Mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are endangered in British Columbia and motorized backcountry recreation has been identified as a potential threat to their persistence. My objective was to test if fecal glucocorticoids (GCs), indicative of physiological effects of ecological stress in wildlife, could be used as a non-invasive tool to quantify stress response in free-ranging caribou exposed to motorized recreation. I validated an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure concentration of fecal GCs for R. tarandus using an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge experiment on captive reindeer exposed to extreme variation in winter weather. Female reindeer expressed elevated fecal GCs 9-11 hrs after ACTH injection. Males showed no detectable increase, perhaps due to underdosing. Fecal GCs varied markedly in both sexes in response to natural variation in weather. Overall, my results indicated fecal assays can be used to track biologically meaningful changes in adrenal activity in R.tarandus. I investigated the effects of motorized recreation on stress hormone production by measuring GCs in feces of mountain caribou exposed to snowmobile and heli-ski activity. Concentrations of fecal GCs in snowmobile and heli-ski areas were higher than those measured from caribou in areas where motorized recreation was not allowed. Caribou sampled up to 4km. 8km and I0 km distant from snowmobile activity showed elevated fecal GCs when compared to those sampled further from snowmobile activity areas. Other variables with a significant effect on fecal GCs included reproductive state, snow, aspect. minimum ambient temperature, and daily temperature range. My study indicates that measurement of fecal GCs provides a useful, noninvasive approach in the evaluation of physiological effects of environment, reproductive state, and human-induced stressors on free-ranging mountain caribou. Although research on many species indicates that chronically elevated GCs carry a variety of physiological costs, more study is needed to know whether GCs can be used as an index of human impact on population health or trend.

The accumulation of persistent contaminants is a significant issue for the health of aquatic environments. This study aims to determine the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on the stress response of fish by monitoring plasma cortisol levels and the expression of key hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) stress axis regulators. Injection of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a ubiquitous PAH, induced a differential dose- and time-dependentcortisol response in rainbow trout and brown bullhead. BaP exposure also elicited a species-specific transcriptional response at all levelsof the HPI axis.Similarly, the HPI axis response to a standardized emersionstressor revealed species-specific differences. In the field, exposure of different brown bullhead populations to sediment with complex PAH mixtures did not consistently affect cortisol levels and providedno evidence of genetic adaptation of the stress response. Thus, future studies are needed to bridge the gap in our understanding between the laboratory and field effects of PAHs on the stress response of fish.

This thesis is an investigation of the stress response of salmonid fish and the regulation of the endocrine mechanisms of growth during changes in physiological conditions. Controlled by the HPI axis, the stress response incurs extensive catabolic demand on endogenous metabolite stores at the expense of growth through catabolic actions under the assumed direction of cortisol. It is suspected that the stress response also suppresses the growth-promoting actions of the GH/IGF-I/IGFBP axis. The central theme of this thesis was to characterize the influence the stress response on the endocrine regulation of growth during conventional (e.g. emersion, salinity transfer) and unconventional stresses (e.g. competition, social interaction, parasite infection), using rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) as models. Findings corroborate the inhibitive impact of chronic stress on growth through catabolism of endogenous metabolites in the presence of cortisol levels representative of moderate stress in salmonids. Trout in infected with Cryptobia salmositica, demonstrated similar evidence of pathogen-induced growth suppression via changes in catabolic elements within the GH/IGF-I/IGFBP axis in a similar manner to hypercorticoidic fish, but without elevated cortisol despite clear physical duress. Accompanying reduction in food intake and change to nutritional status influenced much of the growth-suppressing impacts observed on the endocrine axis during disease incidence. Moreover, Cryptobia infection inhibited cortisol signaling and production the pituitary and in the interrenals, respectively. In Chinook salmon, the endocrine response to stress was altered by parental breeding strategy and early rearing environment; traditional hatchery breeding and rearing methods impacted growth performance during physiological challenge when contrasted to mate choice cohorts. Rearing Chinook in a semi-natural channel environment revealed clear differences in performance between these fish stocks that were not observable in the hatchery environment. Moreover, social interaction and competition between mate choice and hatchery-bred salmon influenced the inhibitive effects of the stress response on growth performance, as well as the physiological responses to endocrine-regulated changes during smoltification. This thesis characterizes the novel regulatory actions of the stress response on the endocrine growth axis via regulation of both central and peripheral elements of the GH/IGF-I/IGFBP axis. / NSERC, OGS

Le souffle équin est une maladie inflammatoire chronique des petites voies respiratoires, très fréquente chez les chevaux gardés à l’intérieur avec de la paille et du foin moisi et poussiéreux. Les signes cliniques peuvent être prévenus par le contrôle de l’environnement et soulagés par l’administration de corticostéroïdes systémiques et inhalés. L’objectif de cette étude était de déceler les effets secondaires présents sur des chevaux atteints de souffle traités à la fluticasone (Flovent 250 μg HFA®, 2000 μg BID, pendant six mois, et puis 2000 μg SID, pendant six autres mois) par le cortisol sérique et la présence d’ulcères gastriques. Cinq chevaux exempts de maladie respiratoire et onze chevaux atteints du souffle ont été gardés à l’intérieur d’une écurie avec du foin moisi et de la paille dans le but de provoquer la maladie chez le groupe atteints du souffle. Une fois les chevaux atteints de souffle devenus symptomatique, ils ont été divisés en deux groupes : un premier groupe traité avec de la fluticasone, nourri avec du foin et gardé sur une litière de paille, et un deuxième groupe non traité nourrie avec de la moulée et gardé sur une litière de ripe, pendant six mois. Par la suite, les deux groupes ont été mis au pâturage. Le cortisol a été mesuré par Immunoessai enzymatique par chimiluminescence (CEIA, Immunolite 1000, Siemmens®) les 12e et 10e jours avant et les 7e, 28e, 80e, 160e, 200e, 250e, 290e et 320e jours après le début du traitement afin de déterminer le degré de suppression du cortisol sérique. On a également fait une suivi de la présence d`ulcères gastriques à l`aide de vidéo endoscopique. La fluticasone inhalée deux fois par jour cause une diminution du cortisol sérique les 28e, 80e et 160e jours, mais elle n’entraîne pas d’effets sur le score des ulcères gastriques. Les pellets de luzerne causent quant à elles, une augmentation du score des ulcères gastrique chez les animaux exempts de maladie respiratoire. / Recurrent Airways Obstruction (RAO) is a small airways inflammatory disease, very common in horses stabled in mouldy-dusty hay and straw environments. The clinical signs are prevented by environmental control, relieved by systemic and inhaled corticosteroids. Our objectives were to determine whether inhaled corticosteroids cause a suppression of cortisol levels and gastric ulceration in RAO horses treated with fluticasone 2000μg (Flovant HFA®) BID for 6 months and 2000μg SID for another 6 months. Five (5) healthy horses were used as controls and eleven (11) RAO affected horses were stabled in a moldy-dusty environment to induce disease exacerbation. Once they were symptomatic, they were divided into two groups, the treated group was kept on hay/straw and the untreated group was fed with pellets food and bedded on wood shavings six months. Afterwards, all horses were pasture for the next 6 months. Serum cortisol was mesured by Immuno-essai enzymatique par chimiluminescence (CEIA, Immunolite 1000®, Siemmens) 12, 10 days before and 7, 28, 80, 160, 200, 250, 290, 320 days after treatment initiation, in order to determine cortisol suppression. Fluticasone administered twice a day reduces blood cortisol levels after 28, 80 and 160 days, but did not cause any change in gastric ulcers. However, pellets slightly increased gastric ulcer scores in healthy horses.

No description available.

Introduction: Concussions are a physiologically & psychologically stressful event. Stress markers may provide insight into concussion recovery, but have not been examined. Purpose & Method: To investigate the stress response of concussed athletes compared to controls from injury to post-RTP. Concussed athletes’ Mood states, Perceived Stress, HRV, and Morning & Afternoon Cortisol were assessed at 3 phases of recovery following concussion. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant interactions for TMD, Depression, Anger, Confusion, Fatigue, HF norm (rest), LF norm (rest), HF norm (difference between sitting & standing), LF norm (difference between sitting & standing), and LF/HF ratio (difference between sitting & standing). Vigor & Tension demonstrated significant changes over time in the concussed group. Significant difference between the two groups for morning Cortisol levels at phase 3 was revealed. Conclusion: Concussed athletes display elevated levels of stress post-injury. Findings warrant further investigation of stress markers in concussed athletes during recovery.

Introduction: Concussions are a physiologically & psychologically stressful event. Stress markers may provide insight into concussion recovery, but have not been examined. Purpose & Method: To investigate the stress response of concussed athletes compared to controls from injury to post-RTP. Concussed athletes’ Mood states, Perceived Stress, HRV, and Morning & Afternoon Cortisol were assessed at 3 phases of recovery following concussion. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant interactions for TMD, Depression, Anger, Confusion, Fatigue, HF norm (rest), LF norm (rest), HF norm (difference between sitting & standing), LF norm (difference between sitting & standing), and LF/HF ratio (difference between sitting & standing). Vigor & Tension demonstrated significant changes over time in the concussed group. Significant difference between the two groups for morning Cortisol levels at phase 3 was revealed. Conclusion: Concussed athletes display elevated levels of stress post-injury. Findings warrant further investigation of stress markers in concussed athletes during recovery.

Acute confusional state (ACS) or delirium according to DSM-III-R holds a central position in the medicine of old age. ACS is a common and sometimes the only symptom of diseases and medical complications in the elderly patient. The aim of this study was to elucidate ACS in patients with femoral neck fractures and patients with acute stroke with regard to frequency, predictors, possible pathogenetic mechanisms, associated complications, assessment and documentary routines and the clinical outcome for the patients. An intervention program to prevent postoperative ACS based on our results was developed and evaluated. The main findings of the study were high frequencies of ACS in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures (61 %) and in patients with acute stroke (48 %). The main risk factors for ACS in patients with femoral neck fractures were old age, diseases and drug treatment interfering with cerebral cholinergic metabolism. There was no link between anaesthetic technique and ACS but the connection between peroperative hypotension, early postoperative hypoxia and ACS was close. In stroke patients the degree of extremity paresis and old age were independent ACS risk factors. ACS was commonly associated with post stroke complications such as myocardial infarction, pneumonia, urinary infection and urinary retention. In stroke patients there was a close connection between high hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) activity and ACS. High HPA-axis activity and disturbances in the cerebral cholinergic system may be two important ACS mechanisms. A correct diagnosis is a prerequisite for proper treatment of ACS and its underlying causes. In the orthopaedic wards both physicians and nurses diagnosed and documented ACS poorly and therefore associated complications were insufficiently treated. The intervention program for postoperative ACS, aimed mainly at protecting the cerebral oxidative metabolism and thereby the cerebral cholinergic metabolism which is especially sensitive to hypoxia. Postoperative complications associated with ACS were also treated. The intervention resulted in reduced frequency, duration and severity of postoperative ACS and in shorter orthopedic ward stay for patients with femoral neck fractures.Key words: Acute confusional state, delirium, elderly / <p>S. 1-76: sammanfattning, s. 77-175: 6 uppsatser</p> / digitalisering@umu

Rock climbing is thought to rely upon the interaction of various performance components, and has previously been described as a complex multi-faceted sport. It has been suggested that psychological aspects of performance, such as task perception and the interaction of resulting pre-climb anxieties, contribute greatly to the physiological responses and the overall performance during ascent. However, research which seeks to investigate both psychological and physiological responses during specific bouts of rock climbing are few in number. This thesis attempts to contribute to the novel yet limited body of field based psychophysological research relating to rock climbing. To this end, the studies contained within this thesis investigated psychological and physiological responses as a result of difficult on-sight rock climbing. Elaborating upon previous research, additonal factors which are thought to influence these responses were explored. More specifically, differences in responses between ability groups, style of ascent, and route type were investigated. In study one, differences in psychological and physiological responses with respect to ability level and ascent style were investigated, during a single on-sight ascent. Seventy-two climbers were split into ability groups defined as lower-grade, intermediate, advanced and elite based on self-reported on-sight grades (Ewbank) of ≤17, 18-20, 21-24 and ≥ 25 respectively. Each climber attempted an on-sight ascent of a designated test route set on an indoor artificial climbing wall. A separate test route was set for each ability group which targeted their self-reported ability with respect to best on-sight. Participants were randomly assigned to either a lead or top-rope ascent and climbers were not informed of their style of ascent until 15 min prior to climbing. Responses to the climbing task were measured pre, during, and post-climb using a number of psychological and physiological markers. In total fifty-two participants successfully completed their on-sight ascents, and data for successful ascents were analysed and compared. Pre-climb variables were considered together in order to investigate pre-climb state, more specifically levels of anxiety, prior to ascent. Results indicated that there were no significant differences for grouped pre-climb variables with respect to ascent style. These results suggest that irrespective of ascent style, successful climbers exhibited similar psychophysiological responses prior to attempting an on-sight ascent. Furthermore, this trend was replicated across all ability groups. These findings were thought to be indicative of the high demand and level of uncerainty imposed by the on-sight condition of ascent, lending support to previous suggestion that an on-sight ascent induces the highest anxiety response. During the climb, HR and were measured and averaged across the entirety of the ascent. When expressed as a percentage of and the average HR and responses during ascent were found to be comparable across ability groups. As such, all ability groups appeared to utilise similar fractions of maximal capacity, with elite climbers successfully ascending a route up to eight difficulty grades harder than those of lower ability, whilst still performing at the same workload intensity. It would appear that oxygen uptake during rock climbing may not be directly related to difficulty or personal ability. A technical advantage, personal climbing style, and possible physiological adaptations may be contributors to more strategic and efficient ascents resulting in the capacity to climb at higher grades of difficulty. The second study presented within this thesis was comprised of two phases of investigation; (1) to investigate whether psychological and physiological responses to competition-style climbing differed with respect to ability level, and (2) to investigate potential psychological and physiological differences based on route type and outcome (success and failure). In phase 1 of study two, intermediate, advanced and elite climbers attempted an lead on-sight ascent of a competition-style route which increased in difficulty as the climber progressed. The route was set with the intention of being just beyond the upper limits of the elite climbers self-reported best on-sight ability (~26 Ewbank). This was done in order to ensure that a fall from the route was highly likely, even for the elite climbers. All climbers failed to successfuly ascend the test route and as such all climbed to the point of failure resulting in a fall. The results obtained both prior to, and during ascent suggest that the intermediate and advanced climbers in the current study may have been limited by technical ability as opposed to physical exhaustion, or increased levels of anxiety. Elite climbers were to be able to maintain a more sustained physical effort during the more difficult phases of the climb. This appeared to be reflected in post-climb blood lactate concentration and ratings of task demand with respect to both physical demand and effort. As such it may be that elite climbers are more accustomed to maximal effort and demonstrate an increased tolerance to the higher exercise intensity required during more difficult ascents. In the second phase of study two the psychological and physiological responses of climbers in a competitive setting obtained in phase 1, were compared with those exhibited by participants during both successful and unsuccessful lead on-sight ascents in study one. The aim of study two phase 2 was to determine whether the responses of successful climbers differed from those who succeeded by reaching the top of a route, and performances in a competitive context where success is denoted by the distance achieved by a climbers on their ascent. The main findings in this instance were that although there were no significant differences observed between categories of ascent (successful, unsuccessful and competition) for grouped pre-climb variables, trends in CSAI-2R responses indicated high cognitive anxiety coupled with lower self-confidence prior to unsuccessful ascents. As such it may be that self-confidence acts as a buffer in moderating success in rock climbing, demonstrating the role of positive emotions and their impact upon performance as opposed to the detrimental effect of the negative. A second finding of this study was that there appeared to be a differing HR- relationship based on ascent category. Modest increases in were shown for all ascents, irrespective of ability level. A plateau in response was accompanied by a similar plateau in HR response during successful ascents, yet HR was shown to increase in a linear fashion until point of failure during unsuccessful ascents. It is possible that these findings highlight the presence of a climbing specific limitation.

Bien que l'étiologie de la fibromyalgie (FM) soit inconnue, de l'allodynie, de l'hyperalgésie et un déficit des contrôles inhibiteurs diffus nociceptifs (CIDN) sont rapportés. Une dysfonction de l'axe hypothalamo-hypophyso-surrénalien (HHS) est soupçonnée expliquant la douleur, la fatigue et les troubles du sommeil. La réponse au stress des patients semble inadéquate due à une perte du cycle nycthéméral du cortisol (CORT) et une corrélation CORT/douleur au réveil a déjà été observée. Pourtant, aucune étude n'a investigué le lien entre l'axe HHS et les CIDN. Objectifs: Étudier les CIDN en relation avec les niveaux d'adrénocorticotropine (ACTH) et de CORT, dans la perception et la modulation de la douleur chez des sujets en santé (SS) ou souffrant de FM. Objectifs spécifiques: 1) Étudier et comparer la perception de la douleur des deux groupes (seuils, intensité et aspect désagréable de la douleur, CIDN); 2) Comparer leur cycle circadien du CORT; 3) Comparer la réactivité de l'axe HHS (ACTH plasmatique, CORT salivaire et sérique) des deux groupes en douleur expérimentale; 4) Vérifier la relation entre l'axe HHS, la perception de la douleur et les CIDN. Méthodologie: Devis descriptif corrélationnel entre un groupe de femmes en santé (n=17) et des patientes souffrant de FM (n=19). Leurs cycles circadiens du CORT respectifs ont été comparés par prélèvements salivaires (3 jours consécutifs, 5 fois par jour). Lors de la séance expérimentale, nous avons utilisé le protocole de Tousignant-Laflamme, Y et al. , 2008, pouvant ainsi évaluer les seuils de douleur (SD), seuils de tolérance (ST), intensité (ID) et aspect désagréable (ADD) de la douleur et efficacité des CIDN des deux groupes. Pendant cette même visite, les taux plasmatiques d'ACTH, les niveaux sériques et salivaires du CORT ont été analysés, avant, 5 minutes et 30 minutes après le stimulus douloureux pour étudier la réactivité de l'axe HHS. Des questionnaires ont été administrés pour bien décrire les deux groupes. Résultats: Les résultats sur la perception de la douleur confirment ceux de la littérature : les patientes atteintes de FM ont des SD et des ST plus bas que les SS (allodynie) et leurs CIDN sont inefficaces avec présence d'hyperalgésie, suggérant une anomalie de la composante nociceptive de la douleur. L'ID du stimulus douloureux est identique dans les deux groupes. Pourtant, l'ADD de ce stimulus est supérieur chez les patientes et celles-ci supportent moins longtemps ce stimulus, suggérant l'importance de la composante motivo-affective dans cette pathologie. Les niveaux de base et les cycles circadiens du CORT sont normaux dans les deux groupes. Face à un stimulus douloureux, l'axe HHS des SS est fonctionnel contrairement aux patientes atteintes de FM. Conclusion: il semble que l'axe HHS soit hyporéactif chez les patientes FM, malgré un état basal normal. Il semble y avoir un lien entre l'activité de cet axe, l'efficacité des CIDN et la perception de la douleur.