Validating the Novel Method of Measuring Cortisol Levels in Cetacean Skin by Use of an ACTH Challenge in Bottlenose Dolphins
Abstract
Our research group, under Principal Investigator (PI) Thea Bechshoft, has recently shown that it is possible to extract and measure cortisol in cetacean skin (Bechshoft et al., submitted). The goal of the current project is to validate this novel method by measuring baseline cortisol levels in cetacean skin and demonstrating the correlation between an acute stress exposure and the ensuing skin cortisol response. At the conclusion of the project period, we expect to have provided a greater understanding of the following: (1) the relationship in cetaceans between blood cortisol levels and skin cortisol levels; (2) the period of time it takes before an acute stress response is measurable in the cetacean skin matrix; and (3) cetacean baseline cortisol levels in skin, as well as inter- and intra-individual fluctuations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA598790
Entities
People
- Thea Bechshoft
Organizations
- Aarhus University