I am conducting research on empathy and stress contagion in zebrafish. Literature has shown that cortisol can be measured using a Cayman competitive ELISA kit (Item No. 500360). We are running into issues where the cortisol data is not matching with the behavioral data. For instance, it clearly shows that our controls versus our stress induced fish are calmer. However, when it comes to the ELISA, the data is showing the complete opposite. This has been a problem as our dilution of the stock, even at a 1:10 is too diluted for control and stress samples. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
For reference, the protocols are following these papers:
doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2011.08.022
doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00671.2007
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