Publications by authors named "Jessica M West"

Seasonal changes in glucocorticoids and their influence on the immune system are widespread in vertebrates, but whether this occurs in lesser studied taxa like turtles is unclear. The purpose of this study was to test for seasonal changes in baseline corticosterone (CORT), innate immunity, body condition, and metabolic factors (triglycerides, uric acid) in free-ranging Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), a species which is in decline across its range. In addition, the effect of handling and confinement on CORT levels was measured.

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