An examination of endoparasites and fecal testosterone levels in flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) using high performance liquid chromatography-ultra-violet (HPLC-UV)

The immuno-competence hypothesis proposes that higher levels of testosterone increases the susceptibility to parasitism. Here we examined the testosterone levels in two species of flying squirrels (Glaucomys): one known to regularly host a nematode species (Strongyloides robustus) without ill effect...

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Main Authors: Sarah N. Waksmonski, Justin M. Huffman, Carolyn G. Mahan, Michael A. Steele
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2017-08-01
Series:International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224417300263
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author Sarah N. Waksmonski
Justin M. Huffman
Carolyn G. Mahan
Michael A. Steele
author_facet Sarah N. Waksmonski
Justin M. Huffman
Carolyn G. Mahan
Michael A. Steele
author_sort Sarah N. Waksmonski
collection DOAJ
description The immuno-competence hypothesis proposes that higher levels of testosterone increases the susceptibility to parasitism. Here we examined the testosterone levels in two species of flying squirrels (Glaucomys): one known to regularly host a nematode species (Strongyloides robustus) without ill effects (G. volans) and a closely related species that is considered negatively affected by the parasite. We quantified fecal testosterone levels in northern and southern flying squirrels (G. sabrinus, G. volans) with high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet spectroscopy (HPLC-UV), and compared levels to endoparasites detected in individual squirrels. Qualitatively, we found highest levels of testosterone in male northern flying squirrels infected with Strongyloides robustus. This analytical approach represents an alternative and equally reliable method to using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for detecting and quantifying fecal testosterone levels.
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spelling doaj.art-90fe9331f0c242b0b01e3627e10eaf322022-12-22T03:54:16ZengElsevierInternational Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife2213-22442017-08-016213513710.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.05.003An examination of endoparasites and fecal testosterone levels in flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) using high performance liquid chromatography-ultra-violet (HPLC-UV)Sarah N. Waksmonski0Justin M. Huffman1Carolyn G. Mahan2Michael A. Steele3Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, 3000 Ivyside, The Pennsylvania State University, Altoona, PA 16601, USADivision of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, 3000 Ivyside, The Pennsylvania State University, Altoona, PA 16601, USADivision of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, 3000 Ivyside, The Pennsylvania State University, Altoona, PA 16601, USADepartment of Biology, Wilkes University, 84 West South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, USAThe immuno-competence hypothesis proposes that higher levels of testosterone increases the susceptibility to parasitism. Here we examined the testosterone levels in two species of flying squirrels (Glaucomys): one known to regularly host a nematode species (Strongyloides robustus) without ill effects (G. volans) and a closely related species that is considered negatively affected by the parasite. We quantified fecal testosterone levels in northern and southern flying squirrels (G. sabrinus, G. volans) with high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet spectroscopy (HPLC-UV), and compared levels to endoparasites detected in individual squirrels. Qualitatively, we found highest levels of testosterone in male northern flying squirrels infected with Strongyloides robustus. This analytical approach represents an alternative and equally reliable method to using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for detecting and quantifying fecal testosterone levels.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224417300263Flying squirrelsImmuno-competence hypothesisParasitesStrongyloides robustusTestosteroneFecal extractionHigh-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet spectroscopy
spellingShingle Sarah N. Waksmonski
Justin M. Huffman
Carolyn G. Mahan
Michael A. Steele
An examination of endoparasites and fecal testosterone levels in flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) using high performance liquid chromatography-ultra-violet (HPLC-UV)
International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
Flying squirrels
Immuno-competence hypothesis
Parasites
Strongyloides robustus
Testosterone
Fecal extraction
High-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet spectroscopy
title An examination of endoparasites and fecal testosterone levels in flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) using high performance liquid chromatography-ultra-violet (HPLC-UV)
title_full An examination of endoparasites and fecal testosterone levels in flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) using high performance liquid chromatography-ultra-violet (HPLC-UV)
title_fullStr An examination of endoparasites and fecal testosterone levels in flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) using high performance liquid chromatography-ultra-violet (HPLC-UV)
title_full_unstemmed An examination of endoparasites and fecal testosterone levels in flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) using high performance liquid chromatography-ultra-violet (HPLC-UV)
title_short An examination of endoparasites and fecal testosterone levels in flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) using high performance liquid chromatography-ultra-violet (HPLC-UV)
title_sort examination of endoparasites and fecal testosterone levels in flying squirrels glaucomys spp using high performance liquid chromatography ultra violet hplc uv
topic Flying squirrels
Immuno-competence hypothesis
Parasites
Strongyloides robustus
Testosterone
Fecal extraction
High-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet spectroscopy
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224417300263
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