Growth hormone and cortisol levels in the annual cycle of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).
The annual cycles of growth hormone and cortisol levels in white-tailed deer were followed. No significant difference was found in the average cortisol levels in a large group of animals during the year. In contrast to cortisol, growth hormone (GH) investigated by heterologous bovine GH radioimmunoassay, seems to have a distinct annual rhythm. High levels of GH in plasma were found between casting and the first week of antler growth with the peak of 23.1 ng/ml (estimated in bovine GH equivalents) in the middle of April. From the middle of June until the middle of November a plateau averaging 3 ng/ml was found. The relationships between very rapid growth of a bone tissue and the influence of GH and sex hormones are discussed.
D000064:Acclimatization; D000818:Animals; D003670:Deer / Q000097:blood*; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D012621:Seasons
D013006:Growth Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone