Seasonal influence on the response of the somatotropic axis to nutrient restriction and re-alimentation in captive Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus)

Fluctuations in availability of prey resources can impede acquisition of sufficient energy for maintenance and growth. By investigating the hormonal mechanisms of the somatotropic axis that link nutrition, fat metabolism, and lean tissue accretion, we can assess the physiological impact of decreased nutrient intake on growth. Further, species that undergo seasonal periods of reduced intake as a part of their normal life history may have a differential seasonal response to nutrient restriction. This experiment evaluated the influence of season and age on the response of the somatotropic axis, including growth hormone (GH), insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I, and IGF‐binding proteins (BP), to reduced nutrient intake and re‐alimentation in Steller sea lions. Eight captive females (five juveniles, three sub‐adults) were subject to 28‐day periods of food restriction, controlled re‐feeding, and ad libitum recovery in summer (long‐day photoperiod) and winter (short‐day photoperiod). Hormone concentrations were insensitive to type of fish fed (low fat pollock vs. high fat herring), but sensitive to energy intake. Body mass, fat, and IGF‐I declined, whereas GH and IGFBP‐2 increased during feed restriction. Reduced IGF‐I and IGFBP with increased GH during controlled re‐feeding suggest that animals did not reach positive energy balance until fed ad libitum. Increased IGF‐I, IGFBP‐2, IGFBP‐3, and reduced GH observed in summer reflected seasonal differences in energy partitioning. There was a strong season and age effect in the response to restriction and re‐alimentation, indicating that older, larger animals are better able to cope with stress associated with energy deficit, regardless of season. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:144–156, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.