The Hair Loss Encyclopedia

Sources of Variation in Hair Cortisol in Wild and Captive Non-Human Primates

February 2016 in “ Zoology ”

Nicolaas H. Fourie, Janine L. Brown, Clifford J. Jolly, Jane E. Phillips‐Conroy, Jeffrey Rogers, Robin Bernstein

hair cortisol adrenal function chronic stress hair growth rates cortisol extraction

TLDR Hair cortisol levels in primates are useful for stress assessment but vary by age, sex, species, and hair collection methods.

The study investigated sources of variation in hair cortisol measurements in wild and captive non-human primates, focusing on both biological and technical factors. Hair samples from various primate species were analyzed, revealing that cortisol extraction efficiency increased with sonication in a hot water bath, suggesting this method as a cost-effective alternative to milling. The findings highlighted the importance of considering factors such as sample preparation, anatomical site, and individual biological differences when interpreting hair cortisol levels, which is crucial for accurately assessing chronic stress in primates.

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