Serum leptin concentration during the terrestrial phase of the Southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina (Carnivora: Phocidae).

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the serum leptin concentration during the terrestrial phase of the Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) on Elephant Island (South Shetlands, Antarctica). Sera from 25 adult Southern elephant seals were analyzed. Leptin concentration was determined using the 125I radioimmunoassay method. Total protein, triglycerides, and cholesterol concentration were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Seals were grouped by sex and their physiological status (reproducing or molting seals). In reproducing seals, serum concentrations of leptin, total protein, triglycerides, and cholesterol were, respectively, 9.33§1.97 ng/ml, 6.87§0.09 g/dl, 98.26§2.12mg/dl, and 232.17§41.18mg/dl in males and 5.30§1.36 ng/ml, 6.44§0.29 g/dl, 109.01§3.34mg/dl, and 219.20§26.65 in females (mean§1 SD). In molting seals, these values were 2.35§1.51 ng/ml, 7.42§0.25 mg/dl, 321.10§20.01mg/dl, and 244.66§22.24mg/dl in males and 2.94§1.89 ng/ml, 7.88§0.46mg/dl, 197.54 mg/dl, and 224.55§16.70mg/dl in females. In both males and females, there were no signiWcant diVerences (P> 0.05) in total protein and cholesterol concentration between reproducing and molting seals. However, both males and females showed higher leptin concentration (P< 0.05) and lower triglyceride concentration (P <0.05) in the reproductive period than in the molt period. In the reproductive period, it was expected that the Southern elephant seal shows an inhibited hunger sensation, mobilizes stored energy, and stimulates the HPG axis. Results from the present study support this hypothesis and suggest that this strategy may be eVected by the hormonal stimulation of leptin.