Validation of non-invasive methods for the measurement of gonadal and inter-renal steroid hormones in a desert-adapted amphibian (Scaphiopus couchii).

ABSTRACT: For aquatic and semi-aquatic vertebrates like amphibians, it is possible to estimate excreted hormone levels using non-invasive methods such as waterborne and salivary sampling. These techniques allow monitoring of endocrine activity over varying, repeated and simultaneous integration periods while minimizing handling-related stress that can 'contaminate' hormone estimates, including estimates of baseline glucocorticoids. Here we have validated the extraction and quantification of three steroid hormones (corticosterone, CORT; 17-b estradiol, E₂; testosterone, TST) in Couch's spadefoots (Scaphiopus couchii)-a desert-adapted anuran of special interest for physiology, evolution and conservation-using non-invasive waterborne and minimally invasive salivary hormone methods. We

SUBMITTER: Baugh AT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11821354 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature