Spiny dogfish blood contains a hormone long thought absent in sharks
Cortisol is a hormone that helps humans and many other animals regulate their energy use and respond to changing conditions. For a long time, sharks and rays were believed to rely on a different steroid hormone for these functions, without producing cortisol themselves. Now, a ne
The discovery of cortisol in spiny dogfish blood challenges a long-held assumption about the physiology of sharks and rays. For years, scientists believed that these cartilaginous fish relied on a different steroid hormone, 1-hydroxycorticosterone, to regulate their energy use and respond to stress. The presence of cortisol in spiny dogfish suggests that this hormone may play a more universal role in vertebrate physiology than previously thought.
This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the evolution of endocrine systems in vertebrates. If cortisol is indeed present and functional in other shark and ray species, it could indicate that these animals have a more complex stress response system than previously appreciated. This, in turn, could inform research on the impact of environmental stressors, such as climate change and pollution, on shark and ray populations.
As researchers continue to study the role of cortisol in spiny dogfish and other shark and ray species, we can expect to learn more about the intricacies of their physiology and the ways in which they respond to changing conditions. Key questions to watch include: How widespread is cortisol production among shark and ray species? What are the specific functions of cortisol in these animals, and how do they interact with other hormones? And what are the potential applications of this research for conservation and management of shark and ray populations?
Originally reported by phys.org. LearningWire adds analysis for science & discovery readers.