Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: Anthropogenic disturbances in marine ecosystems can have detrimental effects on the survival of marine mammals. Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in increased circulating glucocorticoids, altering expression of target genes such as metabolic enzymes. Prolonged HPA axis stimulation may increase catabolism of nutrient stores and suppress immune and reproductive functions, impacting the fitness of marine mammals. We previously characterized endocrine and metabolic profiles and identified genes that were differentially expressed in response to single and repeated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration in juvenile northern elephant seals. Upregulated blubber genes in response to repeated ACTH administration include encoding lipid particle proteins, oxidative stress enzymes, adipokines, and lipid metabolism enzymes. Downregulated genes include inhibitors of adipogenesis, gluconeogenesis and inflammation.
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2984062874