Changes in whole body concentrations of cortisol, thyroid hormones, and sex steroids during early development of the chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta.

Significant amounts of cortisol (20 ng/g) and thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4, 20 ng/g) and triiodothyronine (T3, 10 ng/g), as well as estradiol (8 ng/g) and testosterone (4 ng/g), are present in fertilized eggs of chum salmon. Changes in the concentrations of these hormones in the developing embryo and larvae were monitored until after the emergence of the fry from the gravel bed. Cortisol concentrations in the developing embryo fell steadily from 20 ng/g at fertilization to 2.5 ng/g after 3 weeks, increased slightly to 10 ng/g by 1 week before hatching, and maintained this level during the early stages of yolk sac absorption. During the later stages of yolk sac absorption, cortisol concentrations increased markedly and remained at about 30 ng/g until emergence, when they declined to 10-15 ng/g. In contrast, both T4 and T3 levels were stable during early development, decreased gradually during yolk sac absorption, and increased slightly during emergence. Estradiol and testosterone profiles were similar to that of cortisol during early development. Testosterone levels remained low throughout emergence. Likewise, estradiol levels were low during yolk sac absorption but showed a transient increase at the time of emergence. These hormonal changes are discussed in the context of egg development and subsequent downstream migration.