Alteration in Cellular Immune Function Associated with the Simulated Transportation of Dolphins
Abstract
The overland transportation of captive dolphins is a times a necessary part of their normal management and care. While and dedication from the normal daily routine of captive dolphin has the potential of being stressful, transportation may be one of the most stressful events a captive dolphin must endure. While opinions differ on how stressful transportation can be, current beliefs are based primarily on subjective observations. To date no techniques are available for objective evaluation of the influence stress has no immune function in dolphins. The purpose of this study was to determine if the lymphocyte transformation assay (LTA) could detect changes in immune function in dolphins and to evaluate the degree and duration of immunosuppression associated with a mild well defined stressful event. Two adult healthy captive dolphins were used in this study. Prior to and for three weeks following a 12 hour simulated transportation period (out of water) peripheral blood lymphocytes were periodically isolated, cryopreserved, and LTA performed using techniques previously developed for this purpose. Blood and serum samples were also collected and evaluated for hematologic and biochemical changes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA216656
Entities
People
- Brad Fenwick
- J. P. Schroeder
- Joy L. Leamaster