Qiviut Cortisol Reflects Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Activity in Muskoxen (Ovibos Moschatus)

May 2021 in “ General and comparative endocrinology ”

Juliette Di Francesco, Gabriela F. Mastromonaco, Sylvia Checkley, John E. Blake, Janice E. Rowell, Susan Kutz

cortisol hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis HPA axis adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH qiviut telogen phase hair growth phase

TLDR Muskoxen's qiviut cortisol levels indicate their stress hormone activity over the hair growth period.

The study aimed to validate the use of qiviut cortisol as a biomarker of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity in muskoxen. It found that repeated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) injections elevated cortisol levels in qiviut only during its growth phase, not when hair growth was absent. This suggests that qiviut cortisol concentrations are not influenced by stressors during the telogen phase. The research also indicated potential movement of cortisol within the qiviut shaft after deposition. These findings contribute to understanding cortisol deposition and stability in hair, advancing wildlife endocrinology.

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