How to translate text using browser tools
7 July 2021 Comparison of Serum Thyroid Hormone Levels in Green-winged Macaws (Ara chloropterus) Using Radio and Chemiluminescent Immunoassays
Kássia R. A. Vieira, Ana C. L. Faillace, Lígia R. Oliva, Mathias Dislich, Zalmir S. Cubas, Adalfredo R. Lobo-Júnior, Marcelo I. S. Santana
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

This study compared the use of radioimmunoassay (RIA) and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) to measure serum thyroid hormone levels in green-winged macaws (Ara chloropterus). The sample group comprised 20 male and 13 female (n = 33) healthy, captive green-winged macaws of reproductive age but outside of breeding season. Mean free triiodothyronine (T3), total T3, and free thyroxine (T4) measured by CLIA and RIA corresponded to 5.11 and 5.08 pmol/L (3.33 and 3.31 pg/mL), 1.59 and 1.56 nmol/L (103.5 and 101.5 ng/dL), and 8.25 and 8.82 pmol/L (0.64 and 0.69 ng/dL), respectively. Mean total T4 by RIA corresponded to 6.29 nmol/L (0.49 µg/dL). Mean free T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels differed according to immunoassay method, with higher values measured by RIA compared with CLIA. Sex influence was statistically significant in immunoassay results only on free T3 levels. Free T3 levels measured by RIA were higher than levels measured by CLIA in male birds, but this difference was not found with the female bird samples. Conversely, free T3 levels measured by CLIA were higher in the female macaws compared with male birds. Comparative analysis of thyroid hormone measurements in this study revealed that RIA and CLIA are equivalent methods to measure free T4 and total T3 levels but not TSH levels. These findings support the use of CLIA for free T4 and total T3 level determinations in green-winged macaws. However, the CLIA kit used in this study provided invalid total T4 level results for the macaws sampled. Radioimmunoassay and CLIA were equally ineffective for determining TSH levels in this species.

© 2021 by the Association of Avian Veterinarians
Kássia R. A. Vieira, Ana C. L. Faillace, Lígia R. Oliva, Mathias Dislich, Zalmir S. Cubas, Adalfredo R. Lobo-Júnior, and Marcelo I. S. Santana "Comparison of Serum Thyroid Hormone Levels in Green-winged Macaws (Ara chloropterus) Using Radio and Chemiluminescent Immunoassays," Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 35(2), 187-195, (7 July 2021). https://doi.org/10.1647/19-00018
Published: 7 July 2021
KEYWORDS
Ara chloropterus
Avian
chemiluminescent assay
green-winged macaw
psittacine birds
radioimmunoassay
thyroid hormones
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top