Detection, analysis and interactions of plasma ghrelin, leptin and growth hormone in the mink (Mustela vison)

The aim of this study was to obtain basic knowledge of the plasma concentrations and interactions of weight regulatory hormones in juvenile minks (Mustela vison). Ghrelin, leptin, and growth hormone (GH) levels were validated and determined by radioimmunoassay methods from the plasma of 30 female and 30 male minks. The female minks had higher plasma ghrelin and GH levels than the males. The plasma ghrelin concentrations of the females correlated positively with their body masses (BMs). The plasma leptin levels did not differ between sexes, but there was a positive correlation between the plasma leptin concentrations and BMs in the male minks. When the data from the male and female minks were combined, the correlation between the leptin levels and the BMs was still clear, but this was not observed in the females alone. In the male minks, the plasma GH levels correlated positively with the BMs and with the plasma leptin concentrations. However, there was no correlation between the plasma ghrelin and GH or leptin concentrations. The hormone concentrations were quite similar to earlier measurements in other carnivores.