There is growing interest in the use of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones to understand how wild
animals respond to environmental challenges. Blood is the best medium for obtaining …

The glucocorticoid stress response is frequently used to indicate vertebrate response to the
environment. Body temperature may affect glucocorticoid concentrations, particularly in …

Interferon (IFN) is a cell-secreted cytokine possessing biological activities including antiviral
functioning, immune regulation, and others. Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) mainly derives from …

Abstract Knowledge on the structure and composition of the haematopoietic tissue (HT) is
essential to understand the basic immune functions of the immune system in any species …

In the face of global change, free-ranging organisms are expected to experience more
unpredictable stressors. An understanding of how organisms with different life history …

Reproduction is energetically expensive and investing in this life history trait is likely
accompanied by significant changes in physiological activity. Investment strategy necessary …

The immune system is comprised of organs, structures, cells, and factors that are directly
involved in the defense activity of the host against pathogens. The immune system in …

Life-history theory predicts that organisms will hedge current reproductive investment
against potential costs in terms of survivorship and future fecundity. However, little is known …

Seasonal constraints on the timing and intensity of reproductive events shape observed
variation in life history strategies across latitudes. Selection acts on the endocrine …

The vertebrate stress response involves the release of adrenal hormones which make
stored energy available to respond to stressors. The ability to effectively mobilize and …