Date of Submission
11-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Forensic Science
Department
Forensic Science
Advisor
Virginia M. Maxwell, D.Phil.
Committee Member
Dr. David San Pietro, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, DVM
Keywords
Biomarkers for Pain, Animal Cruelty and Neglect, Cortisol, Substance P, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Peptide (PACAP)
MeSH
Biomarkers, Pain Measurement, Animals, Hydrocortisone, Substance P, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide
LCSH
Biochemical markers, Pain in animals, Animal welfare, Hydrocortisone, Substance P
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between cortisol, Substance P, and PACAP during experienced pain and recovery, as well as the contrast between expression levels and serum levels, will provide an objective measure of pain and suffering to aid in the prosecution of animal cruelty and neglect cases.
There is no consensus at this time as to a recognized biomarker for pain experienced by an animal. Cortisol, Substance P, and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Peptide (PACAP) have been investigated separately in various animal and human studies with regard to stress, pain, and injury. Cortisol is a steroid hormone in the glucocorticoid class that has been utilized as a quantitative measure of stress in many species. Substance P is a neuropeptide from the tachykinin family that evokes sensory neurons that are responsible for recognizing damaging stimuli. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Peptide (PACAP) is a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, and neurohormone that is necessary for the regenerations of nerves after an injury has been sustained. Cortisol, Substance P, and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Peptide have shown to be upregulated during either chronic pain or a stand-alone experienced pain event.
The main focus of interest is to develop a qPCR-based cortisol, Substance P, and PACAP isozyme detection assay to establish a baseline expression level of each within healthy canines compared to injured canines. Furthermore, comparing the expression levels to corresponding serum levels of cortisol, Substance P, and PACAP via ELISA Assay Kits for each. Based on their biochemical functions and previous research, it is expected that cortisol and Substance P will be expressed at increased levels during the experienced pain event and PACAP will be expressed at increased levels during the reparative process post pain event.
Recommended Citation
Sherer, Danielle, "Quantifying Pain: A Ratio of Cortisol, Substance P, and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide as Biomarkers for Pain in Animal Cruelty and Neglect" (2022). Master's Theses. 215.
https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/masterstheses/215