Biochemical blood parameters and hormone levels of foraging, nesting, and injured loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in Turkey

Authors : Doğan SÖZBİLEN, Yakup KASKA

Pages : 287-296

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Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :  The biochemical blood parameters of 22 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(7 foraging, 7 nesting, and 8 injured); loggerhead sea turtles insert ignore into journalissuearticles values( Caretta caretta ); from the southwest coast of Turkey were investigated. A total of 27 blood variables were analyzed in three groups insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(plasma enzymes, plasma metabolites, and plasma ions);, and 4 steroid hormones: testosterone insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(T);, estradiol insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(E 2 );, progesterone insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Pro);, and corticosterone insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(B);. Triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, magnesium, and phosphorus were higher in nesting females; urea was high in foraging individuals; and sodium, potassium, and chloride were lower while estradiol levels were higher in injured individuals. In addition, plasma steroid hormone levels T, Pro, and B were assessed in healthy and stranded individuals. The results of the present study provide valuable blood parameters for the medical care of the species in rescue centers and help us to understand the physiological response of loggerhead sea turtles to different conditions.
Keywords : Loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, plasma biochemistry, steroid hormone, health, rehabilitation