The somatotropic axis, including growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP), is a bridge between growth physiology, developmental age, and nutritional status in domestic animals. However, the importance of the somatotropic axis in nutrition, growth, and development of harbor seals has not been previously explored. Given the difficulty of conducting longitudinal studies in free-ranging harbor seals, this study focused on the potential use of harbor seals in rehabilitation facilities as a model for free-ranging seals. The purpose of this research was to compare concentrations of components of the somatotropic axis in free-ranging versus rehabilitated harbor seal pups. The hypothesis was that measurements of the somatotropic axis will be similar between individuals of comparable age and nutritional status (fasting versus feeding). To investigate this hypothesis, harbor seal pups (n=8) brought to The Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito, California, USA) or Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, Connecticut, U.S.A.) were initially assessed and determined to be healthy but abandoned. All pups were less than 2 wk of age upon arrival at rehabilitation facilities. Standard length was assessed at the time of arrival and again at release. Body mass was measured every week and blood samples were collected from each pup at 0, 4, and 8 wk of rehabilitation. Blood was collected and morphometrics assessed in free-ranging harbor seal pups (n=8) from the Gulf of Maine. Sera were analyzed for GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP concentrations. Concentrations of GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP-2 and -3 in rehabilitated pups were within a similar range compared with free-ranging pups when considered in the context of presumed nutrient intake. These data suggest that rehabilitated harbor seals may provide a useful model to investigate the effects of nutrient intake on growth and development of harbor seals, and will provide insight into phocid endocrinology and metabolism.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1638/2007-0076.1 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Prevalence of Neoplasms in Patients with Acromegaly-A Single-Center Polish Study.
J Clin Med
November 2024
Department and Clinic of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wybrzeże Pasteura 4, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland.
Article Synopsis
- Neoplasms are a leading cause of death in patients with acromegaly, which prompted this study to analyze the incidence and types of benign and malignant tumors in these patients.
- Researchers examined the relationship between tumor prevalence, disease activity, diagnosis timing, and symptom onset, alongside hormone levels from the pituitary gland.
- The study involved a review of records from 230 acromegaly patients in Poland, revealing significantly higher rates of both benign and malignant neoplasms in active cases compared to those who had been cured.
Expression of the apelin system in the porcine pituitary during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy and the effect of apelin on LH and FSH secretion.
Theriogenology
December 2024
Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland. Electronic address:
Reproductive success requires considerable energy investment. Research has shown that some adipokines, i.e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPrior studies show that disrupting somatotropic axis components extends laboratory mouse lifespan, but confounding effects of additional genes and hormones obscure the specific impact of growth hormone (GH) on longevity. We address this issue by using mice with a specific knockout of the GH gene, revealing that disrupting GH alone substantially increases lifespan. The longevity effects are accompanied by altered metabolic fuel utilization, directly linking GH action to aging mechanisms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEarly Life Interventions: Impact on Aging and Longevity.
Aging Dis
August 2024
Division of Geriatrics Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA.
Article Synopsis
- Lifespans in mammals can differ significantly, with developmental speed being inversely related to lifespan, suggesting early-life interventions (ELIs) could modify aging patterns.
- This review examines how various postnatal interventions in mice, such as diet changes and chemical treatments, impact development and lifespan, highlighting significant changes in aging processes.
- Understanding the complexities of ELI research requires careful experimental design and attention to factors like timing and sex differences, which can inform future strategies for promoting healthy aging.
Low Levels of Cortisol are Associated with HIV Infection in Older People: A Hormonal Substudy in the OVER50 Cohort.
Curr HIV Res
November 2024
Fundació Lluita contra les Infeccions, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain.
Introduction: People with the human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) who were diagnosed long ago are more prone to age-related conditions and comorbidities than the general population. We hypothesized that older PWH have endocrine abnormalities that may influence the patient's health status.
Methods: Mean hormonal values across the thyrotropic, somatotropic, corticotropic, and gonadal axis, and percentage of subjects with abnormal values, were compared between PWH aged ≥50 years (n=30) and people without HIV (n=30) (Over50 cohort).
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!