Ancora, S., R. Rossi, P.D. Simplicio, L. Lusini, and C. Leonzio (2002). In vitro study of methylmercury in blood of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 42(3): 348-53. ISSN: 0090-4341.
NAL Call Number: TD172.A7
Abstract: The biochemical behavior of methylmercury (MeHg) in dolphin blood was investigated in vitro. MeHg distribution between plasma and erythrocytes and its release from erythrocytes into plasma or medium without SH group was determined. At the subcellular level its distribution among different thiol-containing molecules was also investigated in erythrocytes and plasma. When blood was treated with 0.1 mM MeHg, about 98.1% was found in red cells and 1.9% in plasma; only 0.6% of MeHg present in the cellular compartment was bound to membranes.Hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin, principal proteins containing SH groups (PSH), and glutathione (GSH) appeared to be the main targets of MeHg in dolphin blood. Gel filtration of stroma-free hemolysate of treated red blood cells (RBCs) revealed that MeHg was almost equally present in high (52.5%) and low (47.5%) molecular weight fractions, whereas in plasma it only eluted with proteins (high molecular weight fractions). Hemoglobin was identified as the main intracellular protein binding MeHg. The exchange reaction of MeHg between GSH and dolphin hemoglobin was also evaluated and the equilibrium constants calculated.
Descriptors: dolphins, environmental exposure, methylmercury compounds blood, water pollutants, chemical blood, binding sites, erythrocytes chemistry, hemoglobins analysis, methylmercury compounds adverse effects, plasma chemistry, serum albumin analysis, water pollutants, chemical adverse effects.
Baskurt, O.K., B.A. Meiselman, S.R. Meiselman, H.J. Meiselman, and R. Elsner (2002). Rheological behavior of bowhead whale blood. Biorheology 39(5): 653. ISSN: 0006-355X.
Descriptors: behavior, blood, lymphatics, transport and circulation, cone plate viscometer, bowhead whale, hematocrit, measurement method, cold adaptation, cold Arctic habitat, freezing blood temperature, plasma viscosity, whole blood viscosity.
Notes: Meeting Information: 11th International Congress of Biorheology and 4th International Conference on Clinical Hemorheology, Antalya, Turkey, September 22-26, 2002.
Bastos, B.L., R. Maia Nogueira, G.d.O. Norberto, S.C. Borocco, and J.E. Guimaraes (2004). Hemograma e determinacao de ALT, AST, creatinina e glicose em golfinho-de-dentes-rugosos, Steno bredanensis, Lesson, 1828, encalhado em Salvador, Bahia. [Blood cells count and serum analysis of ALT, AST, creatinine and glucose of a rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis, Lesson, 1828, found stranded in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil]. Ars Veterinaria 20(2): 207-211. ISSN: 0102-6380.
Descriptors: alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood chemistry, case reports, creatinine, eosinophils, erythrocytes, glucose, hematology, hemoglobin, leukocytes, leukopenia, polycythaemia, reticulocytes, dolphins.
Language of Text: English and Spanish.
Beck, B.M. and C.D. Rice (2003). Serum antibody levels against select bacterial pathogens in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, from Beaufort NC USA and Charleston Harbor, Charleston, SC, USA. Marine Environmental Research 55(2): 161-79. ISSN: 0141-1136.
NAL Call Number: QH545.W3M36
Abstract: Concern over the emergence of zoonotic diseases in marine organisms is growing. In response to this concern, this study set out to measure antibody activities against bacterial pathogens in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, from the coastal estuaries of NC and SC, USA. Individuals from Charleston SC harbor, a heavily industrialized shipping harbor estuary, and from Beaufort NC, a non-shipping estuary, were examined. Purified IgG was obtained from pooled sera using ammonium sulfate precipitation steps and protein-G procedures, which was then used to generate a panel of IgG-specific monoclonal antibodies. Two of these antibodies, mAbs BB-10-2 (IgG1) and BB-32-2 (IgG2b), were then used to determine total serum IgG concentrations using a sandwich capture ELISA. Circulating IgG levels were variable between individuals and between the two pods. MAb BB-10-2 was then used in an indirect ELISA to determine serum antibody activities against several common marine bacteria as well as the human pathogens E. coli and E. coli strain 0157:H7, Vibrio parahemolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. cholerae, Mycobacteria marinum, M. fortuitum, and M. chelonae. The highest antibody activities were against mycobacteria, two of which are zoonotic pathogens. Males had the highest antibody activities, thus suggesting low cell-mediated immunity against intracellular pathogens in these individuals. T-cell proliferation in response to Con-A, an indicator of cell-mediated immune function, was then measured in the Beaufort population. Males had the lowest proliferation responses, however a negative correlation between antibody activities and T-cell proliferation in individuals could not be established for either of the Mycobacteria species. Overall, antibody activities against all bacteria, including innocuous species such as V. anguillarum, V. natrigens, and M. xenopi were highly variable between individual dolphins and the two pods, with some animals exhibiting very high activities. These studies suggests that dolphin populations should be monitored by following the health and seroprevalence of pathogens of interest in select individual animals over time.
Descriptors: antibodies, monoclonal immunology, dolphins immunology, gram negative bacteria immunology, antibody specificity, dolphins microbiology, environmental exposure adverse effects, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, Escherichia coli immunology, Escherichia coli o157 immunology, marine biology, North Carolina, South Carolina, vibrio classification, vibrio immunology, water pollutants, chemical adverse effects.
Beineke, A., U. Siebert, N. van Elk, and W. Baumgartner (2004). Development of a lymphocyte-transformation-assay for peripheral blood lymphocytes of the harbor porpoise and detection of cytokines using the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 98(1-2): 59-68. ISSN: 0165-2427.
NAL Call Number: SF757.2.V38
Abstract: Impairment of immune function is suggested to play a contributing role for the increasing incidence of infectious diseases in the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) of the North and Baltic Seas. Both, lymphocyte-transformation-assay of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBMC) and detection of cytokine expression are important tools for the characterization of the cellular immune response. To evaluate optimal parameters for the lymphocyte-transformation-assay isolated blood lymphocytes from four healthy harbor porpoises were stimulated with different concentrations of concanavalin A (Con A), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM). Cell proliferation was measured photometrically after 72 h using 5-bromo-deoxyuridine-assay and stimulation indices were calculated. The expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was investigated in control and mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Primers for IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 were selected from published cDNA-sequences of other cetaceans. Established canine and human primers were taken for the detection of TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, IL-10 and the house keeping transcript glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), respectively. Specificity of the amplicon was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis and comparison with nucleotide sequences of other marine and terrestrial mammals. Con A and PHA represented the most powerful mitogens for harbor porpoise lymphoid cells at concentrations of 5 and 2 microg/ml, respectively, while PWM induced a comparatively low maximum proliferation at a concentration of 2 microg/ml. GAPDH was amplified in non-stimulated and all mitogen-stimulated cells. With the exception of IL-10 none of the other cytokines were detected in non-stimulated cells. Transcription of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta-mRNA was observed after incubation with all the three phytomitogens, whereas IL-2 was only detected in Con A and PWM treated cells. Lymphocyte-transformation-assay and RT-PCR for detection of cytokines will allow to investigate possible impaired immune function in the harbor porpoise in future studies.
Descriptors: cytokines genetics, lymphocyte activation, porpoises genetics, porpoises immunology, base sequence, concanavalin A pharmacology, DNA primers genetics, DNA, complementary genetics, interleukins genetics, lymphocytes drug effects, lymphocytes immunology, molecular sequence data, phytohemagglutinins pharmacology, pokeweed mitogens pharmacology, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, transforming growth factor beta genetics, tumor necrosis factor alpha genetics.
Borisov, V.I. (1981). Comparative analysis of electrophoretic spectra of proteins in whales of Antarctic region. 1. Hemoglobins and myoglobins of 3 species of baleen and sperm whales. Zoologicheskii Zhurnal 60(3): 438-442. ISSN: 0044-5134.
NAL Call Number: 410 R92
Descriptors: Antarctica, whales, proteins, hemoglobins, myoglobins, baleen, sperm, comarative analysis, electrophoretic spectra.
Bottino, N.R. (1978). Lipids of the Antarctic sei whale, Balaenoptera borealis. Lipids 13(1): 18-23.
NAL Call Number: QP751.L5
Descriptors: whale, Antarctic, lipids, sei whale, Balaenoptera borealis.
Brix, O., M. Ekker, S.G. Condo, R. Scatena, M.E. Clementi, and B. Giardina (1990). Lactate does facilitate oxygen unloading from the hemoglobin of the whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, after diving. Arctic Medical Research 49(1): 39-42. ISSN: 0782-226X.
Abstract: The present study reports on a specific effect of lactate on the oxygen binding properties of the hemoglobin from the whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata. In fact 0.1 mM lactate may increase the amount of oxygen unloaded to the tissues as much as 30%. Under these conditions the Bohr shift, of the magnitude of about -1, does not alter the oxygen affinity, but plays an important role in the isohydric transport of carbon dioxide.
Descriptors: Cetacea blood, diving, hemoglobins metabolism, lactates blood, oxygen blood, whales blood, lactic acid.
Castellini, M.A., P.K. Yochem, and J.M. Castellini (2001). Differential concentration of glucose in red blood cells and plasma of a rehabilitating gray whale calf. Aquatic Mammals 27(3): 277-278. ISSN: 0167-5427.
Descriptors: blood and lymphatics, transport and circulation, brain, body mass ratios, wildlife rehabilitation, grey whale, cetaceans, odontocetes, glucose, plasma, red blood cells.
Chiu, J.T., W.C. Yang, L.S. Chou, and C.H. Chi (2002). Hemotological, pathological and clinical investigation of stranded cetaceans in Taiwan. Taiwan Veterinary Journal 28(1): 64-73. ISSN: 1682-6485.
NAL Call Number: SF604.C54
Descriptors: cardiac disorders, heart disease, dehydration, metabolic disease, gastrointestinal disorders, digestive system disease, malnutrition, nutritional disease, pulmonary disorders, respiratory system disease, clinical features, hematological features, nutrition supplementation, pathological features, rehydration, sea water inhalation, stranded animal management, stress reduction, cetaceans.
Chui, J.T., W.C. Yang, L.S. Chou, and C.H. Chi (2002). Hemotological, pathological and clinical investigation of stranded cetaceans in Taiwan. Taiwan Veterinary Journal 28(1): 64-73. ISSN: 1682-6485.
NAL Call Number: SF604.C54
Descriptors: Cetacea, blood, hematology, diseases and disorders, west Pacific, Taiwan, hematological, pathological and clinical investigation of live stranded specimens.
Craik, J.D., C.I. Cheeseman, and J.D. Young (1995). Rapid entry of d-glucose into erythrocytes from bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Science 11(4): 584-589. ISSN: 0824-0469.
NAL Call Number: QL713.2.M372
Descriptors: biochemistry and molecular biophysics, blood and lymphatics, transport and circulation, cell biology, metabolism, systematics and taxonomy, metabolism.
Crissey, S.D. and R. Wells (1999). Serum alpha- and gamma-tocopherols, retinol, retinyl palmitate, and carotenoid concentrations in captive and free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. B, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 124B(4): 391-396. ISSN: 1096-4959.
NAL Call Number: QP501.C6
Descriptors: alpha tocopherol, dolphins, comparisons, blood serum, vitamins, captine dolphins, free range dolphins.
De Guise, S., J. Bernier, M.M. Dufresne, D. Martineau, P. Beland, and M. Fournier (1996). Immune functions in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas): evaluation of mitogen-induced blastic transformation of lymphocytes from peripheral blood, spleen and thymus. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 50(1-2): 117-126. ISSN: 0165-2427.
NAL Call Number: SF757.2.V38
Descriptors: Delphinapterus leucas, lymphocytes, lymphocyte transformation, blood, monocytes, spleen cells, thymocytes, measurement.
De Guise, S., K. Erickson, M. Blanchard, L. DiMolfetto, H.D. Lepper, J. Wang, J.L. Stott, and D.A. Ferrick (2002). Monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte surface antigens for cetacean homologues to CD2, CD19 and CD21. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 84(3-4): 209-221. ISSN: 0165-2427.
NAL Call Number: SF757.2.V38
Descriptors: Cetacea, monoclonal antibodies, lymphocytes, antigens, B lymphocytes, binding, T lymphocytes, cell suspensions, lymph nodes.
Delgado, C.F., V.J.L. Solorzano, and V.J.M. Berruecos (1995). Hematological findings in Orcinus orca in Mexico City's altitude. Veterinaria Mexico 26(3): 237-245. ISSN: 0301-5092.
NAL Call Number: SF604.V485
Abstract: Since 1938, a great number of marine mammals, specially the orca (Orcinus orca), have survived with great success in closed environments. After trying several times to keep them in captivity, this was finally achieved in the Vancouver Aquarium of British Columbia, Canada, in 1964. Hematology is one of the most useful tools for clinical evaluation, but data relating normal blood values in this animal are very limited in Mexico. Research related to the topic does not exist, even though, there has been an orca in Mexico City since 1985. Therefore, the need and importance of obtaining the mammal's own parameters, over 2400 masl, and compare these to values considered as normal in orcas around the world, is imminent. This research was done with a total of 30 blood samples in a period of 2.5 years from the orca "Keiko", male approximately 9 years old, with an estimated weight of 1750 kg, and owned by an amusement park south of Mexico City. Results obtained from the analyses demonstrated some changes in the ones referring to the red formula. This may have been caused by the physiological adaptation to the altitude of Mexico City. It was found that after an adaptation period, the blood values have been constant, suggesting the possibility of few sampling in order to control the animal's health.
Descriptors: biochemistry and molecular biophysics, blood and lymphatics, transport and circulation, physiology.
Desportes, G., M. Saboureau, and A. Lacroix (1994). Growth-related changes in testicular mass and plasma testosterone concentrations in long-finned pilot whales, Globicephala melas. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 102(1): 237-44. ISSN: 0022-4251.
NAL Call Number: 442.8 J8222
Abstract: Blood samples and testes were collected from long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) off the Faroe Islands at irregular intervals over a period of 3 years (July 1986-December 1989). Changes in testis mass (n = 674) and plasma testosterone concentrations (n = 214), measured by radioimmunoassay, were examined with respect to age, bodylength and bodymass of the animals. Corresponding to a rapid testicular growth (from 0.25 kg up to 1.9 kg), puberty occurred in male pilot whales of 4.6-5.7 m in bodylength, 1.2-1.9 tonnes in bodymass and 11-22 years of age. Changes in plasma testosterone concentrations confirmed this result, with very low values (< 2 ng ml-1) in immature animals (testis mass < 0.2 kg), followed by a sharp increase (from 2 to 29 ng ml-1) during the pubertal period, and the maintenance of high concentrations with large variability (> 1.5 ng ml-1 to 14 ng ml-1) in mature males. Testosterone concentrations were significantly correlated with testis mass (P < 0.001), but not with bodylength or age, and very large individual variations were observed in mature males. The average age, length and mass at the attainment of sexual maturity were estimated at 16.99 +/- 0.30 years, 5.162 +/- 0.013 m and 1.403 +/- 0.005 tonnes, respectively.
Descriptors: sexual maturation physiology, testis growth and development, testosterone blood, whales growth and development, body constitution physiology, body weight physiology, testis anatomy and histology, whales blood.
Dobson, G.P. and J.P. Headrick (1995). Bioenergetic scaling: metabolic design and body-size constraints in mammals. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 92(16): 7317-21. ISSN: 0027-8424.
NAL Call Number: 500 N21P
Abstract: The cytosolic phosphorylation ratio ([ATP]/[ADP][P(i)]) in the mammalian heart was found to be inversely related to body mass with an exponent of -0.30 (r = 0.999). This exponent is similar to -0.25 calculated for the mass-specific O2 consumption. The inverse of cytosolic free [ADP], the Gibbs energy of ATP hydrolysis (delta G'ATP), and the efficiency of ATP production (energy captured in forming 3 mol of ATP per cycle along the mitochondrial respiratory chain from NADH to 1/2 O2) were all found to scale with body mass with a negative exponent. On the basis of scaling of the phosphorylation ratio and free cytosolic [ADP], we propose that the myocardium and other tissues of small mammals represent a metabolic system with a higher driving potential (a higher delta G'ATP from the higher [ATP]/[ADP][P(i)]) and a higher kinetic gain [(delta V/Vmax)/delta [ADP]] where small changes in free [ADP] produce large changes in steady-state rates of O2 consumption. From the inverse relationship between mitochondrial efficiency and body size we calculate that tissues of small mammals are more efficient than those of large mammals in converting energy from the oxidation of foodstuffs to the bond energy of ATP. A higher efficiency also indicates that mitochondrial electron transport is not the major site for higher heat production in small mammals. We further propose that the lower limit of about 2 g for adult endotherm body size (bumblebee-bat, Estrucan shrew, and hummingbird) may be set by the thermodynamics of the electron transport chain. The upper limit for body size (100,000-kg adult blue whale) may relate to a minimum delta G'ATP of approximately 55 kJ/mol for a cytoplasmic phosphorylation ratio of 12,000 M-1.
Descriptors: body constitution, energy metabolism, myocardium metabolism, adenosine diphosphate metabolism, adenosine triphosphate metabolism, body temperature regulation, cytosol metabolism, dogs, electron transport, evolution, kinetics, oxygen consumption, phosphates metabolism, phosphorylation, rabbits, rats, wistar rats, thermodynamics.
Duffield, D.A., D.K. Odell, J.F. McBain, and B. Andrews (1995). Killer whale (Orcinus orca) reproduction at Sea World. Zoo Biology 14(5): 417-430. ISSN: 0733-3188.
NAL Call Number: QL77.5.Z6
Descriptors: whales, zoo animals, sexual reproduction, reproductive traits, progesterone, breeding programs, Cetacea, gestation period, pregnancy, female fertility, blood chemistry, blood serum.
Duffield, D.A., S.H. Ridgway, and L.H. Cornell (1983). Hematology distinguishes coastal and offshore forms of dolphins (Tursiops). Canadian Journal of Zoology 61(4): 930-933. ISSN: 0008-4301.
NAL Call Number: 470 C16D
Descriptors: dolphins, coastal, offshore, hematology, Tursiops.
Elsner, R., J.C. George, and T. O'Hara (2004). Vasomotor responses of isolated peripheral blood vessels from bowhead whales: thermoregulatory implications. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 546-553. ISSN: 0824-0469.
NAL Call Number: QL713.2.M372
Abstract: Temperature regulation in bowhead whales, Balaena mysticetus, is supported by the characteristic cetacean peripheral circulation, especially notable in the tail flukes. Blood vessels serving this function consist of countercurrent heat exchangers (network of veins surrounding a central artery) favoring heat conservation and an alternate routing via arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) providing for heat dissipation. We tested the vasomotor responses of isolated segments of countercurrent arteries and AVAs from the bowhead tail flukes to norepinepbrine (NOR), the sympathetic adrenergic neurotransmitter. Isometric tension developed during exposure to a micromolar concentration of NOR was consistently higher in AVAs than in arteries. Accordingly, the AVAs are subject to sympathetic vasoconstriction, and this activation directs blood flow to countercurrent heat exchangers and results in heat conservation. In contrast, AVA relaxation by reduced sympathetic activation favors increased blood flow through AVAs and consequent peripheral heat loss.
Descriptors: biosynchronization, blood and lymphatics, transport and circulation, chemical coordination and homeostasis, blood flow, countercurrent heat exchange, heat conservation, heat dissipation, isometric tension, sympathetic vasoconstriction, thermoregulation, vasomotor responses.
Elsner, R., H.J. Meiselman, and O.K. Baskurt (2004). Temperature-viscosity relations of bowhead whale blood: a possible mechanism for maintaining cold blood flow. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 339-344. ISSN: 0824-0469.
NAL Call Number: QL713.2.M372
Descriptors: Balaena mysticetus, hemodynamics, blood viscosity, temperature relationship, significance for maintaining cold blood flow, evolutionary adaptation, temperature.
Fukui, Y., T. Mogoe, Y. Terawaki, H. Ishikawa, Y. Fujise, and S. Ohsumi (1995). Relationship between physiological status and serum constituent values in minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Journal of Reproduction and Development 41(3): 203-208. ISSN: 0916-8818.
NAL Call Number: SF1.K3
Abstract: Ten serum constituents in 53 minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) from the southern Antarctic ocean were measured and compared with sex and three physiological states (pregnant, mature/non-pregnant, and immature) in females. Body length and body weight of immature females (n=5) were 7.2+-0.6m and 4.6+-1.0t, respectively. Both body weight and weight of pregnant (n=20: 8.9+-0.1m and 7.6+-0.8t) and mature/non-pregnant (n=6: 8.8+-0.2m and 7.2+-0.4t) females were similar. All males (n=22) were mature, and the testicular weight were 1493.9+-109.4g and 1435.2+-87.7g for left and right, respectively. There were no significant differences in the serum concentrations of the ten constituents between sexes or among the physiological states. Serum glucose values in males (183.5+-13.9 mg/dl) were significantly (P<0.05) correlated with body length (r=-0.49) and body weight (r=-0.46). Body length was positively correlated with serum concentrations of sodium (176.3+-6.2 mM/L: r=0.51, P<0.05), chloride (124,8+-5.8 mM/L: r=0.56, P<0.01) and calcium (15.2+-1.6 mg/dl: r=0.53, P<0.05). In females, body weight was positively correlated with the values of total-protein (6.9+-0.4 g/dl: r=-0.38, P<0.05) and albumin (4.0+-0.2 g/dl: r=0.36, P<0.05). Although detailed and clear reasons for the significant correlations were not clarified in the present study, these results provide useful information on the serum chemistry of minks whales and other marine mammals.
Descriptors: whales, blood composition, blood serum, growth, sexual maturity, pregnancy, females, males, Antarctic Ocean, biological development, blood, Cetacea, developmental stages, mammals, marine areas, maturity, physiological functions, reproduction, sex, sexual reproduction.
Language of Text: English summary.
Galantsev, V.P., D.A. Kuz'min, A.G. Kupin, and V.I. Shereshkov (1994). Comparative characterization of the heart rate in cetaceans. Zhurnal Evolyutsionnoi Biokhimii i Fiziologii 30(3): 358-365. ISSN: 0044-4529.
Abstract: In Amazon river dolphins, bottle-nosed dolphins and white whales, comparative studies have been made on cardiac electrical activity using electrocardiographic and telemetric techniques. In all the species investigated, certain dependence of cardiocycle duration on the phase of respiratory pause was observed. A pronounced bradycardia was noted in diving animals which reflects the level of their adaptation to hypoxia and hypoxemia. Autocorrelation functions of the dynamic sequences of cardiointervals were calculated. The presence of "slow" waves in cardiac cycle was shown which were considerably increased during diving.
Descriptors: blood and lymphatics, transport and circulation, cardiovascular system, transport and circulation, ecology, environmental sciences, nervous system, neural coordination, physiology, cardia cycle, electrocardiography.
Gosline, J.M. and R.E. Shadwick (1996). The mechanical properties of fin whale arteries are explained by novel connective tissue designs. Journal of Experimental Biology 199(4): 985-97. ISSN: 0022-0949.
NAL Call Number: 442.8 B77
Abstract: The aortic arch and the descending aorta in the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) are structurally and mechanically very different from comparable vessels in other mammals. Although the external diameter of the whale's descending thoracic aorta (approximately 12 cm) is similar to that predicted by scaling relationships for terrestrial mammals, the wall thickness:diameter ratio in the whale (0.015) is much smaller than the characteristic value for other mammals (0.05). In addition, the elastic modulus of the thoracic aorta (12 MPa at 13 kPa blood pressure) is about 30 times higher than in other mammals. In contrast, the whale's aortic arch has a wall thickness/diameter ratio (0.055) and an elastic modulus (0.4 MPa) that are essentially identical to those for other mammals. However, the aortic arch is unusual in that it can be deformed biaxially to very large strains without entering a region of high stiffness caused by the recruitment of fully extended collagen fibres. Chemical composition studies indicate that the elastin:collagen ratio is high in the aortic arch (approximately 2:1) and that this ratio falls in the thoracic (approximately 1:2) and abdominal (approximately 1:3) aortas, but the magnitude of the change in composition does not account for the dramatic difference in mechanical properties. This suggests that there are differences in the elastin and collagen fibre architecture of these vessels. The descending aorta contains dense bands of tendon-like, wavy collagen fibres that run in the plane of the arterial wall, forming a fibre-lattice that runs in parallel to the elastin lamellae and reinforces the wall, making it very stiff. The aortic arch contains a very different collagen fibre-lattice in which fibres appear to have a component of orientation that runs through the thickness of the artery wall. This suggests that the collagen fibres may be arranged in series with elastin-containing elements, a difference in tissue architecture that could account for both the lower stiffness and the extreme extensibility of the whale's aortic arch. Thus, both the structure and the mechanical behaviour of the lamellar units in the aortic arch and aorta of the whale have presumably been modified to produce the unusual mechanical and haemodynamic properties of the whale circulation.
Descriptors: aorta anatomy and histology, aorta physiology, connective tissue anatomy and histology, connective tissue physiology, whales anatomy and histology, aorta, thoracic anatomy and histology, thoracic physiology, biomechanics, collagen analysis, connective tissue chemistry, elasticity, elastin analysis, Iceland, stress, mechanical, tensile strength.
Guise, S.d., J. Bernier, D. Martineau, P. Beland, and M. Fournier (1997). Phenotyping of beluga whale blood lymphocytes using monoclonal antibodies. Developmental and Comparative Immunology 21(5): 425-433. ISSN: 0145-305X.
Descriptors: immunology, lymphocytes, flow cytometry, monoclonal antibodies, blood, antigens, B lymphocytes, Huso huso, Delphinapterus leucas, Odontoceti.
Heidel, J.R., L.M. Philo, T.F. Albert, C.B. Andreasen, and B.V. Stang (1996). Serum chemistry of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 32(1): 75-79. ISSN: 0090-3558.
NAL Call Number: 41.9 W64B
Descriptors: Balaena mysticetus, blood serum, blood chemistry, sex differences, normal values, pregnancy, Alaska.
Hilton, J.W. and D.E. Gaskin (1978). Comparative volumes and vascular microanatomy of the intrahepatic venous system of the harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena (L.). Canadian Journal of Zoology 56(11): 2292-2298.
NAL Call Number: 470 C16D
Descriptors: harbour porpoise, intrahepatic, venous system, vascular microanatomy, volumes.
Language of Text: French summary.
Hyne, R.H.J., E.E. Lepherd, and J.L. Van Everbrock (1982). Clinical significance of hematologic examinations of the dolphin (Tursiops sp.) in captivity. Journal of Zoo Animal Medicine 12(3): 95-100. ISSN: 0093-4526.
NAL Call Number: SF601.J6
Abstract: Tursiops gilli, treated with mebendazole, clinical significance of hematologic examinations: dolphinarium, New South Wales.
Descriptors: Trematoda sp., Cestoda sp., helminthiasis.
James, T.N., K. Kawamura, F.L. Meijler, S. Yamamoto, F. Terasaki, and T. Hayashi (1995). Anatomy of the sinus node, AV node, and His bundle of the heart of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), with a note on the absence of an os cordis. Anatomical Record 242(3): 355-73. ISSN: 0003-276X.
NAL Call Number: 447.8 AN1
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular (AV) conduction time in large whales is only slightly greater than in smaller mammals even though their hearts are enormously larger. Little is known of the detailed histology or cytology of the conduction system of large whales. Such knowledge could be useful in defining the nature of cardiac rhythm and conduction of the whale as well as smaller mammals including humans. METHODS: We studied hearts from seven sperm whales. After fixation in formaldehyde and later dissection, specimens were prepared for histological examination. RESULTS: Cell size, histological organization, and innervation of the sperm whale's sinus node, AV node, and His bundle are similar to most mammalian hearts, except the sinus node is substantially larger. There is no central fibrous body between the atrial and ventricular septa, and the whale has no os cordis. Only the upper quarter of the interventricular septum is fully formed; below that there is only a thin layer of fatty connective tissue between the two ventricles. CONCLUSIONS: Given our morphological findings, we believe that the whale's comparatively short AV conduction time may be best explained by the sinus node and AV node functioning as coupled relaxation oscillators. Absence of an os cordis or central fibrous body or strong attachment between the two ventricles may pose both electrophysiological and hemodynamic hazards when the whale is no longer in its normally buoyant aquatic environment.
Descriptors: atrioventricular node anatomy and histology, bundle of his anatomy and histology, sinoatrial node anatomy and histology, whales anatomy and histology, purkinje fibers cytology, sinoatrial node cytology.
Jochle, W. (2001). Plasma and pituitary concentrations of gonadotrophins (FSH and LH) in minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) during the feeding season. Theriogenology 56(1): 193-7. ISSN: 0093-691X.
NAL Call Number: QP251.A1T5
Descriptors: animal welfare, whales blood, Antarctic regions, conservation of natural resources, Japan, progesterone blood, testosterone blood.
Notes: Comment On: Theriogenology. 2001 Mar 15;55(5):1127-41.
Karas, R.H. and A. Karas (1993). PR interval and heart size in the humpback whale. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 21(6): 1536-7. ISSN: 0735-1097.
Descriptors: electrocardiography, heart anatomy and histology, whales physiology, body weight, whales anatomy and histology.
Notes: Comment On: Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1992 Aug;20(2):475-9.
Kasamatsu, M., M. Tsunokawa, M. Taki, H. Higuchi, and H. Nagahata (2001). Serum lipid peroxide and alpha-tocopherol concentrations and superoxide dismutase activity in captive bottle-nosed dolphins. American Journal of Veterinary Research 62(12): 1952-6. ISSN: 0002-9645.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3A
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum lipid peroxide (LPO) and alpha-tocopherol concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in captive bottle-nosed dolphins and to evaluate effects of storage on production of LPO in various marine fish. ANIMALS: 16 bottle-nosed dolphins. PROCEDURE: 8 dolphins (group A) were fed chub mackerel and herring (high fat) and arabesque greenling and banded blue-sprat (low fat); the other 8 dolphins (group B) were fed chub mackerel and Pacific saury (high fat) and shishamo smelt and Japanese horse mackerel (low fat). Each group had been on these respective diets for 3 years. Serum LPO and alpha-tocopherol concentrations, serum SOD activity, and superoxide production by neutrophils were measured. All types of marine fish were frozen at -20 C for 6 months, and concentrations of LPO were measured at various time points. RESULTS: Serum LPO concentrations in group-A dolphins were significantly higher than those in group B. Serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations and SOD activity in group A were significantly lower than those in group B. A significant negative correlation was found between serum LPO and alpha-tocopherol concentrations in all 16 dolphins. The LPO concentrations in mackerel and herring fed to group-A dolphins were higher than those of other fish. Concentrations of LPO in herring stored for 3 and 6 months at -20 C were higher than those in herring before freezing and in herring stored for 1 month. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum LPO and alpha-tocopherol concentrations in captive bottle-nosed dolphins may be strongly influenced by high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acid and LPO found in marine fatty fishes. High concentrations of serum LPO, as found in group-A dolphins, were associated with decreased antioxidative states. Monitoring of serum LPO and alpha-tocopherol concentrations and serum SOD activity may be useful for the management of captive marine mammals.
Descriptors: dolphins blood, lipid peroxides biosynthesis, superoxide dismutase blood, alpha tocopherol blood, diet, fishes, lipid peroxides blood, neutrophils enzymology, neutrophils metabolism, statistics, nonparametric, superoxides metabolism, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances metabolism.
Kita, S., M. Yoshioka, and M. Kashiwagi (1999). Relationship between sexual maturity and serum and testis testosterone concentrations in short-finned pilot whales Globicephala macrorhynchus. Fisheries Science (Tokyo) 65(6): 878-883. ISSN: 0919-9268.
Descriptors: whales, sexual maturity, testosterone, blood serum, testes, androgens, animal glands, blood, body parts, Cetacea, developmental stages, endocrine glands, genital system, hormones, isoprenoids, male genital system, mammals, maturity, sex hormones, steroids, urogenital system.
Language of Text: English summary.
Kjeld, M. (2001). Concentrations of electrolytes, hormones, and other constituents in fresh postmortem blood and urine of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Canadian Journal of Zoology 79(3): 438-446. ISSN: 0008-4301.
NAL Call Number: 470 C16D
Descriptors: Balaenoptera physalus, biochemistry, north east Atlantic, Iceland, south west and west, blood and urine chemical composition.
Kjeld, M., G.A. Vikingsson, A. Alfredsson, O. Olafsson, and A. Arnason (2003). Sex hormone concentrations in the blood of sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) off Iceland. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 5(3): 233-240. ISSN: 1561-0713.
Abstract: Blood samples were collected postmortem at sea, from 195 sei whales (127 females and 68 males) caught southwest of Iceland between 1983 and 1988. The reproductive status of the whales was determined by anatomical/histological methods. The blood samples were measured by radioimmunoassays for progesterone (P), testosterone (T) and oestradiol concentrations, which were then related to the reproductive status, the length of the whales and the days of the hunting season. Serum P concentrations in females were found to be clustered mainly into two groups, one with values at or below the detection limit (0.1nmol/L) of the assay (Group I) and the other with values about two orders of magnitude higher (Group III) with intermediate values (Group II) in between. Anatomical results showed that Group I (n = 73) was largely a mixture of immature and anoestrous mature females. Group III (n = 39), with a significantly (p < 0.01) greater mean body length than Group I, had a distinct frequency distribution of serum P values with a mean (SD) concentration of 10.3nmol/L (4.1) and consisted predominantly of pregnant females. Many foetuses were lost at sea due to a slit in the abdomen for cooling purposes, but all 13 foetuses (1.5-3.7m in length) recovered belonged to females of Group III. Group II (n= 15) consisted mainly of anoestrous mature animals. When pregnancy was estimated by serum P values and sexual maturity by the anatomical findings, the apparent pregnancy rate of mature females was 0.37, agreeing reasonably with earlier reports. Male sei whales were classified into immature, pubertal and mature groups by anatomical/histological methods and had mean T concentrations (nmol/L, ranges) of 0.85, 0.1-4.5; 3.3, 0.1-14.7 and 4.8, 0.1-14.8, respectively. Serum T concentrations did not correlate significantly with body length in the groups but pubertal and mature males had significantly higher geometric mean T values than immature males. Mean serum T concentrations in males, classified as sexually mature by anatomical/histological methods, rose approximately 3.2-fold every 30 days during July-September indicating a seasonal breeding cycle. It is concluded that measurements of sex hormone concentrations in sei whales make a powerful addition to the earlier anatomical/histological methods for determination of reproductive status, not only corroborating them but apparently surpassing them in sensitivity of detecting pregnancy and cyclical changes in serum T values during the male reproductive cycle.
Descriptors: Balaenoptera borealis, hormones, sex hormones, reproduction, north Atlantic, Iceland, south west, reproductive biology, implications from sex hormone concentrations.
Kjeld, M., A. Alfredsson, O. Olafsson, M. Tryland, I. Christensen, S. Stuen, and A. Arnason (2004). Changes in blood testosterone and progesterone concentrations of the North Atlantic minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) during the feeding season. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 61(2): 230-237. ISSN: 0706-652X.
Abstract: An opportunity to study seasonal changes of sex hormones in the North Atlantic minke whale (common minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata) arose when we obtained access to fresh postmortem blood samples from 104 females and 83 males. The whales were caught in the North Atlantic during May-September 1992-1995. Serum progesterone (P) and testosterone (T) concentrations were measured and compared with anatomical data. The frequency distribution of female serum P values showed two clusters, one consisting mainly of immature animals and the second of pregnant ones, with mean serum values of about 0.49 [plus or minus] 0.04 (SE) and 44.2 [plus or minus] 2.84 nmol.L-1, respectively. The frequency distribution of male serum T did not show any group-specific distribution during the hunting season. The mean serum T value for the males was 0.63 [plus or minus] 0.13 nmol.L-1. Contrary to earlier reports on the Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), serum T values rose during the hunting season in mature males (p < 0.0001). Serum P values in immature females increased during the season (p = 0.015). This increase agrees with the predominantly annual reproduction cycle of minke whales. Blood sex hormone measurements seem to be useful for detecting cyclic changes and pregnancy of minke whales.
Descriptors: Balaenoptera acutorostrata, plasma, serum, hormones, Arctic Ocean, Norway, Russia and Svalbard, progesterone and testosterone, serum concentrations, seasonal changes.
Koopman, H.N., A.J. Westgate, A.J. Read, and D.E. Gaskin (1995). Blood chemistry of wild harbor porpoises Phocoena phocoena (L.). Marine Mammal Science 11(2): 123-135. ISSN: 0824-0469.
NAL Call Number: QL713.2.M372
Abstract: Blood chemistry values were measured from 31 harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) released from herring weirs in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Sodium, phosphorus, calcium, chloride, magnesium, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, cholesterol, serum osmolality, and alanine aminotransferase levels fell within ranges reported for captive harbor porpoises and other odontocetes. Glucose, potassium, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, hemoglobin, thyroxine, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase levels were generally higher than those reported for captive odontocetes. Cortisol and creatinine levels were significantly higher (P = 0.0356 and 0.0174, respectively) in porpoises that were handled for longer periods and fitted with electronic tags (mean cortisol value = 314 +- 207 nmol/L, mean creatinine value = 94 +- 14 mu-mol/L) than those receiving roto-tags (mean cortisol value = 222 +- 82 nmol/L, mean creatinine value = 75 +- 15 mu-mol/L). A more controlled study of duration of handling, time spent out of water, degree of manipulation, and method of tag attachment is required to identify which factors are responsible for the stress response.
Descriptors: blood and lymphatics, transport and circulation, ecology, environmental sciences, enzymology, biochemistry and molecular biophysics, estuarine ecology, ecology, environmental sciences, metabolism, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, Bay of Fundy, bilirubin, calcium, chloride, cholesterol, cortisol, creatine kinase, creatinine, globulin, glucose, hemoglobin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, protein, sodium, stress response, thyroxine, urea.
Lahvis, G.P., R.S. Wells, D.W. Kuehl, J.L. Stewart, H.L. Rhinehart, and C.S. Via (1995). Decreased lymphocyte responses in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are associated with increased concentrations of PCBs and DDT in peripheral blood. Environmental Health Perspectives 103(Suppl. 4): 67-72. ISSN: 0091-6765.
NAL Call Number: RA565.A1E54 Suppl.
Descriptors: blood and lymphatics, transport and circulation, cell biology, ecology, environmental sciences, immune system, chemical coordination and homeostasis, marine ecology, pest assessment control and management, pollution assessment control and management, toxicology, contaminant, Gulf of Mexico, immune dysfunction, mortality, North Atlantic Ocean, polychlorinated biphenyls.
Malvin, R.L. and M. Rayner (1968). Renal function and blood chemistry in Cetacea. American Journal of Physiology 214(1): 187-91. ISSN: 0002-9513.
Descriptors: dolphins physiology, kidney physiology, aminohippuric acids, blood glucose, blood pressure, chlorides blood, diet, glomerular filtration rate, hematocrit, potassium blood, sodium blood, urea blood, urine, vasopressins physiology.
Meagher, E.M., W.A. McLellan, A.J. Westgate, R.S. Wells, D. Frierson Jr., and D.A. Pabst (2002). The relationship between heat flow and vasculature in the dorsal fin of wild bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus. Journal of Experimental Biology 205(22): 3475-86. ISSN: 0022-0949.
NAL Call Number: 442.8 B77
Abstract: The dorsal fin of the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus contains blood vessels that function either to conserve or to dissipate body heat. Prior studies have demonstrated that heat flux, measured from a single position on the dorsal fin, decreases during body cooling and diving bradycardia and increases after exercise and at the termination of the dive response. While prior studies attributed changes in heat flux to changes in the pattern of blood flow, none directly investigated the influence of vascular structures on heat flux across the dorsal fin. In this study we examined whether heat flux is higher directly over a superficial vein, compared to a position away from a vein, and investigated the temporal relationship between heart rate, respiration and heat flux. Simultaneous records of heat flux and skin temperature at three positions on the dorsal fins of 19 wild bottlenose dolphins (with the fin in air and submerged) were collected, together with heart rate and respiration. When the fin was submerged, heat flux values were highest over superficial veins, usually at the distal tip, suggesting convective delivery of heat, via blood, to the skin's surface. Conversely, in air there was no relationship between heat flux and superficial vasculature. The mean difference in heat flux (48 W m(-2)) measured between the three fin positions was often equal to or greater than the heat flux that had been recorded from a single position after exercising and diving in prior studies. Tachycardia at a respiratory event was not temporally related to an increase in heat flux across the dorsal fin. This study suggests that the dorsal fin is a spatially heterogeneous thermal surface and that patterns of heat flux are strongly influenced by underlying vasculature.
Descriptors: body temperature regulation, dolphins physiology, extremities blood supply, body temperature, diving, exertion, heart rate, respiration, skin temperature, veins.
Medway, W., J.R. Geraci, and L.V. Klein (1970). Hematologic response to administration of a corticosteroid in the bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 157(5): 563-565.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Descriptors: corticosteroid, bottlenose dolphin, response, hematologic.
Meijler, F.L., J. Billette, J. Jalife, M.J. Kik, J.H. Reiber, A.A. Stokhof, J.J. Westenberg, C. Wassenaar, and J. Strackee (2005). Atrioventricular conduction in mammalian species: hemodynamic and electrical scaling. Heart Rhythm 2(2): 188-96. ISSN: 1547-5271.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate scaling of the duration of late diastolic left ventricular (LV) filling in relation to AV conduction time (delay) (PR interval on the ECG) in mammals. BACKGROUND: From mouse to whale, AV delay increases 10-fold, whereas body mass increases one million-fold. The apparent "mismatch" results from scaling of AV delay versus body and heart mass. METHODS: We measured (1) mitral orifice diameter in 138 postmortem hearts of 48 mammalian species weighing between 17 g and 250 kg and (2) transmitral diastolic flow using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) recordings of 10 healthy human individuals. (3) We visually inspected early and late diastolic LV filling. (4) We developed two physical models to explain scaling of late diastolic LV filling time. RESULTS: (1) Diameter of the mitral orifice proportionally relates to heart length (third root of heart mass). (2) Atrial contraction starts at a fixed instant (+/- 80%) of the (normalized) cardiac cycle and contributes 31% +/- 5% to LV filling. (3) MRI shows that during diastole, the left atrium (LA) and LV form a single space. (4) The physical models relate the duration of late diastolic LV filling directly to heart length, the third root of heart mass. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Late diastolic (LV) filling time scales with heart length (third root of heart mass). (2) No "mismatch" exists between AV delay and heart size. (3) Knowledge of the actual starting time of atrial contraction may contribute to better treatment of patients with heart failure. (4) The findings suggest that in evolution of mammalian species, hemodynamics commands electrical behavior of the heart.
Descriptors: heart anatomy and histology, heart conduction system physiology, heart ventricles physiology, mammals anatomy and histology, mammals physiology, body weights and measures, evolution, mice, mitral valve anatomy and histology, models, anatomic, time factors, whales.
Notes: Comment In: Heart Rhythm. 2005 Feb;2(2):197-200.
Morgan, L.W., W. Van Bonn, E.D. Jensen, and S.H. Ridgway (1999). Effects of in vitro hemolysis on serum biochemistry values of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 30(1): 70-5. ISSN: 1042-7260.
Abstract: The effects of in vitro hemolysis on 23 biochemical analytes were assessed in sera from 14 clinically healthy Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Each serum sample was divided into three portions for analysis: 1) nonhemolyzed control; 2) moderate hemolysis, simulated by adding hemolyzed serum to a final concentration of approximately 150 mg/dl Hb; and 3) severe hemolysis, simulated by adding hemolyzed serum to a final concentration of approximately 500 mg/dl Hb. Moderate hemolysis resulted in statistically significant increases in the mean values of iron, lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, and uric acid and a decrease in creatinine (P < 0.001). Severe hemolysis resulted in statistically significant changes in the mean values of the above analytes in addition to the following increases: alanine aminotransferase, calcium, and serum globulins (P < 0.001) and albumin and total protein (P < 0.01). Total bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transferase levels were lower in the severely hemolyzed sample (P < 0.001). Differences in mean values for alkaline phosphatase between nonhemolyzed and hemolyzed serum were not significant but did show a downward trend in the hemolyzed sera. The presence and severity of hemolysis must be considered in the interpretation of the serum chemistry values.
Descriptors: dolphins blood, hemolysis, blood chemical analysis standards, blood chemical analysis, reference values.
Notes: SF601.J6.
Morii, H. (1981). Fatty acids in blood of marine little toothed whales, Stenella caeruleo-alba. Bulletin of the Japanese Society of Scientific Fisheries 47(7): 921-927. ISSN: 0021-5392.
NAL Call Number: 414.9 J274
Descriptors: dolphins, blood composition, fatty acids, proteins, Stenella.
Language of Text: English and Japanese summaries.
Muranishi, Y., M. Sasaki, K. Hayashi, N. Abe, T. Fujihira, H. Ishikawa, S. Ohsumi, A. Miyamoto, and Y. Fukui (2004). Relationship between the appearance of preantral follicles in the fetal ovary of Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) and hormone concentrations in the fetal heart, umbilical cord and maternal blood. Zygote (Cambridge, England) 12(2): 125-132. ISSN: 0967-1994.
NAL Call Number: QH491.Z94
Abstract: The present study aimed to determine the relationship among changes in the number of preantral follicles and concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4), androstenedione (A) and estradiol-17[beta] (E2) in the fetal heart, umbilical cord and maternal blood. Primordial follicles had already appeared in a 20 cm fetus and primary follicles were observed in a 50 cm fetus. In a 70 cm fetus, the number of primordial and primary follicles increased rapidly and secondary follicles were present. The concentrations of LH and FSH id not change between 20 cm and 160 cm in fetal length. When the fetal length became > 70 cm, serum levels in the fetus, umbilical cord and mothers, and E2 levels in umbilical cord increased synchronously (p 0.05). These results showed increases in the number of preantral follicles in the Antarctic minke whale fetal ovary along with fetal growth during the early gestation period. These findings suggest that the change in preantral follicles was associated with changes in the concentration of steroids in early gestation periods. The changes in steroid concentrations in the fetal and umbilical cord blood and the increased number of preantral follicles were coincident at around 70 cm in fetal length, whereas the growth and differentiation of primordial and primary follicles appeared to be independent of FSH and LH.
Descriptors: Balaenoptera bonaerensis, blood, maternal blood, heart, fetal heart, hormones, ovary, appearance of preantral follicles and hormone levels in fetal heart, umbilical cord and maternal blood, placenta, umbilical cord, embryo development, fetal ovary.
Nielsen, J.B., F. Nielsen, P.J. Jorgensen, and P. Grandjean. (2000). Mercury, lead, cadmium and selenium in blood from pilot whales and sperm whales. Metal Ions in Biology and Medicine: Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium, May 7, 2000-May 10, 2000, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA, John Libbey Eurotext: Montrouge, France, Vol. 6, p. 186-188. 816 p.
NAL Call Number: QH545.M45I57 2000
Descriptors: Globicephala melas, Physeter catodon, pollutants, blood, metal pollution, concentrations in blood, metals, cadmium, lead, mercury and selenium, north east Atlantic, Denmark and Feroes, metal concentrations in blood.
Noujaim, S.F., E. Lucca, V. Munoz, D. Persaud, O. Berenfeld, F.L. Meijler, and J. Jalife (2004). From mouse to whale: a universal scaling relation for the PR Interval of the electrocardiogram of mammals. Circulation 110(18): 2802-2808. ISSN: 1524-4539.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: On the ECG, the PR interval measures the time taken by an electrical impulse generated in the sinoatrial node to propagate from atria to ventricles. From mouse to whale, the PR interval increases approximately 10(1), whereas body mass (BM) augments approximately 10(6). Scaling of many biological processes (eg, metabolic rate, life span, aortic diameter) is described by the allometric equation Y=Y(0) x BM(b), where Y is the biological process and b is the scaling exponent that is an integer multiple of 1/4. Hierarchical branching networks have been proposed to be the underlying mechanism for the 1/4 power allometric law. METHODS AND RESULTS: We first derived analytically the allometric equation for the PR interval. We assumed that the heart behaves as a set of "fractal-like" networks that tend to minimize propagation time across the conducting system while ensuring a hemodynamically optimal atrioventricular activation sequence. Our derivation yielded the relationship PR proportional, variant BM1/4. We subsequently obtained previously published values of PR interval, heart rate, and BM of 541 mammals representing 33 species. Double-logarithmic analysis demonstrates that PR interval increases as heart rate decreases, and both variables relate to BM following the 1/4 power law. Most important, the best fit for PR versus BM is described by the equation PR=53 x BM0.24. Hence, the empirically determined exponent (0.24) is close to 1/4, as predicted. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that the PR interval of mammals scales as the 1/4 power of the BM, following the universal law for allometric scaling to ensure an optimal atrioventricular activation sequence.
Descriptors: mouse, whale, PR interval, electrocardiogram, mammals, ECG, body mass, allometric scaling.
Ortiz, R.M. and G.A. Worthy (2000). Effects of capture on adrenal steroid and vasopressin concentrations in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. A, Molecular and Integrative Physiology 125(3): 317-24. ISSN: 1095-6433.
NAL Call Number: QP1.C6
Abstract: Marine mammals are routinely caught in the wild in an effort to monitor their health. However, capture-associated stress could potentially bias various biochemical parameters used to monitor the health of these wild caught animals. Therefore, the effects of capture were quantified by measuring plasma adrenal steroids and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (n=31). Total capture and restraint times were also correlated to hormone concentrations to quantify the effects of capture. Significant, positive correlations between corticosterone and cortisol (R=0.752; P<0.0001), and between corticosterone and aldosterone (R=0.441; P=0.045) were demonstrated. Significant correlations between capture and restraint time and hormone levels were not observed. Animals restrained for less than 20 min exhibited hormone levels similar to those for animals restrained for more than 20 min. The positive correlations among the adrenal steroids suggest that release of these steroids was stimulated by adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). The lack of a correlation between cortisol and AVP indicates that AVP did not influence ACTH-induced cortisol release in this situation. The study suggests that (1) a typical hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is present in these animals, and (2) the relatively short capture and restraint times did not induce a significant neuroendocrine stress response.
Descriptors: adrenal cortex hormones blood, argipressin blood, dolphins physiology, aldosterone blood, blood glucose analysis, potassium blood, sodium blood.
Pabst, D.A., S.A. Rommel, W.A. McLellan, T.M. Williams, and T.K. Rowles (1995). Thermoregulation of the intra-abdominal testes of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) during exercise. Journal of Experimental Biology 198(1): 221-6. ISSN: 0022-0949.
NAL Call Number: 442.8 B77
Abstract: Dolphins possess a vascular countercurrent heat exchanger (CCHE) that functions to cool their intra-abdominal testes. Spermatic arteries in the posterior abdomen are juxtaposed to veins returning cooled blood from the surfaces of the dorsal fin and tail flukes. In this study, we investigated the effect of exercise on CCHE function in the bottlenose dolphin. The CCHE flanks a region of the bowel in the posterior abdomen and influences colonic temperatures. A rectal probe housing a linear array of seven copper-constantan thermocouples was designed to measure colonic temperatures simultaneously at positions anterior to, within and posterior to the region of the colon flanked by the CCHE. Immediately after vigorous swimming, temperatures at the CCHE decreased relative to resting and pre-swim values: post-swim temperatures at the CCHE were maximally 0.5 degrees C cooler than pre-swim temperatures. These data suggest that the CCHE has an increased ability to cool the arterial blood supply to the testes when the dolphin is swimming. This ability could offset the increased thermal load on the testes is an exercising dolphin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of deep body cooling in an exercising mammal that is not undertaking a dive.
Descriptors: body temperature regulation, dolphins physiology, exertion physiology, testis physiology, body temperature, colon, sexual maturation.
Patterson, W.R., L.M. Dalton, D.L. McGlasson, and J.H. Cissik (1993). Aggregation of killer whale platelets. Thrombosis Research 70(3): 225-31. ISSN: 0049-3848.
Abstract: The aggregation of blood platelets is a crucial step in normal hemostasis for all mammals. Circulating platelets are sensitive to a large variety of physiologic and non-physiologic stimulants, some of which are formed or exposed in conjunction with vascular damage or endothelial cell denudation. In addition, drastic pressure changes activate human platelets. Killer whale platelet function, on the other hand, is very intriguing since these animals do not seem to experience untoward platelet reactions during or after diving to great depths, nor do they experience abnormal bleeding associated with sub optimal platelet function. We examined this concept and determined that killer whale platelets, in response to ADP, PAF, and arachidonic acid, appeared to aggregate normally during the first 2-5 minutes after addition of the agonist, but had completely disaggregated at 10 minutes. Collagen- and A23187-induced aggregation appeared normal and complete within 10 minutes, while there was no response to epinephrine or ristocetin. Thromboxane production by killer whale platelets appears to be quantitatively similar to that produced by human platelets in response to ADP and PAF and exceeded that produced by human platelets when collagen was used as the agonist. In summary, this study reports a reduced platelet aggregation reaction in killer whales in response to several platelet agonists which does not appear to be related to the generation of thromboxane. This phenomenon may serve a protective role in these mammals by preventing thrombosis during diving and resurfacing.
Descriptors: dolphins blood, platelet aggregation drug effects, adaptation, physiological, adenosine diphosphate pharmacology, arachidonic acid pharmacology, blood platelets drug effects, blood platelets metabolism, calcimycin pharmacology, collagen pharmacology, epinephrine pharmacology, platelet activating factor pharmacology, ristocetin pharmacology, thromboxane b2 biosynthesis, time factors.
Preau, C. and R. Duguy (1989). Pathologie cardiaque dans un echantillon de dauphins echoues sur les cotes de France. [Heart pathology in dolphins stranded on the coasts of France]. Mammalia 53(3): 441-449. ISSN: 0025-1461.
NAL Call Number: 410 M31
Descriptors: dolphins, heart diseases, France, coasts, postmortem examination, animals, aquatic animals, aquatic mammals, aquatic organisms, Cetacea, diagnosis, diseases, Europe, injurious factors, ISSCAAP group b 63, ISSCAAP groups of species, mammals, organic diseases, physiographic features, vertebrates, western Europe.
Language of Text: French and English summaries.
Reed, J.Z., C. Chambers, C.J. Hunter, C. Lockyer, R. Kastelein, M.A. Fedak, and R.G. Boutilier (2000). Gas exchange and heart rate in the harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena. Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology 170(1): 1-10. ISSN: 0174-1578.
NAL Call Number: QP33.J681
Abstract: The respiratory physiology, heart rates and metabolic rates of two captive juvenile male harbour porpoises (both 28 kg) were measured using a rapid-response respiratory gas analysis system in the laboratory. Breath-hold durations in the laboratory (12 +/- 0.3 s, mean +/- SEM) were shorter than field observations, although a few breath-holds of over 40 s were recorded. The mean percentage time spent submerged was 89 +/- 0.4%. Relative to similarly-sized terrestrial mammals, the respiratory frequency was low (4.9 +/- 0.19 breaths.min-1) but with high tidal volumes (1.1 +/- 0.011), enabling a comparatively high minute rate of gas exchange. Oxygen consumption under these experimental conditions (247 +/- 13.8 ml O2.min-1) was 1.9-fold higher than predicted by standard scaling relations. These data together with an estimate of the total oxygen stores predicted an aerobic dive limit of 5.4 min. The peak end-tidal O2 values were related to the length of the previous breath-hold, demonstrating the increased oxygen uptake from the lung for the longer dives. Blood oxygen capacity was 23.5 +/- 1.0 ml.100 ml-1, and the oxygen affinity was high, enabling rapid oxygen loading during ventilation.
Descriptors: porpoises physiology, diving, heart rate physiology, oxygen blood, oxygen consumption physiology, porpoises blood, pulmonary gas exchange, respiration, respiratory function tests.
Reidarson, T.H. and J.F. McBain (1999). Hematologic, biochemical, and endocrine effects of dexamethasone on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 30(2): 310-2. ISSN: 1042-7260.
NAL Call Number: SF601.J6
Abstract: Two Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were given 0.11 mg/kg dexamethasone p.o., and complete blood count and serum chemistry analyses, including insulin, thyroxine (T4) adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol level determinations, were performed at 0 hr, 24 hr, 36 hr, 48 hr, 7 days, and 17 days. Significant changes included neutrophilia, eosinopenia, lymphopenia, elevated insulin, and depressed ACTH and cortisol levels within 24 hr of dexamethasone administration. These effects were rapid, and values returned to normal within 48 hr.
Descriptors: appetite drug effects, appetite stimulants pharmacology, dexamethasone pharmacology, dolphins metabolism, glucocorticoids pharmacology, administration, oral, appetite stimulants administration and dosage, blood cell count drug effects, blood cell count, blood chemical analysis, blood glucose analysis, blood glucose drug effects, corticotropin blood, dexamethasone administration and dosage, dolphins blood, glucocorticoids administration and dosage, hydrocortisone blood.
Ridgway, S.H., J.G. Simpson, G.S. Patton, and W.G. Gilmartin (1970). Hematologic findings in certain small cetaceans. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 157(5): 566-575.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Descriptors: small cetaceans, hematologic findings.
Ridgway, S.H. and S. Kohin (1995). The relationship between heart mass and body mass for three cetacean genera: narrow allometry demonstrates interspecific differences. Marine Mammal Science 11(1): 72-80. ISSN: 0824-0469.
NAL Call Number: QL713.2.M372
Descriptors: cardiovascular system, transport and circulation, development, ecology, environmental sciences, morphology, physiology, systematics and taxonomy, adult, comparative physiology.
Rowlatt, U. and D.E. Gaskin (1975). Functional anatomy of the heart of the harbor porpoise, Phocaena phocaena. Journal of Morphology 146(4): 479-93. ISSN: 0362-2525.
NAL Call Number: 444.8 J826
Abstract: Thirty-six harbor porpoises, Phocaena phocaena, were caught off the coast of Southern New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as part of a study of the biology and ecology of these animals. The formalin-preserved heart was examined first in situ, then measured and studied in detail. If the weight of the thick layer of blubber is discounted, the heart is heavy relative to the total body weight as may be expected in an animal capable of fast swimming, great agility and frequent emergence from the water to breathe. The shape of the heart, the relative size of atria and atrial appendages, the morphology of the ventricular septum, the thickness of the walls of the sinus and conus of the right ventricle and the anatomy of the pulmonary veins were found to be constant for this animal and unlike that of non-cetaceans. It is suggested that the absence of respiratory movements during diving may lead to these modifications of cardiac structure in an animal that is particularly well adapted to a totally aquatic existence.
Descriptors: dolphins anatomy and histology, heart anatomy and histology, aorta anatomy and histology, coronary vessels anatomy and histology, ecology, heart physiology, heart atria anatomy and histology, heart septum anatomy and histology, heart valves anatomy and histology, heart ventricles anatomy and histology, organ size, pericardium anatomy and histology, pulmonary veins anatomy and histology, swimming, venae cavae anatomy and histology.
Saito, H., M. Poon, G.H. Goldsmith, O.D. Ratnoff, and U. Arnason (1976). Studies on the blood clotting and fibrinolytic system in the plasma from a sei (baleen) whale. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine 152(4): 503-7. ISSN: 0037-9727.
NAL Call Number: 442.9 SO1
Abstract: Blood clotting and fibrinolytic systems were studied in the plasma of a sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis). The sei whale belongs to the suborder baleen whales of the order Cetacea. Whale plasma had a greatly prolonged kaolin-activated partial thromboplastin time and was deficient in Hageman factor (factor XII), Fletcher factor (a plasma prekallikrein), and PTA (factor XI). All other clotting factor activities were present in amounts comparable to that of normal human plasma. Whale plasminogen was activated by human urokinase, but not by streptokinase. Whale plasma contained inhibitory activities against thrombin, activated Stuart factor, activated PTA, activated Fletcher factor, and plasmin.
Descriptors: blood coagulation, Cetacea blood, fibrinolysis, whales blood, fibrinogen physiology, kininogens physiology, prekallikrein physiology, prothrombin physiology, prothrombin time.
Saito, S., Y. Nagamine, I. Oshima, T. Kita, and Y. Fujise (1986). Serum components of small cetaceans [Phocaenoides dalli dalli, Stenella coeruleoalba and Delphinus delphis] in North-Western Pacific waters. Agricultural and Biological Chemistry 50(1): 33-39. ISSN: 0002-1369.
NAL Call Number: 385 AG8B
Descriptors: porpoises, dolphins, blood serum, Northwest Pacific, sex, age, blood composition, mankind, anatomy, animal anatomy, aquatic animals, aquatic mammals, aquatic organisms, blood, body fluids, Cetacea, composition, ISSCAAP group b 63, ISSCAAP groups of species, marine areas, Pacific Ocean, vertebrates.
Language of Text: English summary.
Schneyer, A., A. Castro, and D. Odell (1985). Radioimmunoassay of serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in the bottlenosed dolphin. Biology of Reproduction 33(4): 844-53. ISSN: 0006-3363.
NAL Call Number: QL876.B5
Abstract: Commercially available radioimmunoassay (RIA) kits for human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were adapted for quantitation of these hormones in serum from bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Serum samples from over 160 wild and 70 captive animals were assayed in order to determine basal concentrations of FSH and LH in these animals, as well as to detect possible differences between various groups. Mean FSH and LH levels for all animals were 0.22 +/- 0.08 and 0.37 +/- 0.18 ng/ml, respectively. Although wild animals had higher FSH and LH levels than captive ones, the differences were not statistically significant (P less than 0.07). However, both FSH and LH were significantly (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.05, respectively) elevated in females when compared to males. Adults and peripubescent animals had significantly (P less than 0.01) higher LH levels than did juveniles. Among wild animals, serum concentrations of FSH and LH reflected seasonal differences. Samples obtained in early summer (Gulf of Mexico population) contained significantly (P less than 0.01) higher concentrations of FSH and LH than samples obtained in the fall (Indian River, Florida population). Both FSH and LH were significantly elevated in samples from confirmed pregnant animals as compared to the overall mean and to a sample from a confirmed nonpregnant female. Our observations indicate that these RIAs can reliably detect serum FSH and LH from bottlenosed dolphins and represent the first quantitation of these hormones in cetaceans.
Descriptors: dolphins blood, follicle stimulating hormone blood, luteinizing hormone blood, aging, animals, domestic, animals, wild, radioimmunoassay methods.
Sedmera, D., I. Misek, M. Klima, and R.P. Thompson (2003). Heart development in the spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata). Anatomical Record 273a(2): 687-99. ISSN: 0003-276X.
Descriptors: body patterning physiology, dolphins embryology, heart embryology, chick embryo, coronary vessels embryology, coronary vessels physiology, dolphins physiology, heart physiology, heart septum embryology, heart ventricles embryology, heart ventricles physiology, mice, myocardium cytology, rats.
Shadwick, R.E. (1999). Mechanical design in arteries. Journal of Experimental Biology 202(23): 3305-13. ISSN: 0022-0949.
NAL Call Number: 442.8 B77
Abstract: The most important mechanical property of the artery wall is its non-linear elasticity. Over the last century, this has been well-documented in vessels in many animals, from humans to lobsters. Arteries must be distensible to provide capacitance and pulse-smoothing in the circulation, but they must also be stable to inflation over a range of pressure. These mechanical requirements are met by strain-dependent increases in the elastic modulus of the vascular wall, manifest by a J-shaped stress-strain curve, as typically exhibited by other soft biological tissues. All vertebrates and invertebrates with closed circulatory systems have arteries with this non-linear behaviour, but specific tissue properties vary to give correct function for the physiological pressure range of each species. In all cases, the non-linear elasticity is a product of the parallel arrangement of rubbery and stiff connective tissue elements in the artery wall, and differences in composition and tissue architecture can account for the observed variations in mechanical properties. This phenomenon is most pronounced in large whales, in which very high compliance in the aortic arch and exceptionally low compliance in the descending aorta occur, and is correlated with specific modifications in the arterial structure.
Descriptors: arteries chemistry, aorta chemistry, biomechanics, blood pressure, collagen chemistry, elasticity, elastin chemistry, muscle, smooth, vascular chemistry.
Shadwick, R.E. and J.M. Gosline (1994). Arterial mechanics in the fin whale suggest a unique hemodynamic design. American Journal of Physiology 267(3, Pt. 2): R805-18. ISSN: 0002-9513.
Abstract: An analysis of the dimensions of the aortic tree and the mechanical properties of arterial wall tissues in the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is presented. The aortic arch is greatly expanded, having an internal radius at an estimated mean blood pressure (13 kPa) that is 2.5 times greater than that of the descending thoracic aorta. At this pressure, the elastic modulus of the arch wall (0.4 MPa) is 30 times less than that of the descending aorta (12 MPa). Consequently, even though some capacitance is provided anteriorly by the relatively compliant innominate and carotid arteries, > 90% of the arterial capacitance resides in the arch. The characteristic pressure wave velocity (C0) and impedance (Z0) were calculated from vessel dimensions and elasticity. A predicted 20-fold increase in Z0 between the arch and thoracic aorta should provide a major reflecting site, effectively uncoupling the arch from the remainder of the arterial tree. The dimensions of the arch relative to the likely pressure wavelengths within it suggest that it acts like a compliant windkessel that greatly reduces the pulsatility of the inflow to the descending aorta, which itself likely acts as a rigid, tapered manifold. It is suggested that the presence of both a highly compliant arch and a relatively rigid descending aorta is an adaptation for diving.
Descriptors: arteries, anatomy, histology, arteries physiology, whales anatomy, whales physiology, aorta, abdominal physiology, thoracic anatomy, histology, thoracic physiology, blood pressure, elasticity, hemodynamic processes, models, cardiovascular, stress.
Shaffer, S.A., D.P. Costa, T.M. Williams, and S.H. Ridgway (1997). Diving and swimming performance of white whales, Delphinapterus leucas: an assessment of plasma lactate and blood gas levels and respiratory rates. Journal of Experimental Biology 200(24): 3091-9. ISSN: 0022-0949.
NAL Call Number: 442.8 B77
Abstract: The white whale Delphinapterus leucas is an exceptional diver, yet we know little about the physiology that enables this species to make prolonged dives. We studied trained white whales with the specific goal of assessing their diving and swimming performance. Two adult whales performed dives to a test platform suspended at depths of 5-300 m. Behavior was monitored for 457 dives with durations of 2.2-13.3 min. Descent rates were generally less than 2 m s-1 and ascent rates averaged 2.2-3 m s-1. Post-dive plasma lactate concentration increased to as much as 3.4 mmol l-1 (4-5 times the resting level) after dives of 11 min. Mixed venous PO2 measured during voluntary breath-holds decreased from 79 to 20 mmHg within 10 min; however, maximum breath-hold duration was 17 min. Swimming performance was examined by training the whales to follow a boat at speeds of 1.4-4.2 m s-1. Respiratory rates ranged from 1.6 breaths min-1 at rest to 5.5 breaths min-1 during exercise and decreased with increasing swim speed. Post-exercise plasma lactate level increased to 1.8 mmol l-1 (2-3 times the resting level) following 10 min exercise sessions at swimming speeds of 2.5-2.8 m s-1. The results of this study are consistent with the calculated aerobic dive limit (O2 store/metabolic rate) of 9-10 min. In addition, white whales are not well adapted for high-speed swimming compared with other small cetaceans.
Descriptors: diving physiology, gases blood, lactic acid blood, respiratory physiology, swimming physiology, whales physiology.
Shirai, K. and T. Sakai (1997). Haematological findings in captive dolphins and whales. Australian Veterinary Journal 75(7): 512-4. ISSN: 0005-0423.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Au72
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine haematological features in five species of healthy, captive marine mammals. ANIMALS: Twenty bottlenose dolphins (Tursips truncatus), seven Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), five Risso dolphins (Grampus griseus) and five false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The red blood cell count was 4.21 x 10(12)/L in bottlenose dolphins, 5.32 x 10(12)/L in Pacific white-sided dolphins, 4.35 x 10(12)/L in Risso dolphins and 4.43 x 10(12)/L in false killer whales. The haemoglobin concentration was 1.51 g/L and packed cell volume 44.7% in bottlenose dolphins; the corresponding values were 1.71 g/L and 48.9% in Pacific white-sided dolphins, 1.72 g/L and 49.4% in Risso dolphins, and 1.52 g/L and 47.8% in false killer whales. The white blood cell count was 7.097 x 10(9)/L in bottlenose dolphins, 5.928 x 10(9)/L in Pacific white-sided dolphins, 5.001 x 10(9)/L in Risso dolphins and 7.921 x 10(9)/L in false killer whales. There were no significant differences in these values among bottlenose dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins. The proportion of eosinophils in the differential leukocyte count ranged from 10.3% to 11.5% in bottlenose dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins and false killer whales, but was only 0.4% in Risso dolphins. The eosinophilic granules were larger in Risso dolphins and false killer whales than in bottlenose and Pacific white-sided dolphins.
Descriptors: dolphins blood, whales blood, basophils cytology, eosinophils cytology, erythrocyte count, erythrocytes cytology, hematologic tests methods, hematologic tests, hemoglobins analysis, leukocyte count, leukocytes cytology, monocytes cytology, reference values.
Sokolova, O.V. (2004). Some immunological and biochemical indices of the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) during adaptation to the captivity conditions. Doklady Biological Sciences Proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR 395: 149-53. ISSN: 0012-4966.
NAL Call Number: 511 P444AEB
Descriptors: adaptation, physiological immunology, zoo animals, blood, immunology, dolphin blood, dolphin immunology, B lymphocytes cytology, B lymphocytes immunology, blood chemical analysis, hematologic tests, lymphocyte count, oceans and seas, Russia, T lymphocytes cytology, T lymphocytes immunology, time factors.
Notes: Biological sciences sections translated from Russian.
Spencer, R.P. (1967). A blood volume heart weight relationship. Journal of Theoretical Biology 17(3): 441-6. ISSN: 0022-5193.
NAL Call Number: 442.8 J8223
Descriptors: blood volume, heart, organ size, dolphins, mathematics, oximetry, rats.
St. Aubin, D.J., S. Deguise, P.R. Richard, T.G. Smith, and J.R. Geraci (2001). Hematology and plasma chemistry as indicators of health and ecological status in beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas. Arctic 54(3): 317-331. ISSN: 0004-0843.
Descriptors: age differences, blood chemistry, blood plasma, blood proteins, electrolytes, enzyme activity, hematocrit, hematology, hemoglobin, leukocyte count, scleroproteins, seasonal variation, sex differences, thyroid hormones, Delphinapterus leucas.
St. Aubin, D.J. and J.R. Geraci (1992). Thyroid hormone balance in Beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas: dynamics after capture and influence of thyrotropin. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research 56(1): 1-5. ISSN: 0830-9000.
NAL Call Number: SF601.C24
Descriptors: whales, Delphinapterus leucas, blood plasma, l thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyrotropin, hydrocortisone, estuaries, blood chemistry, Manitoba.
St. Aubin, D.J., S.H. Ridgway, R.S. Wells, and H. Rhinehart (1996). Dolphin thyroid and adrenal hormones: circulating levels in wild and semidomesticated Tursiops truncatus, and influence of sex, age, and season. Marine Mammal Science 12(1): 1-13. ISSN: 0824-0469.
NAL Call Number: QL713.2.M372
Abstract: Biological and environmental influences on circulating adrenal and thyroid hormones were investigated in 36 wild and 36 semidomesticated Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, matched by age, sex, and time of year when the samples were collected. Serum concentrations of thyroxine (free (fT4) and total (tT4)), triiodothyronine (free (fT3), total (tT3), and total reverse (rT3)), cortisol, and aldosterone were determined by radio-immunoassay. Wild female dolphins had significantly higher levels of tT4, fT4 and fT3, an effect that was possibly related to reproduction and lactation. Semidomesticated females had higher tT3 than their wild counterparts. fT4 declined with age in wild dolphins, whereas rT3 was greatest in the older animals. Cortisol and aldosterone were both higher in wild animals sampled after a variable interval of up to four hours after encirclement by capture net. The pattern of adrenal hormone release suggested a mild stress response. Levels of both adrenal hormones were low in semidomesticated dolphins conditioned to present voluntarily their tails for blood sampling, an approach that appears to yield specimens representative of resting values for these constituents.
Descriptors: aging, biochemistry and molecular biophysics, blood and lymphatics, transport and circulation, climatology, environmental sciences, endocrine system, chemical coordination and homeostasis, systematics and taxonomy, aldosterone, cortisol, serum, stress, thyroxine, triiodothyronine.
Suzuki, M., T. Tobayama, E. Katsumata, M. Yoshioka, and K. Aida (1998). Serum cortisol levels in captive killer whale [Orcinus orca] and bottlenose dolphin [Tursiops truncatus]. Fisheries Science (Tokyo) 64(4): 643-647. ISSN: 0919-9268.
Descriptors: Cetacea, glucocorticoids, blood serum, captivity, radioimmunoassay, adrenal cortex hormones, blood, corticoids, hormones, immunological techniques, mammals.
Language of Text: English summary.
Suzuki, M., S. Uchida, K. Ueda, T. Tobayama, E. Katsumata, M. Yoshioka, and K. Aida (2003). Diurnal and annual changes in serum cortisol concentrations in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus and killer whales Orcinus orca. General and Comparative Endocrinology 132(3): 427-33. ISSN: 0016-6480.
NAL Call Number: 444.8 G28
Abstract: Until present, fundamental studies on cortisol secretory patterns have not been conducted in cetaceans. The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine diurnal changes in serum cortisol concentrations in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus and killer whales Orcinus orca, (2) to investigate annual cortisol changes in killer whales, and (3) to investigate the relationship between cortisol and sex steroids (testosterone and progesterone) concentrations in killer whales. Diurnal changes in serum cortisol concentrations were investigated at various intervals in the two species. In Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, serum cortisol levels exhibited the same episodic fluctuations for 24 h as did diurnal terrestrial mammals: cortisol levels were lower at 18:00 h and higher in the early morning. In killer whales, cortisol concentrations continued to decrease until 18:00 h, after which they fluctuated, and then increased in the next morning. Annual changes in cortisol levels were investigated by collecting blood samples every two weeks from two male killer whales and a pregnant female one twice per day (during 09:00-10:00 and 16:00-17:00 h) throughout a one-year period. Regarding sera collected during 09:00-10:00 h from the female, cortisol concentrations showed cyclic changes having about 4-month intervals. In males, cortisol showed higher concentrations in winter and lower concentrations during the summer season. There was a negative correlation between cortisol and progesterone levels in the female and a negative correlation was also observed between cortisol and testosterone in male no. 2. In the female and male no. 1, cortisol levels during 09:00-10:00 h were significantly higher than those during 16:00-17:00 h, and their data are considered to support observations regarding diurnal changes in cortisol levels in the two cetacean species.
Descriptors: circadian rhythm physiology, dolphins blood, hydrocortisone blood, seasons, progesterone blood, statistics, testosterone blood.
Suzuki, T., T. Mogoe, M. Asada, A. Miyamoto, M. Tetsuka, H. Ishikawa, S. Ohsumi, and Y. Fukui (2001). Plasma and pituitary concentrations of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) in minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) during the feeding season. Theriogenology 55(5): 1127-1141. ISSN: 0093-691X.
NAL Call Number: QP251.A1T5
Abstract: This study investigated plasma and pituitary concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and steroid hormones (progesterone: P4, testosterone:T, estradiol-17 beta: E2) by enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) in minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) captured during the feeding season (December to March) in the Antarctic Ocean. Plasma FSH and LH levels in female minke whales were higher (P<0.05) than in male whales. Although the pituitary weight was not significantly different between male and female whales, pituitary FSH and LH levels were higher in females than in males (P<0.01) and mature whales than immature whales (P<0.05). Plasma levels of FSH, T and E2 were not significantly different between immature and mature male whales, but plasma LH and pituitary FSH and LH levels were higher (P<0.05) in mature than in immature whales. In both immature and mature whales regardless of gender, pituitary FSH and LH levels were correlated significantly (r=0.69: P<0.01). In mature male whales, plasma T and E2 levels (r=0.60: P<0.01), and testis weight and plasma T levels (r=0.46: P<0.05) were correlated. In immature female whales, plasma FSH and LH levels were highly correlated (r=0.68: P<0.001), but were not for mature female whales. The results show that gender and maturity influence gonadal and pituitary function of minke whales during the feeding season.
Descriptors: Balaenopteridae, blood plasma, pituitary, LH, fsh, seasonal variation, steroid hormones, progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, female animals, male animals, sex differences, weight, developmental stages, age differences, testes, gonads, Antarctic Ocean.
Tarpley, R.J., D.J. Hillmann, W.G. Henk, and J.C. George (1997). Observations on the external morphology and vasculature of a fetal heart of the bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus. Anatomical Record 247(4): 556-81. ISSN: 0003-276X.
NAL Call Number: 447.8 AN1
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Specialized demands within the aquatic environment for over some 60 million years have shaped unique morphological expressions in the whales, dolphins, and porpoises (Cetacea). Detailed consideration of these features, particularly in the great whales, has often been constrained by difficulties in securing adequate specimens for study. We had the opportunity to examine external heart morphology in a rarely obtained and prepared specimen from the bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus. METHODS: The external morphology and in situ relations of a formalin-perfused heart were examined grossly in a near-term bowhead fetus. Latex injections assisted visualization of coronary vasculature. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to clarify heart positioning within the thoracic cavity in two younger (early and mid-gestational) intact fetuses. RESULTS: The heart was globular in form, with a blunt apex and wide base; it was laterally broad relative to height yet considerably compressed between nearly planar atrial (diaphragmatic) and auricular (sternocostal) surfaces. The heart constituted 0.01 of body mass in the near-term fetus. Within the thoracic cavity, the heart tilted forward on its long axis, placing the great basal vessels in the region of the thoracic inlet. The aorta extended forward from mid-base in parallel with the pulmonary trunk, arched sharply to the left, producing in succession the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery. Bifurcation of the brachiocephalic trunk yielded the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries. The distal portion of the aortic arch was linked to the pulmonary trunk via the ductus arteriosus. The aorta then swung caudally over the heart base, descending beneath the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae. The ascending aorta featured three bulbous sinuses immediately distal to the three semilunar cusps of the aortic valve. Originating along the distal boundaries of the left and right sinuses were the left and right coronary arteries. The arteries were similar in size and, because each sent contributions along their respective coronary and interventricular grooves, the heart can be described as bilateral relative to arterial supply. Anastomoses were common within and between the two arteries. Venous return from the heart was comprised of the great, middle, and right cardiac veins, all three converging in the coronary sinus. The right cardiac vein also included tributaries that emptied directly into the right atrium. CONCLUSIONS: External heart morphology in the fetal bowhead whale examined was distinguished by a laterally broad conformation with significant compression between its cranial and caudal surfaces. Aortic bulb configuration in combination with an expandable aortic arch may support blood service to the heart during diastole. Vascular service to the heart featured a complex vessel network with extensive intraarterial and intravenous anastomoses that enable many alternate blood perfusion pathways and may be adaptive to water-column-pressure fluctuations experienced by a large diving mammal.
Descriptors: coronary vessels embryology, heart embryology, whales embryology, coronary circulation, magnetic resonance imaging.
Taylor, B.C., R.M. Brotheridge, D.A. Jessup, and J.L. Stott (2002). Measurement of serum immunoglobulin concentration in killer whales and sea otters by radial immunodiffusion. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 89(3-4): 187-95. ISSN: 0165-2427.
NAL Call Number: SF757.2.V38
Descriptors: dolphins blood, dolphins immunology, immunodiffusion methods, immunoglobulin G blood, otters blood, otters immunology, wild animals, zoo animals, antibody specificity, immunoelectrophoresis, immunoglobulin G isolation and purification, rabbits, reproducibility of results, sensitivity and specificity.
Tellone, E., M.E. Clementi, A.M. Russo, S. Ficarra, A. Lania, A. Lupi, B. Giardina and A. Galtieri (2000). Oxygen transport and diving behaviour: the haemoglobin from dolphin Tursiops truncatus. In: G. Di Prisco, B. Giardina and R.E. Weber (Editors), Hemoglobin Function in Vertebrates: Molecular Adaptation in Extreme and Temperate Environments, Springer-Verlag: Milano, Berlin, p. 77-82. ISBN: 8847001072.
NAL Call Number: QP96.5.H4485 2000
Descriptors: Tursiops truncatus, respiratory gas transport, oxygen transport, hemoglobin properties and adaptations to diving, captive study, respiratory pigments, hemoglobins, evolutionary adaptation, diving adaptations, diving, diving behavior.
Terasawa, F. and M. Kitamura (2005). Hyperlipemia of captive bottlenose dolphins during pregnancy. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science the Japanese Society of Veterinary Science 67(3): 341-4. ISSN: 0916-7250.
NAL Call Number: SF604.J342
Abstract: In this study values for total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured in 110 blood samples taken from 360 days pre-partum to 90 days post-partum in ten parturitions of six bottlenose dolphins, and in 75 blood samples when the dolphins were not pregnant as a control group. The average total cholesterol values in the second, third and fourth stages and in the puerperium were significantly higher than the average value of the control group by 11.0%, 30.2%, 19.3% and 13.4% respectively. The average triglycerides values for the third and fourth stages and in the puerperium were also significantly higher than those in the control group by 59.7%, 84.3%, and 42.1% respectively.
Descriptors: zoo animals, dolphins, hyperlipidemia blood, hyperlipidemia, cholesterol blood, Japan, triglycerides blood.
Terasawa, F., M. Kitamura, A. Fujimoto, and S. Hayama (2002). Seasonal changes of blood composition in captive bottlenose dolphins. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science the Japanese Society of Veterinary Science 64(11): 1075-8. ISSN: 0916-7250.
NAL Call Number: SF604.J342
Abstract: To determine how blood values in bottlenose dolphins changed during the year, 504 blood samples were taken from 9 dolphins from 1991 to 1999 and clinical blood examinations were undertaken monthly including 3 hematological and 19 serum chemistry tests. In creatinine, significant seasonal changes were found among three groups of adult males, adult females and juveniles, and the average values in summer were 15-38% higher than those in winter. In two out of three groups the average total cholesterol value were highest in winter, and the lowest of all groups were in summer. In two other groups the peaks of average FFA value were recorded in summer, and the lows were in winter.
Descriptors: dolphins blood, aging blood, zoo animals, blood, blood cell count, body weight, cholesterol blood, creatinine blood, fatty acids, nonesterified blood, seasons.
Terasawa, F., M. Kitamura, A. Fujimoto, and S.I. Hayama (1999). Influence of diet on hematological characteristics in bottlenose dolphins. Japanese Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 4(2): 117-124. ISSN: 1342-6133.
Descriptors: animal feeding, bilirubin, blood chemistry, hematology, triacylglycerols, dolphins, mackerels, Tursiops truncatus.
Tryland, M. and E. Brun (2001). Serum chemistry of the minke whale from the northeastern Atlantic. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 37(2): 332-41. ISSN: 0090-3558.
NAL Call Number: 41.9 W64B
Abstract: Serum samples were collected from 42 harpooned minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) during commercial whaling off the coast of northern Norway (1997 and 1998) and analyzed for serum chemistry parameters in order to find clinical reference values for the northeastern Atlantic stock of this species. Mean and median values, as well as standard deviation and 90% central range, are presented for 28 different serum chemistry parameters. Lipemia is a common finding in marine mammals such as the minke whale, and chemical analysis of lipemic serum samples may produce artifacts. We found statistically significant elevated values of total protein, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), sodium and chloride in strongly-lipemic compared to non-lipemic samples, all which may be artifacts due to interference of lipids with the methods used for analysis. In addition, we found significantly elevated levels of creatin kinase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea, uric acid and triglycerides, as well as a decrease in creatinine in the strongly lipemic samples. Reanalyzing serum samples after twelve mo storage at -20 C (n = 13) revealed reduction in the serum concentration of the enzymes ALT (42%), alkaline phosphatase (ALP; 10%), LDH (19%), gamma glutamyl transferase (17%) and amylase (11%), as well as for triglycerides (9%) and non-esterified fatty acids (16%). It is crucial that serum chemistry analysis is performed without delay after sampling. Possible changes in the values of some parameters due to the presence of high amounts of lipids or long term storage of samples must be considered when interpreting results from serum chemistry analysis in these animals.
Descriptors: blood chemical analysis, whales blood, alanine transaminase blood, aspartate aminotransferases blood, Atlantic Ocean, chlorides blood, creatine kinase blood, L lactate dehydrogenase blood, lipids blood, sodium blood, triglycerides blood, uric acid blood.
Vogl, A.W. and H.D. Fisher (1981). Arterial circulation of the spinal cord and brain in the Monodontidae (order Cetacea) [Monodon monoceros, Delphinapterus leucas]. Journal of Morphology 170(2): 171-180. ISSN: 0362-2525.
NAL Call Number: 444.8 J826
Descriptors: arterial circulation, spinal cord, brain, Cetacea, Monodontidae.
Vogl, A.W. and H.D. Fisher (1981). The internal carotid artery does not directly supply the brain in the Monodontidae (order Cetacea) [Delphinapterus leucas, Monodon monoceros]. Journal of Morphology 170(2): 207-214. ISSN: 0362-2525.
NAL Call Number: 444.8 J826
Descriptors: internal carotid artery, brain, Cetacea, Delphinapterus, Monodon, supply.
Walker, L.A., L. Cornell, K.D. Dahl, N.M. Czekala, C.M. Dargen, B. Joseph, A.J. Hsueh, and B.L. Lasley (1988). Urinary concentrations of ovarian steroid hormone metabolites and bioactive follicle-stimulating hormone in killer whales (Orcinus orchus) during ovarian cycles and pregnancy. Biology of Reproduction 39(5): 1013-20. ISSN: 0006-3363.
NAL Call Number: QL876.B5
Abstract: Reproductive hormone profiles of six captive killer whales (Orcinu orcus) from three Sea World aquaria were studied for intervals up to 2 yr. Daily urine samples and bimonthly blood samples were collected and analyzed for hormone concentration. Immunoreactive estrone conjugates, pregnanediol-3-glucoruonide, 20-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone as well as bioactive follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured in urine samples and indexed by creatinine concentrations of the same sample. In selected cases, serum progesterone concentrations were also measured. Three of the animals in the study became pregnant during the study period and two of these animals were evaluated during the time of conception and throughout most of gestation. From the data of the three animals that conceived, hormone profiles of the complete ovarian cycle, early pregnancy, and mid- to late gestation are described. The remaining three animals did not conceive and only one of these demonstrated hormone changes that indicated regular ovarian activity. The female reproductive pattern of the killer whale is characterized by a gestation of 17 mo and an ovarian cycle of 6-7 wk in duration. The hormone changes associated with the ovarian cycle of the killer whale are similar to those of most other mammalian species. A bimodal pattern of bioactive FSH with a pronounced rise of estrogen predominates the preovulatory hormone profile. After ovulation, increased progesterone production is observed for approximately 4 wk in the nonconceptive ovarian cycle. During the luteal phase and early pregnancy, when progesterone metabolites are elevated, estrogen metabolite excretion remains low. These data extend the application of urine collections for longitudinal studies involving hormone changes, particularly those involving nondomesticated species.
Descriptors: 20 alpha dihydroprogesterone urine, Cetacea urine, estrogens urine, estrus physiology, follicle stimulating hormone urine, pregnancy, animal physiology, pregnanediol analogs and derivatives, progesterone analogs and derivatives, whales urine, estrus metabolism, estrus urine, animal blood, animal metabolism, animal urine, pregnanediol urine, progesterone blood.
Waples, K.A. and N.J. Gales (2002). Evaluating and minimising social stress in the care of captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Zoo Biology 21(1): 5-26. ISSN: 0733-3188.
NAL Call Number: QL77.5.Z6
Descriptors: Tursiops, stress, stress management, group interaction, social dominance, case reports, physical activity, attachment behavior, mortality, anorexia, feeding behavior, blood picture, blood chemistry, zoo animals, animal welfare.
Watanabe, H., T. Mogoe, M. Asada, K. Hayashi, Y. Fujise, H. Ishikawa, S. Ohsumi, A. Miyamoto, and Y. Fukui (2004). Relationship between serum sex hormone concentrations and histology of seminiferous tubules of captured baleen whales in the Western North Pacific during the feeding season. Journal of Reproduction and Development 50(4): 419-27. ISSN: 0916-8818.
NAL Call Number: SF1.K3
Abstract: The present study was conducted to obtain new information on relationships among serum testosterone (T), estradiol-17 beta (E(2)), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations and histology of seminiferous tubules in captured common minke and Bryde's whales during the feeding season. Blood samples and testes were collected from common minke (n=39 for blood samples, n=15 for testes) and Bryde's (n=14 for blood samples, n=7 for testes) whales captured from May 2001 to August 2001 in the Western North Pacific. Serum T concentrations, in 35.9% of the common minke and 57.1% of Bryde's whales, were below the detection limit (< 2.5 pg/ml). There were no significant differences in the serum concentrations of E(2), FSH, and LH among immature, mature common minke and Bryde's whales except that LH levels of immature Bryde's whales was higher than those of common minke whales. In most seminiferous tubules of mature whales, only a single-layer of spermatogonia was observed. However, spermatozoa were observed in seminiferous tubules in 2/13 of mature common minke and 4/4 of mature Bryde's whales with the low or undetectable T levels. These results indicate that the low serum T concentrations reflect the inactivity of spermatogenesis in both baleen whales, and that it is not possible to assess gonadal activity in either common minke or Bryde's whales using serum sex hormone concentrations during the feeding season.
Descriptors: gonadal steroid hormones blood, seminiferous epithelium cytology, whales physiology, feeding behavior, follicle stimulating hormone blood, luteinizing hormone blood, Pacific Ocean, reproduction, seasons, testosterone blood.
Williams III, C.R., G.B. Chapman, and A.S. Blake (1991). Ultrastructural study of the blood cells of the beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas. Journal of Morphology 209(1): 97-110. ISSN: 0362-2525.
NAL Call Number: 444.8 J826
Abstract: General cytological and ultrastructural features of cells found in the peripheral blood of three captive beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are described. We noted all major peripheral cell types common to the circulation of mammalian species, including polymorphonuclear neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, as well as myelocytes, erythroblasts, and plasma cells. Platelets and two populations (normal and hypochromic) of red blood corpuscles were observed.
Descriptors: blood cells ultrastructure, whales blood, erythrocytes ultrastructure, granulocytes ultrastructure, monocytes ultrastructure, whales anatomy and histology.
Yang, H., D. Hewett Emmett, and R.E. Tashian (2000). Absence or reduction of carbonic anhydrase II in the red cells of the beluga whale and llama: implications for adaptation to hypoxia. Biochemical Genetics 38(7-8): 241-52. ISSN: 0006-2928.
NAL Call Number: QR73.B5
Abstract: Carbonic anhydrase (CA) expression was examined in the red cells of two mammals that have adapted to low oxygen stress: the llama, which has adapted to high altitudes, and the beluga (or white) whale, which routinely dives for extended periods. Immunodiffusion analyses of their Hb-free hemolysates and partial amino acid sequencing of their HPLC-separated nonheme proteins indicate that the low-activity CA I isozyme is the major nonheme protein in erythrocytes of both the beluga whale and the llama. The high-activity CA II isozyme was not detected in the whale red cells but was present at low levels in erythrocytes of the llama. These results suggest that the absence or decrease in the expression of the high-activity CA II isozyme may be advantageous under hypoxic conditions.
Descriptors: camelids, new world blood, carbonic anhydrases blood, erythrocytes enzymology, whales blood, amino acid sequence, camels, chromatography, high pressure liquid, electrophoresis, polyacrylamide gel, molecular sequence data, oxygen, sequence alignment.
Yoshioka, M., K. Aida, and I. Hanyu (1989). Correlation of serum progesterone levels with reproductive status in female striped dolphins [Stenella coeruleoalba] and short-finned pilot whales [Globicephala macrorhynchus]. Bulletin of the Japanese Society of Scientific Fisheries 55(3): 475-478. ISSN: 0021-5392.
Descriptors: dolphins, whales, reproduction, blood serum, progesterone, sexual maturity, pregnancy, lactation, rest, corpus luteum, age, anatomy, animal anatomy, animal developmental stages, aquatic animals, aquatic mammals, aquatic organisms, blood, body fluids, body parts, Cetacea, corpus luteum hormones, developmental stages, endocrine glands, female genital system, flowers, glands, gynoecium, hormones, inflorescences, ISSCAAP group b 61, ISSCAAP group b 62, ISSCAAP group b 63, ISSCAAP groups of species, maturity, meat animals, oil producing animals, organic compounds, ovaries, physiological functions, plant anatomy, progestational hormones, reproduction, urogenital system, vertebrates.
Language of Text: English and Japanese summaries.
Yoshioka, M., K. Aida, I. Hanyu, E. Mohri, and T. Tobayama (1986). Annual changes in serum reproductive hormone levels in the captive female bottle-nosed dolphins [Tursiops truncatus gilli]. Bulletin of the Japanese Society of Scientific Fisheries 52(11): 1939-1946. ISSN: 0021-5392.
Descriptors: dolphins, female animals, sex hormones, annual, blood composition, progesterone, oestrogens, LH, aquatic animals, aquatic mammals, aquatic organisms, Cetacea, composition, corpus luteum hormones, hormones, ISSCAAP group b 63, ISSCAAP groups of species, mammals, organic compounds, periodicity, pituitary hormones, progestational hormones, sex hormones, time, timing, vertebrates.
Language of Text: English and Japanese summaries.