Androgen metabolite measurement in droppings from adult male Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) by Colleen Elzinga

Androgen metabolite measurement in droppings from adult male Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) by Colleen Elzinga

Biology

This study was undertaken to validate the use of noninvasive techniques for measuring androgen hormone metabolites in the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis). Typically researchers have used blood plasma to measure direct hormone levels within vertebrates; however, there are drawbacks to this method. The initial stress of handling can negatively influence results due to stress hormone interference. Also, the small size of the subject limits your sample volumes, so it is difficult to get a full view of the changes in hormone levels over time. Noninvasive methods are desirable because samples are easily obtained, do not harm the subject, and provide a better view of the pattern of hormone levels over time. This technique must be validated for every species because of variations in specific metabolic pathways. In this study, we used a GnRH challenge to analyze the responsiveness of the HPG axis in adult male Eastern Bluebirds through both testosterone levels in their blood and T-metabolite concentrations in their droppings. Results determined that both blood plasma testosterone and excrement T-metabolites rose in response to the GnRH challenge in such a way that we were able to determine that the noninvasive method of measurement is valid for Eastern Bluebirds.

Colleen Elzinga

Senior Showcase Poster Presentation

Ripon College

April 18, 2017

The authors reserves all rights.

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Major: Chemistry Biology

Evergreen Park, Illinois

poster presentation