Fecal corticosteroids in agouti and non-agouti deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus).
Total and per gram fecal corticosteroid concentrations were determined for agouti and non-agouti deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis) over 24 h under normal caging conditions and after exposure to the stress of novel caging. Per gram corticosteroid concentrations, fecal output, and 24-h corticosteroid production were greater in stressed compared with unstressed deer mice of both color morphs, whereas stressed agoutis had a greater increase in per gram corticosteroid concentrations when compared with non-agoutis. However, due to increased fecal output, stressed non-agouti deer mice had greater 24-h corticosteroid production. Thus, agouti and non-agouti deer mice differ in their hormonal reaction to stress. This is the first demonstration of corticosteroid differences associated with the agouti locus.
Hayssen
V
V
Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063, USA. vhayssen@science.smith.edu
Harper
J M
JM
DeFina
R
R
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000032:analysis*; D054366:Agouti Signaling Protein; D000818:Animals; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006200:Hair Color / Q000235:genetics*; D006799:Housing, Animal; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009154:Mutation; D010542:Peromyscus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D054366:Agouti Signaling Protein; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D011506:Proteins