Plasma angiotensin II, arginine vasopressin and atrial natriuretic peptide in free ranging and captive seals and sea lions.

We used radioimmunoassay methods to quantify arginine vasopressin (AVP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and angiotensin II (Ang II) in plasma samples from harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsii), Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii), northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), ringed seals (Phoca hispida), California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). Plasma concentrations of AVP, ANP, and Ang II in these pinniped species were within the ranges reported for other vertebrates under resting conditions. However, there were species, geographic and developmental variations in these hormones: Levels of AVP in plasma samples from adult Steller sea lions and harbor seals were higher than in pups of the same species; higher levels of plasma ANP were found in wild captured Alaskan Steller sea lions and in hunted ringed seals; differences in plasma levels of all three hormones were found throughout the geographic distribution of harbor seals and Steller sea lions in Alaska. This is the first report on circulating concentrations of vasoactive hormones in pinnipeds, and demonstrates that further studies are needed to ascertain the natural variability in these levels with the impact of molting, fasting, diving and environmental factors in seals and sea lions.