Cortisol detection in fish scales by enzyme immunoassay: biochemical and methodological validation

The study of fish stress is usually assessed by measuring blood cortisol. Nevertheless, blood provides only a snapshot of the hormonal profile at one point in time. An alternative source of cortisol may be found in scales, providing a new approach for assessing long-term hormonal levels. The present...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Carbajal, A., Monclús, Laura, Tallo-Parra, Oriol, Sabes-Alsina, M., Vinyoles Cartanyà, Dolors, López Béjar, Manel
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:España
Institución:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:2445/129885
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/129885
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Hidrocortisona
Peixos
Hydrocortisone
Fishes
Descripción
Sumario:The study of fish stress is usually assessed by measuring blood cortisol. Nevertheless, blood provides only a snapshot of the hormonal profile at one point in time. An alternative source of cortisol may be found in scales, providing a new approach for assessing long-term hormonal levels. The present study aimed to develop and validate a methodology for detecting cortisol in scales of goldfish (Carassius auratus). The study highlights the importance of an initial isopropanol washing procedure to completely eliminate external contaminations of cortisol. Additionally, the biochemical validation of the enzyme immunoassay verifies the ability to detect cortisol with repeatability and reliability in goldfish scales. In conclusion, this study provides validated information about a new methodology to measure cortisol in scales. The incorporation of this biomarker could provide retrospective hormonal measurements from species and time periods that are usually difficult or impossible to obtain, thus offering key data of an animal's physiology