Evaluating the Effects of Stressors on Immune Function during Simulated Dives in Marine Mammals
Abstract
The major goals of this study were to 1) gain an understanding of the marine mammal immune response with respect to dive adaptation by investigating the response of marine mammal immune cells to simulated dives (i.e. pressure excursions) and 2) to evaluate the potential for additional stressors to alter the response of marine mammal immune cells to simulated dives, thereby providing information which may aid future efforts to assess the impacts of anthropogenic activities on marine mammal health. The specific objectives of this effort were to 1) investigate the effects of simulated dive exposures on cellular immune function in belugas, 2) evaluate the effects of simulated dive exposures on cellular immune function in belugas following a known stressor event, 3) collect biological samples from wild belugas to compare with aquarium whales, and 4) compare the effects of simulated dive exposures on cellular immune function in seals from stranding (stressor) and release (healthy).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA617500
Entities
People
- Laura Thompson
- Tracy Romano
Organizations
- Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration