A probe-based qRT-PCR method to profile immunological gene expression in blood of captive beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas)

A novel universal probe library quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method to profile immunological gene expression in blood of captive beluga whales ([i]Delphinapterusleucas[i])

Cytokines are fundamental for a functioning immune system, and thus, potentially serve as important indicators of animal health. Quantitation of mRNA using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is an established immunological technique. It is particularly suitable for detecting the expression of proteins against which monoclonal antibodies are not available. In ...

Selection of reference genes for RT-qPCR studies in blood of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas).

Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is used for research in gene expression, and it is vital to choose appropriate housekeeping genes (HKGs) as reference genes to obtain correct results. The purpose of this study is to determine stably expressed HKGs in blood of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) that can be the appropriate reference genes in relative quantification in gene expr...

Hematology and Plasma Chemistry as Indicators of Health and Ecological Status in Beluga Whales, Delphinapterus leucas

The capture of beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas, for instrumentation or tagging afforded the opportunity to collect blood, which was analyzed to evaluate the animals’ health and gain information on basic physiological systems. Here, we report on hematological and plasma chemical constituents in samples obtained from 183 belugas, 55 of which were handled during attempts to apply tracking ins...

Contaminants and Health of Beluga Whales of the Saint Lawrence Estuary

Zooarchaeology of a Focal Resource: Dietary Importance of Beluga Whales to the Precontact Mackenzie Inuit

Ethnohistoric records indicate that the economy of early historic Mackenzie Inuit was centred on the summer hunt for beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). However, no systematic attempt has been made to quantify the dietary importance of beluga whales to earlier, precontact-period Mackenzie Inuit societies. This issue is addressed herein through analysis of over 2000 beluga bones recovered fro...