Circulating anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in relation to age and season in male and female beluga (Delphinapterus leucas)

Reprod Fertil Dev. 2017 Aug;29(8):1642-1652. doi: 10.1071/RD15537.

Abstract

The present study aimed to describe serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) patterns of ex situ male and female beluga to examine the influence of age (divided into 5-year categories) or sexual maturation and reproductive season. In males aged 5-9 years, AMH concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those in all age categories exceeding 15 years and were not influenced by season (P=0.57). AMH concentrations in females peaked in the 5-9-year age category during the breeding season and decreased (P<0.05) after 9 years of age. Aged females displayed lower (P<0.05) AMH concentrations than immature and mature animals and immature females secreted higher concentrations than mature animals (P=0.03). For mature females, seasonal differences (P=0.02) in AMH concentrations were detected, with females in the breeding season displaying higher AMH concentrations than in the non-breeding season. This is the first time AMH has been characterised in a cetacean species and the first potential hormonal evidence of reproductive senescence in beluga. Further research is required to determine if this hormone can be used as a predictor of fertility for the species.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone / blood*
  • Beluga Whale / blood*
  • Female
  • Fertility / physiology
  • Male
  • Reproduction / physiology*
  • Seasons*

Substances

  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone