Plasma Cortisol Values Research Articles

Effects of Background Color on Growth, Stress, Biochemical, Hematological, and Immunological Responses, and Expression of Growth-Related Genes in Oscar Fish (Astronotus ocellatus)

The aim of the current study was to assess the impacts of tank color on the growth, stress, biochemical, hematological, and immunological responses, and expression of growth-related genes in juvenile Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus). Therefore, a total of 120 fish (9.14 ± 0.34 g) were distributed into 12 aquariums (60 × 50 × 35 cm) and divided into four treatments (aquariums with blue, white, yellow, and red colors) in three replicates (10 fish per aquarium). The fish were daily hand-fed ad libitum in three meals at 7:00, 12:00, and 17:00 hr for 56 days. Results showed that Oscar fish cultured in the red aquariums had higher final weight and weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio. Plasma cortisol, glucose, and lactate values of fish were significantly higher, and the amount of white blood cells was lower in the blue aquariums compared to other tank colors. Plasma triglyceride values were significantly higher in the white and yellow groups than the blue aquariums. Moreover, fish cultured in yellow and red aquariums had significantly higher melatonin levels than the blue aquariums. Plasma cholesterol, total protein, albumin, complement 3, and total immunoglobulin values were highest in Oscar fish cultured in the red aquariums. Also, lysozyme and alternative complement (ACH50) activities and complement 4 values of fish cultured in yellow and red aquariums were meaningfully higher compared to blue and white groups. Growth hormone relative gene expression levels were meaningfully higher in Oscar fish cultured in white, yellow, and red aquariums than the blue aquariums. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) relative gene expression levels were significantly higher in fish cultured in yellow and red aquariums compared to those cultured in blue and white tank colors. Thus, the most suitable tank color for rearing juvenile A. ocellatus is red, while blue tank color is unsuitable.

Evaluation of Creatine Kinase-MB Activity and Cortisol Level in Hypertensive Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Patients Receiving Treatment in Nnewi.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), imposes a health challenge globally. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs, and it spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or spit. This study was aimed at evaluating creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activity and cortisol levels in Mycobacterium tuberculosis patients receiving therapy at Nnewi. A cross-sectional study involved 90 participants consisting of 45 TB+ individuals and 45 healthy controls. A questionnaire was used to obtain the age, sex, and other vital information needed for the study. The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated. Their systolic and diastolic blood pressure was obtained using an Accu-Answer automatic blood pressure monitor. Ziehl-Nelseen (ZN) sputum smear microscopy determined Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and confirmed positive using GeneXpert. Plasma cortisol level was determined using an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay whereas plasma CK-MB activity was determined spectrophotometrically. Independent t-test and Pearson`s correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Significant levels were considered at p < 0.05. Data was presented as mean ± standard deviation. The mean value of the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the TB+ participants was significantly lower (75.53 ± 14.04) compared with the control (81.53 ± 6.10) (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the mean values of plasma cortisol and CK-MB activity (9.37±1.26) (18.99±1.26) of the TB+ participants compared with control (9.28±6.92) (18.81±1.45) (p>0.05). There was a moderate positive correlation between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP (r = 0.50; p = 0.01) in the test group and a strong positive correlation between SBP and DBP in the control. SBP and cortisol showed a moderate positive correlation with DBP and cortisol in the test group. In conclusion, there was no predisposition to acute myocardial infarction and inflammation in the subjects studied.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures caused by Cushing’s syndrome in young women: case report and literature review

BackgroundCushing’s syndrome is known as an important cause of secondary osteoporosis, characterized by reduction of bone mineral density and potential occurrence of fragility fractures before diagnosis in young population. Therefore, for young patients with fragility fractures, especially in young women, more attention should be paid on glucocorticoid excess caused by Cushing’s syndrome, due to relatively higher rate of misdiagnosis, distinct pathological characteristics and different treatment strategies compared with violent fractures and primary osteoporosis related fractures.Case presentationWe presented an unusual case of a 26-year-old woman with multiple vertebral compression fractures and pelvis fractures, subsequently diagnosed as Cushing’s syndrome. On admission, the radiographic results showed fresh second lumbar vertebra fracture, and old fourth lumbar vertebra and pelvic fractures. The dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of lumbar spine revealed marked osteoporosis, and her plasm cortisol was extremely high. Then, Cushing’s syndrome, caused by left adrenal adenoma, was diagnosed by further endocrinological and radiographic examinations. After receiving left adrenalectomy, her plasma ACTH and cortisol values returned to normal level. In term of OVCF, we adopted conservative treatments, including pain management, brace treatment, and anti-osteoporosis measures. Three months after discharge, the patient’s low back pain was in complete remission without new onset of pain, and returned to normal life and work. Furthermore, we reviewed the literatures on advancements in the treatment of OVCF caused by Cushing’s syndrome, and based on our experiences, proposed some additional perspectives to guide treatment.ConclusionIn term of OVCF secondary to Cushing’s syndrome without neurological damage, we prefer systematic conservative treatments, including pain management, brace treatment, and anti-osteoporosis measures, to surgical treatment. Among them, anti-osteoporosis treatment has the highest priority because of the reversibility of osteoporosis caused by Cushing’s syndrome.

Mild Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency: As A Reason For Hypoketotic Hypoglycemia In A 4-Year-Old Girl.

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a disease in which neurological findings are dominant due to deficiencies in neurotransmitter synthesis; hypoglycemia caused by autonomic dysfunction is one of the symptoms that may be encountered. Here we report a mild AADC deficiency presenting with hypoglycemia without a neurological sign. A 4-year-old girl presented with recurrent hypoglycemia. Her growth and development were normal. Plasma insulin and cortisol values were normal in the sample at the time of hypoglycemia. The C8:1-Carnitine elevation was detected in the acylcarnitine profile. The clinic exome panel was performed with the suggestion of a fatty acid oxidation defect. However, a homozygous variant in the DDC gene was detected. On top of that, CSF neurotransmitter analysis revealed low 5-hydroxy indol acetic ( 5 HIAA ) and homovanillic acid ( HVA ) and high 3-O-methyl-dopa and methyltetrahydrofolate ( 5 MTHF ) consistent with AADC deficiency. Plasma AADC enzyme activity was low. The episodes of hypoglycemia were treated with uncooked cornstarch. Our case emphasizes that AADC deficiency should be considered in patients with hypoglycemia.

Iron supplementation in aquaculture wastewater and its effect on the growth of spinach and pangasius in nutrient film technique based aquaponics

A 105-day experiment was carried out to optimize the iron dose and investigate its effect on the spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and growth of pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in nutrient film technique (NFT) based aquaponics using aquaculture wastewater. The experimental setup consisted 15 individual and identical aquaponics units, with each unit containing a fish tank, NFT hydroponic, and a filtration system. Four different iron dosages T1 (1.0 mg/L), T2 (1.5 mg/L), T3 (2.0 mg/L), and T4 (2.5 mg/L) were assigned as treatments and compared with unsupplemented (control). The pangasius (3.13 ± 0.03 g) and spinach were stocked at 2.8 kg/m3 and 28 plants/m2, respectively in each aquaponic unit. During the experimental period, the spinach was harvested six times. During the fifth harvest (90th day), the highest yield was observed in T2 (881.74 ± 17.16 g) followed by T1 > T3 > T4 > C (563.67 ± 57.85 g). The nutrient analysis of plants revealed that the iron interacted with essential macronutrients and micronutrients and had a beneficial impact on their uptake, which in turn affected the plant growth and the yield of crops. A significant (P < 0.05) difference was found in the fish body weight among the treatments and control. The highest fish body weight was observed in T2 (16.34 ± 0.63 g) followed by T3 > T4 > T1 > C (11.72 ± 0.38 g). Higher plasma cortisol and glucose values were recorded in T4 and T3. Based on water quality parameters, spinach yield, proximate analysis, growth of fish, physiological responses, and nutrient analysis, an iron dose of 1.5 mg/L per fortnight can be optimum for pangasius-spinach nutrient film technique based aquaponics.

Evaluation of maternal-filial stress in a dairy goat herd with small ruminant lentivirus infection in the Brazilian northeastern semiarid region

The objective of this study was to evaluate maternal-filial stress and maternal ability in a herd positive for small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV), submitted to a control program for this disease, in the Northeastern semi-arid region, through ethological analysis and quantification of cortisol in the blood plasma and the hair coat. After the parturitions, 4 subgroups were formed according to the order of birth (primiparous or pluriparous) and to natural or artificial suckling: primiparous goats with natural suckling (PriN), primiparous goats with artificial suckling (PriA), pluriparous goats with natural suckling (PluN) and pluriparous goats with artificial suckling (PluA). The attentive posture was higher in goats from the PriA group (30.6%) compared to PriN (15.9%) and PluA (13.7%). The matrices of the PriN group showed lesser positioning behavior when compared to the PluN, (17.8%, 31.6%, respectively) (P ≤ 0.05). As for the behavior of the kids, there was a difference (P ≤ 0.01) for the vocalization parameter between those separated from pluriparous mothers (60.48%) and those kept with the mother (8.54%). The same occurred with the kids of the primiparous mothers (43.20%; 6.99%), for those separated and those kept with their mothers, respectively. The separated kids of pluriparous mothers had a higher record for attempted escape (P ≤ 0.05), attentive posture (P ≤ 0.01), and restlessness (P ≤ 0.01), concerning those kept with their mothers. Primiparous kids were more restless (P ≤ 0.01) and attentive (P ≤ 0.01). The plasma cortisol and hair values did not differ (P > 0.05), except at parturition. It is concluded that the postpartum separation exerts higher levels of stress in the kids, that mothers already have a level of stress related to external factors, and that the postpartum separation does not interfere in the maternal ability of the mothers in subsequent births.

Relationship between plasma, saliva, urinary and faecal cortisol levels in pigs

Blood collection for assessment of stress markers such as cortisol, involves restraining and induction of stress on animals. The present study examined the relationship between circulating cortisol levels with its levels in other biological sources (saliva, urine, faeces) to assess utility of non-invasive methods of sample collection for stress assessment in crossbred pigs (Hampshire × Ghungroo). Urine samples were collected after 1 and 2 h of blood and saliva collection, whereas faecal samples were collected after 24 and 48 h of initial sample collection. Mean cortisol levels in plasma and saliva was positively correlated. The correlation between plasma cortisol and second hour mean urinary cortisol values was higher compared to first hour samples. The faecal reactive metabolite levels were weakly correlated to plasma, saliva and urinary cortisol levels. It is concluded that the salivary cortisol values reflect its plasma levels at the time of collection most closely amongst the biological samples studied.

Pharmacodynamic studies of nasal tetracosactide with salivary glucocorticoids for a noninvasive Short Synacthen Test.

The Short Synacthen Test (SST) is the gold standard for diagnosing adrenal insufficiency. It requires invasive administration of Synacthen, venous sampling, and is resource-intensive. To develop a nasally administered SST, with salivary glucocorticoids measurement, to assess the adrenal response. We conducted 5 studies: 4 open-label, sequence-randomized, crossover, pharmacodynamic studies testing 6 doses/formulations and a repeatability study. Additionally, pharmacokinetic analysis was undertaken using our chosen formulation, 500 µg tetracosactide with mucoadhesive chitosan, Nasacthin003, in our pediatric study. Adult and children's clinical research facilities. A total of 36 healthy adult males and 24 healthy children. We administered all 6 nasal formulations using an European regulator endorsed atomization device. The IV comparators were 250 µg or 1 µg SST. We analyzed paired blood and saliva samples for plasma cortisol and salivary cortisol and cortisone. The addition of chitosan to tetracosactide and dose escalation increased peak cortisol response (P = 0.01 and 0.001, respectively). The bioavailability of Nasacthin003 was 14.3%. There was no significant difference in plasma cortisol at 60 minutes between 500 µg Nasacthin003 and 250 µg IV Synacthen (P = 0.17). The repeatability coefficient at 60 minutes was 105 nmol/L for IV Synacthen and salivary cortisol and cortisone was 10.3 and 21.1 nmol/L, respectively. The glucocorticoid response in children was indistinguishable from that of adults. Nasal administration of Nasacthin003 generates equivalent plasma cortisol values to the 250-µg IV SST and, with measurement at 60 minutes of salivary cortisol or cortisone, provides a noninvasive test for adrenal insufficiency.

Evaluation of the animal welfare during religious slaughtering.

Plasma cortisol and its metabolites are physiological indicators for stress assessment and slaughtering method may affect their levels, playing an important role in the correct acidification of meat. The aim of the study was to determine and compare plasma cortisol values in animals slaughtered using traditional procedures, which include stunning (using captive bolt pistol), with those in animals slaughtered using Halal method, which does not involve stunning. The study was carried out on a total of 60 Charolais male beef cattle of eight months of age, bred in free paddock outdoors. The animals were divided into two experimental groups, each consisting of 30 individuals, on the basis of the slaughtering method, i.e. traditional or Halal, to verify the whole production chain and to ensure that the product conformed to Muslim rules. Plasma cortisol levels (detected by Elisa test) were evaluated at two different times of animal productive life: on the farm, one week before slaughter (T0) and during bleeding (T1). The 30 calves slaughtered after stunning showed plasma cortisol values of 4.06±1.94 and 43.72±12.09 nmol/L, respectively on the farm and during exsanguination. Conversely, the average values found in the 30 calves subjected to ritual slaughter were 3.26±1.01 and 88.81±41.02 nmol/L. The study demonstrated that throughout the animal’s productive life (from pasture to slaughter) the greatest variation between slaughter with and without stunning was observed during bleeding.

Effect of stress on somatic cell count and milk yield and composition in goats

There is little information about the effect of the stress on Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and milk yield and composition in goats. A total of 40 goats in their 4th month of lactation were assigned to two groups: stress (STR) and untreated (CON). Goats of STR were exposed to acute stress (visual and auditory stimulus from a barking dog for 20 min on day 0). After the stress, average values of plasma cortisol were higher in STR than CON (P < 0.001); likewise, in STR group cortisol was lower in parity 1 + 2 goats than parity ≥3 goats (P < 0.05). Stress caused a considerable increase in SCC in parity ≥3 goats (P < 0.05), but not in parity 1 + 2 goats. On average, this increase of SCC was 6-fold compared to values prior to the stress, and it was observed in both healthy and infected mammary glands. This increase was transient, as SCC returned to normal values after 1 to 3 days. On day 1, stressed goats of parity ≥3 produced 11% less milk compared with day 0 and, regarding milk composition, only lactose showed a significant drop. Stressed parity 1 + 2 goats showed no changes in SCC and milk yield and composition. We conclude that, in goats, stress is a non-infectious factor that can interfere in the use of SCC as an indirect method of intramammary infection (IMI) detection or, in bulk tank milk, as a commercial milk quality parameter.

Effects of dietary inclusions of red beet and betaine on the acute stress response and muscle lipid peroxidation in rainbow trout.

This study evaluates the effects of red beet (RB) and betaine on rainbow trout submitted to an acute stress challenge. A control diet was compared with four experimental diets in which red beet (14 and 28%) and betaine (0.9 and 1.63%) were incorporated in different concentrations according to a factorial design. Cortisol in plasma and fin, glucose and lactate plasma levels, and malondialdehide (MDA) in muscle were all measured before the stress challenge and 30min and 6 and 12h after the stress challenge as parameters to determine the diet effects. RB and betaine had no effect on cortisol, glucose, and MDA basal levels. However, lactate basal levels were significantly lower on fish fed with RB and betaine. Thirty minutes after the stress challenge, there was a significant increase in plasma and fin cortisol, glucose and lactate concentrations, although fish fed with diets containing RB and betaine showed significantly higher plasma cortisol values. MDA values of fish fed with 14% RB and 0.9% betaine were significantly higher than MDA values from fish fed with 28% RB and 1.63% betaine. After 6 and 12h, plasma and fin cortisol and lactate levels recovered in a similar trend. Glucose plasma levels recovered in almost all groups 12h after the stress. Also, MDA values recovered basal levels after 6 and 12h. RB and betaine did not enhance the tolerance to the stress challenge compared to the control group, although the presence of these ingredients had no negative effect on any of the stress indicators.

Impact of Air Exposure on Vasotocinergic and Isotocinergic Systems in Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata): New Insights on Fish Stress Response.

The hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) and hypothalamus-sympathetic-chromaffin cell (HSC) axes are involved in the regulation of the stress response in teleost. In this regard, the activation of a complex network of endocrine players is needed, including corticotrophin-releasing hormone (Crh), Crh binding protein (Crhbp), proopiomelanocortin (Pomc), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Trh), arginine vasotocin (Avt), and isotocin (It) to finally produce pleiotropic functions. We aimed to investigate, using the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) as a biological model, the transcriptomic response of different endocrine factors (crh, crhbp, pomcs, trh), neuropeptides (avt and it), and their specific receptors (avtrv1a, avtrv2, and itr) in four important target tissues (hypothalamus, pituitary, kidney and liver), after an acute stress situation. We also investigated several stress hormones (catecholamines and cortisol). The stress condition was induced by air exposure for 3 min, and hormonal, metabolic and transcriptomic parameters were analyzed in a time course response (15 and 30 min, and 1, 2, 4, and 8 h post-stress) in a total of 64 fish (n = 8 fish per experimental group; p = 0.05; statistical power = 95%). Our results showed that plasma noradrenaline, adrenaline and cortisol values increased few minutes after stress exposure. At hypothalamic and hypophyseal levels, acute stress affected mRNA expression of all measured precursors and hormonal factors, as well as their receptors (avtrs and itr), showing the activation, at central level, of HPI, HSC, and Avt/It axes in the acute stress response. In addition, stress response also affected mRNA levels of avtrs and itr in the head kidney, as well as the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (star) and tyrosine hydroxylase (th) expression, suggesting their participation in the HPI and HSC axes activation. Moreover, the pattern of changes in hepatic avtrs and itr gene expression also highlights an important role of vasotocinergic and isotocinergic pathways in liver metabolic organization after acute stress events. Our results demonstrate, both at transcriptional and circulating levels of several hormones, the existence of a complex activation of different endocrine pathways in S. aurata related to the stress pathways, where vasotocinergic and isotocinergic systems can also be considered key players of the acute stress response orchestration.

Short-term exposure to repeated chasing stress does not induce habituation in Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis

Animals can habituate to certain repeated stressors and reduce the physiological response that such stressor evoked initially. Studies related to stress habituation in fish are scarce and the available data differ depending on the species and on the type, duration and severity of the stressor. The main objective of this study was to investigate the stress response of juvenile Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) submitted to repeated chasing stress for 3days previous to the experiment in order to evaluate the occurrence of habituation to those stress conditions in this fish species. Thus, five different experimental groups were evaluated: not stressed fish (control, C), fish stressed only on the experimental day (ST/naïve), and fish stressed on the experimental day and on the 3 previous days: during the day (ST/Dt), at night (ST/Nt) or both (ST/Dt+Nt). Parameters related to primary and secondary responses to chasing were evaluated in plasma, liver and brain. Chasing in ST/naïve group induced incremented values of plasma cortisol, glucose and lactate but no changes in catecholamine levels compared to controls. In trained fish, higher cortisol but decreased glucose, lactate and catecholamine levels were observed after stress compared to controls and to ST/naïve groups. In the liver, stress did not induce any changes with respect to controls whereas ST/Dt and ST/Dt+Nt showed lower values of glucose and glycogen than stressed naïve fish. In the brain, ST/naïve group presented no significant changes in serotonergic activity. However, incremented serotonergic activity was detected in fish previously trained. Furthermore, dopaminergic activity decreased in diurnal trained and nocturnal trained groups with respect to ST/naïve fish. Crh expression in hypothalamus was higher in ST/naïve fish but not in fish submitted to repeated stress compared to controls. In summary, it seems that there was no habituation to the repeated acute stress protocol in Solea senegalensis in terms of serotonergic activity and cortisol release during the physiological stress response. However, the decreased levels of plasma catecholamines and energy metabolites, and of the hypothalamic crh mRNA abundance and dopaminergic activity, indicate a modulation of the stress response in trained fish. Altogether, the results suggest that either the chasing stressor was too strong or the training period too short for the animals to habituate, indicating that repeated chasing within short periods should be avoided when manipulating fish in order to keep proper welfare conditions in this species.

Role of Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) in Development of Post-Traumatic Nosocomial Pneumonia

Background and purpose: Infection after experimental focal ischemia may result from brain-induced immune depression. A strong cytokine mediated anti-inflammatory response was recently observed in stroke patients at higher risk of infection, although infection due to the decreased pro-inflammatory mediators can be expected as well. To investigate this question the following experiment was performed. Methods: 105 over 60 years hip fracture patients were included in the study. Sera and lympho/monocytes were separated from blood samples taken on different days (day 1, 3, 6, 9). Isolated lympho/ monocytes were cultured for one day with or without endotoxin (LPS). TNFα levels in sera and in the culture supernatants were determined by bioassays using WEHI 164 cells. Plasma ACTH and cortisol values were measured by RIA kits. Results: From 105 hip fracture patients 7 nosocomial pneumonia patients were found, (4 survivors and 3 nonsurvivors) furthermore 2 non-survivors with cardiovascular death without infection. On the day of trauma the level of circulating TNFα activity was extremely low in nosocomial pneumonia patients in comparison to uneventful healing patients. In pneumonia patients TNFα started to increase on day 3, increased till day 9 then reached the values of uneventful healing group. In two patients with later cardiovascular complications, extremely high TNF alpha activities were detected throughout the entire observation period. The plasma cortisol values were high in nosocomial pneumonia patients in comparison to uneventful healing persons, and decreased slightly by the 9th post-trauma day. In the two cardiovascular patients, serum cortisol was extremely low on the day of trauma and increased gradually during the investigation period. ACTH level was stable in the sera of uneventfully healing patients, while showed large individual and also time-dependent fluctuations people with post-traumatic complications. Conclusions: An excessive decrease in pro-inflammatory response is a key facilitating factor for the development of infection.

Effect of peripartum nutritional supplementation on postpartum fertility and blood biochemical and steroid hormone profile in crossbred cows

Advanced pregnant healthy HF crossbred cows (n=20) of 2-4 parity were equally divided in to control (routine farm feeding-RFF) and treatment/nutrients supplementation (RFF + bypass fat @ 100-200 g/h/d and ASMM @ 50 g/h/d) groups and were studied from 2 wks prepartum to 8 wks postpartum for plasma profile of steroid hormones and metabolites on days -14, -3, 0, +3, +14, +28 and +42 as well as for puerperal events and postpartum fertility. The mean plasma progesterone values were maximum (&gt;6 ng/ml) on day 14 prepartum, which declined significantly (p&gt;0.01) on day 3 prepartum reached to the basal levels (&gt;1 ng/ml) on the day of calving, remained basal till day 14, and thereafter showed a rising trend on days 28 and 42 postpartum. The oestradiol-17b values were at its peak on the day of calving (p&gt;0.01), showed a rapid fall by day 3 postpartum and remained low till recrudesce of follicular activity around day 35 postpartum. However, there were no statistical differences between the two groups in either of the hormones, except on day 42 postpartum. The levels of cortisol and PGF2 a Metabolites (PGFM) were 3-8 times higher on the day of parturition as compared to values at day 14 pre- and postpartum, and declined further till day 42 postpartum reaching to prepartum levels. The plasma cholesterol gradually decreased as parturition approached and increased in postpartum days to reach the highest value (p&gt;0.01) at day 42. The nutrients supplemented cows had significantly (p&gt;0.01) higher plasma cortisol, PGFM and cholesterol values than the control cows around parturition. However, no such variation was noted in plasma protein profile. The period of uterine involution in control and supplemented groups was identical (31.97±1.82 and 30.27±1.41 days), yet the cows in treatment group resumed estrous cycle earlier (38.00±1.95 vs 42.32±4.14 days, p&gt;0.05) and had shorter service period (85.22±7.17 vs 100.67±5.60 days) with improved pregnancy rate (80 vs 60 %) as compared to those in control group. Thus, the peripartum nutrient supplementation in crossbred cows was beneficial and had positive effect on the postpartum fertility and plasma cortisol, PGFM and cholesterol profile.

Effects of acclimation to seawater salinity on some blood parameters in wild Caspian brown trout, Salmo trutta caspius

In the present study, some hematological indices were assayed after salinity challenge in smolts obtained from wild populations of Caspian brown trout. The experiment was designed into three treatments and one control group containing 90 fish per treatment. In experimental treatment, fish were exposed to salinity challenge (12 mg/l salinity) for 48 h. Fish of control group were not challenged and held in freshwater with 0.37 g/l salinity. After salinity challenge in seawater, the higher values of plasma cortisol and glucose were found in fish acclimated to seawater compared to control group (P 0.05). Plasma potassium and sodium concentrations were statistically similar between experimental groups and control group (P > 0.05). Also, plasma protein levels were lower in fish exposed to salinity challenge compared to control (P 0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study confirm the ability of the Caspian brown trout smolts in controlling osmoregulation by alternation of some hematological parameters.

Hematological and Biochemical Responses of Endangered Caspian Brown Trout, Salmo Trutta Caspius during Acclimation to Seawater Salinity

Smolts of Caspian brown trout were introduced to water with salinity of 12g/l to find hematological and biochemical responses in relation to sea-water acclimation. A total of 360 fish(6.2 ± 0.13 g) were randomly distributed into 6 tanks in groups of 20 with three replicates (totally 12 tanks). Three groups were included as experimental treatments and one group allocated to control. In experimental treatment, fish were acclimated to water with 12 mg/l salinity for 48 h. fish of control group were not acclimated to sea water salinity. After acclimation in sea water, the higher values of plasma cortisol and glucose were found in fish acclimated to sea water compared to control group (P 0.05). Also, plasma protein levels were lower in fish acclimated to seawater compared to control (P Keywords:Red blood cell, salinity, stress, Caspian brown trout

Nitric oxide euthanasia: a potential procedure for improving animal welfare and fillet color of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were euthanized with saturated nitric oxide (NO) solution prior to slaughter. The behavior, heart rate, plasma cortisol, and color values were used to evaluate the welfare and fillet color of the fish. Tilapia were unconscious after 20 min of NO euthanasia which was much shorter than with carbon monoxide (CO) treatment. Tilapia remained quiet during the euthanasia process. The heart rate reduced from 41 to 7 beats/min after 20 min of NO euthanasia, and the cortisol level in the NO-euthanized fish plasma was significantly lower than that of the percussively stunned fish sample. Moreover, both the red and white muscles of NO-euthanized tilapia fillets had a brighter red color than those of control, and showed a significant increase in redness (a* values) postmortem at 0 °C for 15 days. The results suggested that NO euthanasia prior to slaughter is a good procedure to improve both the animal welfare and tilapia fillet color. In summary, NO treatment resulted in shorter euthanasia time, less stress, enhanced a* values, and stabilization of tilapia fillet red color. This procedure is valuable for aquaculture of tilapia and possibly other fish species.

Influence of stocking density on growth, metabolism and stress of thick- lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) juveniles

Abstract Physiological responses to different stocking densities and their subsequent effects on growth rate, energy metabolism and endocrine system were assessed in thick-lipped grey mullet ( Chelon labrosus ) juveniles. Three different groups of 150 fish (0.383 ± 0.020 g body mass, 101 days post-hatching (dph)) were maintained in triplicate under three different stocking densities: 0.7, 2.0 and 6.7 kg·m − 3 . All individuals were sampled at days 0, 20, 45 and 75 to obtain biometric parameters, while 25–30 specimens from each treatment were sampled for the plasma, liver and pituitary collection at the end of the experiment (75 days). The lowest growth increase, both in body mass and total length, was shown in the group held at the highest stocking density (6.7 kg·m − 3 ), just by the end of the experiment (176 dph). Moreover, higher plasma cortisol and glucose values were obtained in the group stocked at 0.7 kg·m − 3 , whereas individuals maintained under the maximum density (6.7 kg·m − 3 ) had the highest hepatic glycogen and lowest glucose content. In addition, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) gene expression increased in the group maintained under the highest stocking condition. Our results indicate that C. labrosus juveniles activated both Hypothalamus–Pituitary–Interrenal (cortisol) and somatotropic (GH/IGF-I) axes to modulate metabolic and stress pathways in specimens held at different stocking densities to compensate their growth rates.

Environmental salinity-modified osmoregulatory response in the sub-Antarctic notothenioid fish Eleginops maclovinus

In this study we assessed changes in the osmoregulatory system of juvenile sub-Antarctic Eleginops maclovinus submitted to different environmental salinities (5, 15, 32 and 45 psu) using two different acclimation trials: (1) an end-point experiment (exposure for 14 days) and (2) a time course experiment (specimens were sampled on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 post-transfer). Plasma osmolality, cortisol and metabolites (glucose, lactate and protein) values as well as Na+, K+-ATPase (NKA) activity were assessed in several osmoregulatory tissues (gills, kidney and intestine). In both trials, acclimation to different environmental salinities for 14 days induced changes in plasma metabolites (glucose, lactate and proteins) as well as cortisol values related to salinity challenges. Plasma osmolality and gill NKA activity presented a direct and positive relationship with respect to environmental salinity, while kidney NKA activity showed a “U-shaped” relationship. Anterior intestinal NKA activity increased in response to environmental salinity and apparently did not change in the middle portion of this organ, while it was enhanced in the posterior portion in environmental salinities different than seawater. Plasma metabolite values increased under hypo- and hypersaline conditions, indicating the importance of these energy substrates in extreme environments. The time course study revealed that specimens of E. maclovinus are able to accommodate their osmotic and metabolic system to respond to osmoregulatory challenges by allostatic changes.