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Interaction between cortisol and cortisol-binding protein in silver foxes (Vulpes fulvus)
1Academy of Sciences, Siberian Department, Novosibirsk, U.S.S.R.
Summary
Domestication of silver foxes led to lower cortisol and cortisol-binding protein (CBP) levels. Environmental factors, like seasonal changes and stress, caused opposite changes in cortisol and CBP activity.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior genetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cortisol is a key stress hormone.
- Cortisol-binding protein (CBP) modulates hormone activity.
- Silver foxes are a model for domestication studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cortisol and CBP during silver fox domestication.
- To examine how environmental factors influence cortisol and CBP levels.
Main Methods:
- Selection of silver foxes based on behavior.
- Monitoring cortisol and CBP levels in blood plasma.
- Observing seasonal and stress-induced changes.
Main Results:
- Domestication resulted in parallel decreases in cortisol and CBP levels.
- Seasonal cycles and stress led to increased cortisol followed by decreased CBP activity.
- Two distinct interaction patterns between cortisol and CBP were identified.
Conclusions:
- Domestication and environmental factors induce different regulatory mechanisms for cortisol and CBP.
- These findings offer insights into the neuroendocrine adaptations during animal domestication.
- The study highlights the complex interplay between genetics, behavior, and hormonal regulation.