Utility of immune measures for evaluating psychological well-being in nonhuman primates
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1989 |
Authors: |
Christopher L. Coe, Joan Scheffler |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
cortisol, lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia, squirrel monkey, stress |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430080510.abs Changes in immune measures have traditionally been recognized as an important component of the body’s stress response. Since alterations in immunity occur reliably after psychological disturbance, it is possible to use variation in immune responses as a means to evaluate the effect of animal husbandry and research manipulations on psychological well-being. Our studies on squirrel monkey infants and juveniles indicate that the determination of leukocyte number and type in peripheral blood is a particularly useful measure for evaluating how animals react to changes in their physical and social environment. This immune measure requires only a small blood sample, can be routinely assessed with common laboratory equipment, and involves only a modest amount of training. Nevertheless, the number and type of leukocytes in peripheral blood correlate with more sophisticated immunological measures that are difficult to assess on a routine basis, and the leukocyte pattern may provide even a better reflection of transient changes in psychological state.