
/
Macaca
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Primates
Ano de publicação:
2002
Tipo de documento:
Article