Dear MARMAM Colleagues,

We are happy to announce our latest publication in Scientific Reports:



Dalle Luche, G., A. Boggs, J. Kucklick and S. Bengtson Nash (2019). 
"Androstenedione and testosterone but not progesterone are potential biomarkers 
of pregnancy in Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) approaching 
parturition." Scientific Reports.



In this paper, we uncover a ‘missing link’ in current understanding of the 
reproductive endocrinology of female humpback whales, and provide an improved 
method of pregnancy detection in females approaching parturition.



Abstract

The blubber steroid hormone profiles of 52 female humpback whales migrating 
along the east coast of Australia were investigated for seasonal endocrine 
changes associated with reproduction. Individuals were randomly sampled during 
two stages of the annual migration: before reaching the breeding grounds 
(northward migration; June/July), and after departing from the breeding grounds 
(southward migration; September/October). Assignment of reproductive status of 
the sampled individuals was based on season, single-hormone ranks and 
multi-variate analysis of the hormonal profiles. High concentrations of 
progesterone (>19 ng/g, wet weight), recognised as an indicator of pregnancy in 
this species, were only detected in one sample. However, the androgens, 
testosterone and androstenedione were measured in unusually high concentrations 
(1.6–12 and 7.8–40 ng/g wet weight, respectively) in 36% of the females 
approaching the breeding grounds. The absence of a strong accompanying 
progesterone signal in these animals raises the possibility of progesterone 
withdrawal prior to parturition. As seen with other cetacean species, 
testosterone and androstenedione could be markers of near-term pregnancy in 
humpback whales. Confirmation of these androgens as alternate biomarkers of 
near-term pregnancy would carry implications for improved monitoring of the 
annual fecundity of humpback whales via non-lethal and minimally invasive 
methods.



Link to full text:  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-58933-4#Sec2



Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash

Program Director

Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program (SOPOPP)

SCAR: Chair of ImPACT | ARC: College of Experts | Scientific Reports: Editor


Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI),  Griffith University,  Nathan 
Campus.

170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.


Email: s.bengtsonn...@griffith.edu.au | Phone: +61 (0)7 3735 5062  | Mobile: 
+61 (0)437 888 711

Twitter: @Antarctica_POPs | Skype: s.bengtsonnash | Website: 
http://www.griffith.edu.au/environment-planning-architecture/southern-ocean-persistent-organic-pollutants-program

[cid:e27b154c-4e71-4540-874a-30061f428dd0]




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