Fecal steroid metabolites and reproductive monitoring in a female Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus)

Although the Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is one of the most endangered mammals in Japan, its reproductive physiology and endocrinology have been not elucidated. The objective was to establish the non-invasive monitoring of reproductive endocrinology in a female Tsushima leopard cat and to identify the types of fecal reproductive steroid metabolites in this species. Fecal concentrations of estrogen and progestin were determined by enzyme immunoassays, from 60 d before to 60 d after the last copulation, during three pregnancies. Fecal estrogen metabolite concentrations were increased before/around the mating period and after mid-pregnancy. Fecal progestin metabolite concentrations increased after the last copulation and remained high during pregnancy. The gestation period was 65.0 +/- 0.6 d (mean +/- SD). Fecal extracts were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography for identification of fecal metabolites. Fecal estrogens were identified as estradiol-17 beta and estrone. Fecal progestins during pregnancy contained 5 alpha-reduced pregnanes: 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-o1-20-one, 5 alpha-pregnan-3 beta-o1-20-one and 5 alpha-pregnan-3,20-dione, and nonmetabolized progesterone was barely detected in feces. In conclusion, measurement of fecal estrogen and progestin metabolites was effective for noninvasive reproductive monitoring in the Tsushima leopard cat. An immunoassay for fecal estradiol-17 beta concentrations seemed useful to monitor follicular activity, whereas an immunoassay with high cross reactivity for 5 alpha-reduced pregnanes was useful to monitor ovarian luteal activity and pregnancy. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.