Acute stress suppresses plasma estradiol levels in female alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1991 |
Authors: |
Ruth M. Elsey, Valentine A. Lance, Ted Joanen, Larry McNease |
Publication/Journal: |
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology |
Keywords: |
alligator, estradiol |
ISBN: |
0300-9629 |
Abstract:
1. Five adult, female alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) were captured at night during the breeding season, and a blood sample taken within 5 min of capture. 2. The alligators were physically restrained (tied to boards) and additional blood samples taken at 4, 8, 12, 16, 22, 28, 38, and 48 hr after capture. After the last blood sample was collected the animals were released. 3. Plasma estradiol-17[beta] and corticosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay. Estradiol declined significantly from initial values by 22 hr post capture, but remained unchanged for 48 hr. 4. Plasma corticosterone rose from a mean of 0.8 ng/ml at capture to 12.6 ng/ml after 4 hr. Corticosterone continued to rise up to 16 hr then declined after 22 hr. From 28 until 48 hr corticosterone again increased significantly. 5. These results demonstrate that acute stress in female alligators causes significant suppression of plasma estradiol and a biphasic pattern of corticosterone secretion.