Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Values In Elk Neonates

Submitted by bsiadmin on Mon, 04/07/2008 - 16:59.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Shannon M. Barber-Meyer; Craig R. Johnson; Michael P. Murtaugh; L. David Mech; P. J. White

Source:

Journal of Mammalogy, Volume 88, Number 2, p.421-426 (2007)

Keywords:

Cervus elaphus; cytokine; elk; immunocompetence; interleukin-6; survival; tumor necrosis factor-alpha; Yellowstone National Park; wildlife health

Abstract:

Serological indicators of general condition would be helpful for monitoring or assessing ungulate wildlife. Toward that end, we report the 1st reference values for 2 cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), in neonatal elk (Cervus elaphus). We obtained blood samples from 140 calves ≤ 6 days old in Yellowstone National Park during summer 2003-2005. IL-6 values ranged from 0 to 1.21 pg/ml with a median of 0.03 pg/ml. TNF-a values ranged from 0 to 225.43 pg/ml with a median of 1.85 pg/ml. IL-6 and TNF-a concentrations were not significant predictors of elk calf survival through 21 days. Development of ungulate-based IL-6 and TNF-a assays that provide greater sensitivity than cross-reacting human-based assays could be helpful in monitoring ungulate condition and health status comparisons among herds. Such information could provide indirect assessments of range quality or environmental influences among herds.

Notes:

Found at Yellowstone Research Library and online, pdf on computerNatureBib ID: 652013