Prolactin in saliva of pigs as a possible biomarker of stress: analytical validation of an immunoassay and changes at slaughterhouse

Abstract

[EN] Prolactin (PRL) is considered a biomarker of stress response, both acute and chronic, in several species. Although the scientific literature reports divergent results, some studies suggest that prolactin secretion during stress acts to maintain homeostasis within the immune system. Several studies have investigated the possibility of measuring PRL in saliva in different species such as rats, domestic ruminants, donkeys, dogs, cattle, and sheep for diagnosis or research purposes. Results obtained in animal models have indicated that the secretion of this hormone is dependent on the type and intensity of the stress.