Autor(es):
Scott, Alexander P. 
; Hirschenhauser, Katharina ; Bender, Nicole ; Oliveira, Rui Filipe ; Earley, Ryan L. ; Sebire, Marion ; Ellis, Tim ; Pavlidis, Michael ; Hubbard, Peter C. ; Huertas, Mar ; Canário, Adelino V. M.
Data: 2008
Identificador Persistente: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.12/1272
Origem: Repositório do ISPA - Instituto Universitário
Assunto(s): Review; Fish; Steroids in water; Non-invasive; 11-ketotestosterone; Cortisol
Descrição
Fish behaviourists are increasingly turning to non-invasive measurement of steroid hormones
in holding water, as opposed to blood plasma. When some of us met at a workshop in Faro,
Portugal, in September, 2007, we realised that there were still many issues concerning the
application of this procedure that needed resolution, including: Why do we measure release
rates rather than just concentrations of steroids in the water? How does one interpret steroid
release rates when dealing with fish of different sizes? What are the merits of measuring
conjugated as well as free steroids in water? In the ‘static’ sampling procedure, where fish
are placed in a separate container for a short period of time, does this affect steroid release—
and, if so, how can it be minimised? After exposing a fish to a behavioural stimulus, when is
the optimal time to sample? What is the minimum amount of validation when applying the
procedure to a new species? The purpose of this review is to attempt to answer these questions and, in doing so, to emphasize that application of the non-invasive procedure requires more
planning and validation than conventional plasma sampling. However, we consider that the rewards justify the extra effort.
