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A non-invasive technique for analyzing fecal cortisol metabolites in snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus)

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Abstract

To develop non-invasive techniques for monitoring steroid stress hormones in the feces of free-living animals, extensive knowledge of their metabolism and excretion is essential. Here, we conducted four studies to validate the use of an enzyme immunoassay for monitoring fecal cortisol metabolites in snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). First, we injected 11 hares with radioactive cortisol and collected all voided urine and feces for 4 days. Radioactive metabolites were recovered predominantly in the urine (59%), with only 8% recovered in the feces. Peak radioactivity was detected an average of 3.5 and 5.7 h after injection in the urine and feces, respectively. Second, we investigated diurnal rhythms in fecal cortisol metabolites by measuring recovered radioactivity 2 days after the radioactive cortisol injection. The total amount of radioactivity recovered showed a strong diurnal rhythm, but the amount of radioactivity excreted per gram of feces did not, remaining constant. Third, we injected hares with dexamethasone to suppress fecal cortisol metabolites and 2 days later with adrenocorticotropic hormone to increase fecal cortisol metabolites. Dexamethasone decreased fecal cortisol metabolites concentrations by 61% and adrenocorticotropic hormone increased them by 1,000%, 8–12 h after injection. Fourth, we exposed hares to a simulated predator (dog). This increased the fecal cortisol metabolites concentrations by 175% compared with baseline concentrations 8–12 h after exposure. Thus, this enzyme immunoassay provides a robust foundation for non-invasive field studies of stress in hares.

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Abbreviations

FCM:

Fecal cortisol metabolites

EIA:

Enzyme immunoassay

DEX:

Dexamethasone

ACTH:

Adrenocorticotropic hormone

11,17-DOA:

11,17-Dioxoandrostanes

HPA:

Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal

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Acknowledgments

We thank Andrew T. Sheriff for his contribution to this project. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development supported this research. We thank Andrew Williams and the Arctic Institute of North America, University of Calgary, for providing facilities at Kluane Lake. The University of British Columbia Animal Care Committee approved all procedures in accordance with the guidelines of the Canadian Council for Animal Care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

    Michael J. Sheriff & Charles J. Krebs

  2. Centre for the Neurobiology of Stress, University of Toronto at Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada

    Michael J. Sheriff, Curtis O. Bosson & Rudy Boonstra

Authors
  1. Michael J. Sheriff
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  2. Curtis O. Bosson
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  3. Charles J. Krebs
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  4. Rudy Boonstra
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Correspondence to Michael J. Sheriff.

Additional information

Communicated by G. Heldmaier.

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Sheriff, M.J., Bosson, C.O., Krebs, C.J. et al. A non-invasive technique for analyzing fecal cortisol metabolites in snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). J Comp Physiol B 179, 305–313 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00360-008-0314-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00360-008-0314-4

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