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Rişvanlı A, Şen İ, Canuzakov K, Tülöbayev A, Taş A, Saklykov R, Ceylan N, Türkçapar Ü, Alimov U, Kazakbayeva A, Cunuşova A, Uulu NA, Yuksel BF, Turanli M, Uz M, Bayraktar M. Physiological and metabolic responses in Kök-Börü horses: Correlations with game outcomes. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1457. [PMID: 38686465 PMCID: PMC11058626 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine variations in stress, metabolic, and physiological parameters of horses used in the traditional equestrian team sport of Kök-Börü in relation to winning and losing outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS To accomplish this, blood samples were taken from horses on four different teams who participated in two separate games, both before and after game. These samples were used to measure levels of cortisol, ACTH, beta-endorphin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) via species-specific commercial ELISA kits. The autoanalyzer tested biochemical and hematological parameters. The gathered data were then analyzed statistically based on the teams' winning or losing status. RESULTS The results suggested that winning teams had lower MID, red blood cell, HGB, RDW-SD, HCT, platelet distribution width, and creatine kinase values post-game in comparison to their pre-game state. Conversely, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and CREA values increased in the winning teams' post-game. Additionally, horses in the winning teams showed a decrease in cortisol, beta-endorphin, and ACTH levels post-game but increased levels of adrenaline and T3. Considering the pre-game values, it was found that GRA and Cl levels were lower in the winning teams. Before the game, adrenaline and T3 levels were higher in the winning teams. No significant difference was observed in post-game hematological parameters between the teams. However, post-game K, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels were higher among the winning teams' horses, while cortisol and beta-endorphin levels were heightened in horses from the losing side. CONCLUSION In conclusion, significant differences were not observed in the distribution of hematological and biochemical parameters of horses following the Kök-Börü games, regardless of the outcome. However, decreased post-game cortisol, ACTH, and beta-endorphin levels in winning teams may suggest better stress management abilities among these horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rişvanlı
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineKyrgyz‐Turkish Manas UniversityBishkekKyrgyzstan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineFırat UniversityElazigTürkiye
| | - İsmail Şen
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineKyrgyz‐Turkish Manas UniversityBishkekKyrgyzstan
| | - Kanat Canuzakov
- Faculty of Sports ScienceKyrgyz‐Turkish Manas UniversityBishkekKyrgyzstan
| | - Askarbek Tülöbayev
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineKyrgyz‐Turkish Manas UniversityBishkekKyrgyzstan
| | - Abuzer Taş
- Department of SurgeryFaculty of Veterinary MedicineYuzuncu Yil UniversityVanTürkiye
| | - Ruslan Saklykov
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineKyrgyz‐Turkish Manas UniversityBishkekKyrgyzstan
| | - Nezahat Ceylan
- Department of HistoryFaculty of HumanitiesKyrgyz‐Turkish Manas UniversityBishkekKyrgyzstan
- Department of HistoryFaculty of HumanitiesAtaturk UniversityErzurumTürkiye
| | - Ünal Türkçapar
- Faculty of Sports ScienceKyrgyz‐Turkish Manas UniversityBishkekKyrgyzstan
- Faculty of Sports ScienceKahramanmaras Sutcu Imam UniversityKahramanmarasTürkiye
| | - Ulanbek Alimov
- Faculty of TourismKyrgyz‐Turkish Manas UniversityBishkekKyrgyzstan
| | - Arina Kazakbayeva
- Faculty of Sports ScienceKyrgyz‐Turkish Manas UniversityBishkekKyrgyzstan
| | - Ayday Cunuşova
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineKyrgyz‐Turkish Manas UniversityBishkekKyrgyzstan
| | - Nur Abdımnap Uulu
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineKyrgyz‐Turkish Manas UniversityBishkekKyrgyzstan
| | - Burak Fatih Yuksel
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineFırat UniversityElazigTürkiye
| | - Mert Turanli
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineFırat UniversityElazigTürkiye
| | - Muhammed Uz
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineFırat UniversityElazigTürkiye
| | - Metin Bayraktar
- Department of ZootechnyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineFırat UniversityElazigTürkiye
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Ireland JL, Lester A, Banse HE. Factors affecting measurement of basal adrenocorticotropic hormone in adult domestic equids: A scoping review. Vet J 2024; 304:106071. [PMID: 38341024 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Measurement of basal adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentration is the most commonly used diagnostic test for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Although several pre-analytical and analytical factors have been reported to affect basal ACTH concentrations in equids, the extent to which these have been evaluated in the context of PPID diagnosis is unclear. The objectives of this scoping review were to identify and systematically chart current evidence about pre-analytical and analytical factors affecting basal ACTH concentrations in adult domestic equids. Systematic searches of electronic databases and conference proceedings were undertaken in June 2022, repeated in October 2022 and updated in August 2023. English language publications published prior to these dates were included. Screening and data extraction were undertaken individually by the authors, using predefined criteria and a modified scoping review data extraction template. After removal of duplicates, 903 publications were identified, of which 235 abstracts were screened for eligibility and 134 publications met inclusion criteria. Time of year, exercise, breed/type and transportation were the factors most frequently associated with significant increases in ACTH concentration (n = 26, 16, 13 and 10 publications, respectively). Only 25 publications reported inclusion of PPID cases in the study population, therefore the relationship between many factors affecting basal ACTH concentration and diagnostic accuracy for PPID remains undefined. However, several factors were identified that could impact interpretation of basal ACTH results. Findings also highlight the need for detailed reporting of pre-analytical and analytical conditions in future research to facilitate translation of evidence to practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Ireland
- Department of Equine Clinical Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, The University of Liverpool, Leahurst CH64 7TE, Cheshire, UK.
| | - A Lester
- Department of Equine Clinical Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, The University of Liverpool, Leahurst CH64 7TE, Cheshire, UK
| | - H E Banse
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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Vorster DM, Wang W, Kemp KL, Bamford NJ, Bertin FR. Clinical implications of imprecise sampling time for 10- and 30-min thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests in horses. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:291-298. [PMID: 37649416 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test is used to diagnose pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) using 10- or 30-min protocols. Imprecise sampling time for the 10-min protocol can lead to misdiagnoses. OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of imprecise sampling time for the 30-min protocol of the TRH stimulation test. STUDY DESIGN In vivo experiment. METHODS Plasma immunoreactive adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) concentrations were measured 9, 10, 11, 29, 30 and 31 min after intravenous administration of 1 mg of TRH in 15 control and 12 PPID horses. Differences in ACTH concentrations between sampling times, variability in ACTH concentrations between protocols, and diagnostic classification of PPID were assessed using Friedman's test, Bland-Altman plots, and Fisher's exact test, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals reported and significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Imprecise sampling time resulted in variable ACTH concentrations, but significant differences in absolute ACTH concentrations were not detected for imprecise sampling within each protocol or between protocols. Imprecise sampling changed PPID diagnostic classification for 3/27 (11 [4-28] %) horses for both protocols. Using the 30-min protocol as a reference, 1/12 (8 [1-35] %) horses returned a negative test result and 5/12 (42 [19-68] %) horses returned equivocal test results that would be considered positive in practice due to the presence of supportive clinical signs. MAIN LIMITATIONS Limited sample size and inter-horse variability reduced the ability to detect small but potentially relevant differences. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the impact of imprecise sampling was not significantly different between the 10- and 30-min TRH stimulation test protocols. However, diagnostic classification for PPID would have varied between the 10- and 30-min protocols in this population, if clinical signs had been ignored. Precise timing during TRH stimulation tests and contextual interpretation of ACTH concentrations remain fundamental for the diagnosis of PPID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante M Vorster
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wenqing Wang
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate L Kemp
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Bamford
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - François-René Bertin
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
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Li FI, Spence RJ, de Laat MA, Harris PA, Sonntag J, Menzies-Gow NJ, Durham AE, Bailey SR, Sillence MN. Association between insulin dysregulation and adrenocorticotropic hormone in aged horses and ponies with no clinical signs of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:1003-1011. [PMID: 36641787 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) are used as an indicator of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), but other factors that may influence ACTH need to be understood, if diagnostic reference ranges for ACTH are to be used with confidence. Insulin dysregulation (ID) could be one such factor, as insulin affects pituitary hormones in other species. OBJECTIVES To test the hypothesis that a relationship exists between high insulin and high ACTH in aged (>15-year-old) animals with no clinical signs of PPID. STUDY DESIGN A cohort study. METHODS Thirteen horses and eleven ponies (17-25 years-old; mares and geldings) were clinically examined for signs of PPID in the spring (November 2020) and autumn (April 2021). On the same day, blood samples were taken before and 2 h after an oral glucose test (OGT). Concentrations of insulin, glucose, ACTH and cortisol were measured. RESULTS There was no association between ACTH and cortisol. However, there was a positive linear correlation between ACTH and post-OGT (insulin in the autumn (r = 0.427, p = 0.04). Two horses and six ponies had ACTH above the cut-off value for PPID diagnosis, and of these eight animals, six also had insulin concentrations above the cut-off value for ID. MAIN LIMITATIONS The cohort was small and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation tests were not performed. CONCLUSIONS In autumn, high ACTH was associated with ID, when no clinical signs of PPID were present. Because ACTH is used in PPID diagnosis, further work is required to understand this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang I Li
- School of Biology & Environmental Science, Science Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert J Spence
- School of Biology & Environmental Science, Science Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melody A de Laat
- School of Biology & Environmental Science, Science Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Patricia A Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Johanna Sonntag
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | | | | | - Simon R Bailey
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin N Sillence
- School of Biology & Environmental Science, Science Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Adams AA, Siard-Altman MH, Reedy SE, Barker D, Elzinga S, Sanz MG, Urschel K, Ireland JL. Evaluation of seasonal influences on adrenocorticotropic hormone response to the thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test and its accuracy for diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Vet J 2023; 300-302:106035. [PMID: 37802466 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, affecting >20 % of older horses. There is a need for improved endocrine tests for early disease detection, and the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test has been recommended for diagnosis of early or mild cases. However, it is currently not recommended for year-round use due to marked seasonal variability. The aims of this cohort study were to evaluate effects of month and season on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) responses to TRH stimulation and to derive monthly cut-offs for PPID diagnosis. Sixty-three horses were assigned to control (n = 17), subclinical PPID (n = 21) and clinical PPID (n = 25) groups, based on a composite reference standard that combined clinical history and examination findings with endocrine test results. TRH stimulation tests were performed monthly for a 12-month period. Circannual changes were evaluated with one- and two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to derive cut-off values for basal and TRH-stimulated ACTH. TRH-stimulated ACTH concentrations were lowest in February-May and highest in August-October. Specificity of both basal and 30 min post-TRH ACTH was generally higher than sensitivity, and TRH stimulation had improved diagnostic accuracy compared to basal ACTH, although its sensitivity was not significantly greater year-round. TRH stimulation tests yielded considerably more positive results than basal ACTH in the subclinical group, but few additional positive results in clinical PPID cases. There were large differences between cut-offs that maximised sensitivity or specificity for TRH-stimulated ACTH, highlighting the importance of considering clinical presentation alongside test results in diagnostic decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Adams
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - M H Siard-Altman
- Equine Studies, Department of Science & Health, Asbury University, One Macklem Drive, Wilmore, KY 40390, USA
| | - S E Reedy
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - D Barker
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - S Elzinga
- Neurology Department, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
| | - M G Sanz
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University,1940 SE Olympia Ave, Pullman, WA 99164-7034, USA
| | - K Urschel
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0215, USA
| | - J L Ireland
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, The University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK.
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Bamford NJ, Stewart AJ, El-Hage CM, Bertin FR, Bailey SR. Investigation of breed differences in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations among healthy horses and ponies. Vet J 2023; 296-297:105995. [PMID: 37207985 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.105995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentration is commonly measured to diagnose pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Several intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect ACTH concentrations, including breed. The objective of this study was to prospectively compare plasma ACTH concentrations among different breeds of mature horses and ponies. Three breed groups comprised Thoroughbred horses (n = 127), Shetland ponies (n = 131) and ponies of non-Shetland breeds (n = 141). Enrolled animals did not show any signs of illness, lameness or clinical signs consistent with PPID. Blood samples were collected 6 months apart, around the autumn equinox and spring equinox, and plasma concentrations of ACTH were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Pairwise breed comparisons within each season were performed on log transformed data using the Tukey test. Estimated mean differences in ACTH concentrations were expressed as fold difference with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Reference intervals for each breed group per season were calculated using non-parametric methods. In autumn, higher ACTH concentrations were found among non-Shetland pony breeds compared with Thoroughbreds (1.55 fold higher; 95 % CI, 1.35-1.77; P < 0.001), and in Shetland ponies compared with Thoroughbreds (2.67 fold higher; 95 % CI, 2.33-3.08; P < 0.001) and non-Shetland pony breeds (1.73 fold higher; 95 % CI, 1.51-1.98; P < 0.001). In spring, no differences were identified among breed groups (all P > 0.05). Reference intervals were similar among breed groups in spring, but upper limits for ACTH concentrations were markedly different between Thoroughbred horses and pony breeds in autumn. These findings emphasise that breed should be accounted for when determining and interpreting reference intervals for ACTH concentrations among healthy horses and ponies in autumn.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Bamford
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The Universtiy of Melbourne, Building 400, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - A J Stewart
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Building 4114, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - C M El-Hage
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The Universtiy of Melbourne, Building 400, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - F R Bertin
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Building 4114, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - S R Bailey
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The Universtiy of Melbourne, Building 400, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Poochipakorn C, Joongpan W, Tongsangiam P, Phooseerit A, Leelahapongsathon K, Chanda M. The impact of strategic ventilation adjustments on stress responses in horses housed full-time in a vector-protected barn during the African horse sickness outbreak in Thailand. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e19. [PMID: 38487428 PMCID: PMC10936309 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The severe outbreak of African horse sickness (AHS) in Thailand has forced horses to reside full-time inside barns that are covered by a small mesh net to prevent minuscule AHS insect vectors from gaining access. However, housing in the net-covered barn induces stress in horses, which compromises their welfare. Implementing strategic airflow adjustment while retaining the vector-protection characteristics has been proposed to help alleviate this problem. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of strategic ventilation adjustment on blood cortisol levels, heart rate and behaviour in horses in a vector-protected barn. Nine horses underwent two sequential stabling conditions: vector-protected barn housing and housing in a barn in which the air ventilation was explicitly adjusted. Heart rate was higher in the afternoon in horses housed in the barn without ventilation adjustment, whereas no change was observed in the barn with ventilation adjustment. The vector-protected housing increased the horses' behavioural scores. Blood cortisol level declined over time, and an earlier decrease was detected at 1400h in the barn with ventilation adjustment. Although airflow adjustment did not appear to statistically alter the stress response in horses during housing in the vector-protected barn, an earlier decline in cortisol level alongside an unchanged heart rate in horses during the day may indicate the positive impact of ventilation adjustment within the vector-protected barn. With limited options to reduce stress or discomfort in horses, this strategic protocol could, at least in part, be applied to managing horses' welfare during the AHS outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanoknun Poochipakorn
- Veterinary Clinical Studies Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom73140, Thailand
| | - Weena Joongpan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok, Chonburi20110, Thailand
| | - Pongphon Tongsangiam
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok, Chonburi20110, Thailand
| | - Areeya Phooseerit
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok, Chonburi20110, Thailand
| | - Kansuda Leelahapongsathon
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand
| | - Metha Chanda
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom73140, Thailand
- Center of Veterinary Research and Academic Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University Bang Khen Campus, Bangkok10900, Thailand
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Louie EW, Berryhill EH, Nieto J, Wensley F, Knych H, Finno CJ, Morgan JM. Changes in Heart Rate Variability with Induction of Gastric Ulcers in Adult Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 121:104192. [PMID: 36516894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gastric ulceration can be induced by athletic training and is a significant welfare concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of gastric ulcer induction on heart rate variability (HRV) in the horse. We hypothesized that induction of gastric ulcers would decrease HRV and increase low frequency fluctuations, consistent with increased sympathetic tone. A convenience sample of 8 horses in a larger study were enrolled. Horses were randomly assigned to receive water or 2 mg/kg omeprazole orally once daily for 28 days. Gastric ulcers were induced through intermittent feed withholding on days 21 to 28. Gastroscopy was performed and gastric ulcers were graded (0-IV) by three blinded reviewers on days 21 and 28. Continuous electrocardiograms were obtained for one hour at the start and end of ulcer induction. HRV was assessed in 1-hour recordings for time domain variables and 5 minute sections for frequency domain analysis. HRV and ulcer grade across treatments were compared by a mixed effect model, with treatment and time as fixed effects and horse as a random effect. Gastric ulcer grade increased with induction protocol (P < .0001) and decreased with omeprazole treatment (P = .0007). Omeprazole treatment increased R-R intervals (P = .01) and decreased ratio of low frequency/high frequency signal (P = .008) as compared to horses receiving water. This was attributable to decreasing low frequency fluctuations (P = .05). While limited by the small sample size (four horses/treatment), this study suggests that omeprazole treatment decreases heart rate, and LF/HF ratio during ulcer induction, consistent with a decrease in sympathetic tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Williams Louie
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Emily H Berryhill
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Jorge Nieto
- Department of Radiological and Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Fiona Wensley
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Heather Knych
- K.L. Maddy Equine Analytical Pharmacology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Carrie J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Jessica M Morgan
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.
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Potier JFN, Louzier V. Evaluation of stress markers in horses during hippotherapy sessions in comparison to being ridden by beginners. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e10. [PMID: 38487430 PMCID: PMC10936384 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Hippotherapy has been used for decades and its benefits to human patients have largely been proven, whether being applied to those with physical or mental disabilities. There have been a plethora of animal welfare studies recently, pertaining especially to ridden horses. This study aimed to investigate stress markers in horses during hippotherapy sessions to address the ethical considerations raised by using horses for therapy. A ridden stress ethogram was established and validated specifically for this study via subjective observation and video recording of a ridden session involving intermediate-level riders. The experiment entailed eight healthy horses undergoing two ridden sessions on separate days, one with disabled riders and one with beginners. Several parameters associated with physiological responses to stress were evaluated at rest, such as heart rate, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH], serum and salivary cortisol. These parameters as well as the behavioural stress score from the ethogram scale were measured during both sessions. No significant differences were found between heart rate, plasma ACTH, and stress scores. Serum and salivary cortisol were significantly lower during the hippotherapy session than during the session with beginners. The current study found no evidence of compromised welfare when horses were used as a therapeutic aid during hippotherapy sessions compared to their usual ridden activity. Although these results indicate that hippotherapy may be ethically justified as it benefits humans without causing harm to the horses, the present study was small, and the results should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanessa Louzier
- APCSe Agressions Pulmonaires et Circulatoires dans le Sepsis, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, 69280, Marcy-l’Étoile, France
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Cortisol Variations to Estimate the Physiological Stress Response in Horses at a Traditional Equestrian Event. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030396. [PMID: 36766285 PMCID: PMC9913708 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In many countries, horses remain involved in traditional equestrian events such as those celebrated in Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) every year since at least the 14th century. The present study aimed to evaluate the variations in salivary cortisol concentrations to estimate the physiological stress response in horses at the Menorca patronal festivals. Two different editions (years 2016 and 2018) of the festivals in honor of the Virgin of Grace in Maó (Menorca, Spain) were studied. Nineteen and seventeen Pure Breed Menorca stallions were included in the study, respectively. The stallions were aged between seven and twelve years. During celebrations, samples were collected before the start of the festivals between 8-9 a.m. and during the festivals at 8-9 p.m. On the second day of celebrations, the samples were collected at 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. Finally, on the day after the festivals, one sample was collected at 8-9 p.m. Additionally, a control group was sampled at 8-9 a.m., 3-4 p.m., and 8-9 p.m. Salivary cortisol concentrations were assessed by using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit specially validated to quantify salivary cortisol in horses. Salivary cortisol concentrations did not show significant differences between sampling hours in the control group (p > 0.05). All the samples collected during festivals were significantly higher than samples of the control group (p < 0.05). Within the twenty-four hours after the end of the celebrations, cortisol concentrations returned to baseline levels and did not differ significantly from the control group (p > 0.05). Hence, the present study describes that the participation of the horses in these particular acts generate an acute and transitory stress response. Overall, the current work provides a reasonable basis for future research on the stress physiology and well-being of horses participating in traditional celebrations or similar events.
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Kurhaluk N, Lukash O, Tkachenko H. Photoperiod-dependent changes in oxidative stress markers in the blood of Shetland pony mares and stallions involved in recreational horseback riding. Chronobiol Int 2022; 39:1419-1434. [PMID: 36043484 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2022.2115922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to determine the photoperiod-induced variations and the impact of exercise on oxidative stress biomarkers [2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), aldehydic (AD) and ketonic (KD) derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins (OMP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] and biomarkers of metabolic alterations [glucose, urea, and uric acid and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] in the blood of Shetland pony mares and stallions involved in recreational horseback riding. Twenty-one healthy adult Shetland ponies (11 mares and 10 stallions) aged 6.5 ± 1.4 years old from the central Pomeranian region in Poland were used in this study. Blood samples were taken once per season for one year: spring (3 April), summer (5 July), autumn (1 October) and winter (25 January). A MANOVA analysis revealed that the photoperiod factor had a leading role in alterations of these biomarkers, while the exercise and sex of the ponies exerted a lower impact. The lipid peroxidation biomarkers, for example, the plasma TBARS level, indicated the maximum adjusted coefficient of determination R2ad = 0.77. Before exercise (at rest), the plasma of the stallions and mares exhibited minimum values of TBARS levels in the spring and summer photoperiods and maximum levels in autumn and winter. A statistically significant reduction in the levels of both aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of OMP in the blood of ponies was observed during the autumn and winter periods; additionally, the level of ketonic derivatives of OMP declined after exercise in spring. TAC was statistically significant in the spring and winter photoperiods both before and after exercise. SOD activity did not have a pronounced photoperiod-induced pattern but was dependent on the sex and exercise. CAT activity varied and was statistically significant only in the plasma of the mares after exercise in the spring, summer, and winter photoperiods. The minimum GPx activity in the blood of the mares before exercise (at rest) was observed in autumn, while the maximum was noted in winter and summer. Photoperiod- and exercise-induced alterations in markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant defences may contribute to the adaptation of animals to exercise, depending on sex. The seasonal variations in the antioxidant defences demonstrated in our study, as well as substrates of energy metabolism in the blood of mares and stallions, depending on exercise capacity, could be an important aspect in the ability of endogenous adaptive mechanisms of animals to react in advance to environmental changes associated with seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kurhaluk
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Słupsk, Poland
| | - Oleksandr Lukash
- Department of Ecology and Nature Protection, T.G. Shevchenko National University "Chernihiv Collegium", Chernihiv, Ukraine
| | - Halyna Tkachenko
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Słupsk, Poland
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12
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Seasonal Insulin Responses to the Oral Sugar Test in Healthy and Insulin Dysregulated Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 113:103945. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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13
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Rankins EM, Manso Filho HC, Malinowski K, McKeever KH. Muscular tension as an indicator of acute stress in horses. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15220. [PMID: 35307975 PMCID: PMC8935158 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Horses' muscular tension during acute stress remains unexplored. Our aim was to assess muscular, behavioral, cortisol, and hematocrit responses to social isolation (ISO), novel object exposure (NOV), and sham clipping (CLIP). Altered stress responses were expected. Eight mature Standardbred horses (four mares and four geldings) were exposed to acute stressors and a control period (CON) in a balanced, replicated 4×4 Latin Square experimental design with 3 min treatment periods and 10 min washout periods. Surface electromyography collected from the masseter, brachiocephalas, cervical trapezius, and longissimus dorsi was processed to derive average rectified value (ARV) and median frequency (MF) during the initial, middle, and final 30 s of treatments. ARV and MF data were log transformed then analyzed using a mixed model, repeated measures ANOVA along with plasma cortisol and hematocrit. Behavior data were analyzed using a negative binomial distribution mixed model ANOVA. CLIP resulted in greater (p < 0.05) log ARV in the masseter (1.5 + 1.5%, mean + SD) and brachiocepahlas (2.2 + 2.0%) than CON (-1.2 + 1.4%, 0.1 + 1.5%). ISO resulted in greater (p < 0.05) log ARV in the masseter (0.2 + 1.3%) and cervical trapezius (0.6 + 1.3%) than CON (-1.2 + 1.4%, -1.0 + 1.7%). ISO increased (p < 0.05) the total number of stress-related behaviors and hematocrit. No changes in cortisol were observed. We suggest that muscular tension can be used as an indicator of acute stress in horses. Incorporating muscle activity into an array of measurements may provide a more nuanced understanding of stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M. Rankins
- Equine Science CenterDepartment of Animal ScienceRutgers The State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - Helio C. Manso Filho
- Departamento de ZootecniaUniversidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE)Recife‐PEBrasil
| | - Karyn Malinowski
- Equine Science CenterDepartment of Animal ScienceRutgers The State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - Kenneth H. McKeever
- Equine Science CenterDepartment of Animal ScienceRutgers The State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
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14
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Circulating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones and insulin concentrations in horses and ponies. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 111:103810. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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15
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Karikoski NP, Box JR, Mykkänen AK, Kotiranta VV, Raekallio MR. Variation in insulin response to oral sugar test in a cohort of horses throughout the year and evaluation of risk factors for insulin dysregulation. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:905-913. [PMID: 34713928 PMCID: PMC9545906 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oral sugar test (OST) is commonly used to diagnose insulin dysregulation (ID) and equine metabolic syndrome; however, possible seasonal changes in OST results have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE To determine the possible variation in insulin response to OST throughout the year and risk factors associated with maximum insulin concentration (InsMax) and ID. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal cohort study. METHODS The OST was performed on 29 Finnhorses every other month six times. Serum total adiponectin concentration and phenotypic variables related to obesity were also measured. Changes in InsMax, adiponectin, scale weight, body condition score, cresty neck score (CNS), and fasting glucose concentration were assessed. Risk factor analyses were performed on InsMax and ID status, and ID groups were compared with each other. RESULTS Fourteen horses were categorised with non-ID each time and 15 as having ID at least once during the follow-up period. The ID status of 12 horses varied throughout the year, but neither the insulin variables measured during the OST nor adiponectin expressed significant seasonal variation. Increasing age and CNS, and decreasing adiponectin were observed as risk factors for a high InsMax after OST. The risk of ID was higher in horses with no exercise compared to horses with exercise (OR 7.6, 95% CI 1.2-49.3, P = .03). Horses with ID had lower serum adiponectin concentrations, longer neck circumference and larger height than horses in the non-ID group. MAIN LIMITATIONS The environmental conditions (feeding, exercise) were not constant for all horses throughout the study and only one breed was used. CONCLUSIONS Neither OST results nor adiponectin varies with season; however, there were a substantial number of horses with variable ID status throughout the year, in which repeated OSTs may be beneficial. Lack of exercise was a risk factor for ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninja P Karikoski
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Justin R Box
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna K Mykkänen
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veikko V Kotiranta
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marja R Raekallio
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Non-Invasive Determination of Annual Fecal Cortisol, Androstenedione, and Testosterone Variations in a Herd of Male Asian Elephants ( Elephas maximus) and Their Relation to Some Climatic Variables. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092723. [PMID: 34573690 PMCID: PMC8467623 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Studies of physiology, animal welfare, and behavior in endangered species are gaining more importance with the aim of contributing to their conservation, and studies that use non-invasive methods for hormonal determinations are especially valuable. In this study, feces were used to assess whether the adrenal and gonadal hormones showed variation in male Asian elephants in a 14-month period and to evaluate whether there were any influences of climatic variables with respect to hormonal secretion. We show here that the use of non-invasive methods to measure the levels of steroid hormones in Asian elephant feces allows us to obtain useful results without having to subject the animals to stressful activity or requiring specific training to obtain the samples. Additionally, this research provides a deeper understanding of endocrine regulation in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in order to enhance reproduction programs in captivity and conserve the species. Abstract The measurement of stress and reproductive hormones in wild animal species by non-invasive methods is of special interest. To assess whether the adrenal and gonadal hormones show annual variations in male Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and to evaluate whether there is any influence of climatic variables on hormonal secretion, fecal samples were taken from a herd of 7 Asian elephants over a 14-month period to subsequently determine the concentrations of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4), and cortisol (C) by a validated immunoassay technique. Data referring to three climatic variables in the place and period of study were collected, namely monthly mean values of temperature, humidity and rainfall. Levels of T and A4 showed two major increases in July (T: 1088.35 ± 131.04 ng/g; A4: 480.40 ± 50.86 ng/g) and October (T: 825.09 ± 31.60 ng/g; A4: 319.96 ± 32.69 ng/g) (p < 0.05). Our results show a secretion of fecal androgens dependent on temperature (T and A4), and humidity (T). Male musth was detected during the initial increases of T and A4 levels. The highest concentrations of C were observed in September (156.67 ± 60.89 ng/g) (p < 0.05), probably due to the stressful fights that occurred during the musth period. The observed results of the fecal levels of T, A4 and C were similar to those obtained by invasive methods. In conclusion, fecal secretion of the three hormones in these captive male Asian elephants showed variations related in some cases to different weather factors.
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Abstract
We provide a dataset of millions of hormone tests from medical records that shows seasonality with a winter−spring peak in hormones for reproduction, growth, metabolism, and stress adaptation. Together with a long history of studies on a winter−spring peak in human function and growth, the hormone seasonality indicates that, like other animals, humans may have a physiological peak season for basic biological functions. We further use the specific seasonal phases of the hormones to suggest a model for a circannual clock in humans and animals that can keep track of the seasons, similar in spirit to the circadian clock that keeps track of time of day. Hormones control the major biological functions of stress response, growth, metabolism, and reproduction. In animals, these hormones show pronounced seasonality, with different set-points for different seasons. In humans, the seasonality of these hormones remains unclear, due to a lack of datasets large enough to discern common patterns and cover all hormones. Here, we analyze an Israeli health record on 46 million person-years, including millions of hormone blood tests. We find clear seasonal patterns: The effector hormones peak in winter−spring, whereas most of their upstream regulating pituitary hormones peak only months later, in summer. This delay of months is unexpected because known delays in the hormone circuits last hours. We explain the precise delays and amplitudes by proposing and testing a mechanism for the circannual clock: The gland masses grow with a timescale of months due to trophic effects of the hormones, generating a feedback circuit with a natural frequency of about a year that can entrain to the seasons. Thus, humans may show coordinated seasonal set-points with a winter−spring peak in the growth, stress, metabolism, and reproduction axes.
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18
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Do You Think I Am Living Well? A Four-Season Hair Cortisol Analysis on Leisure Horses in Different Housing and Management Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072141. [PMID: 34359269 PMCID: PMC8300697 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The satisfaction of leisure horses' behavioral needs has begun to be considered a priority, linked to the awareness that horses kept in single boxes may be deprived of social contact and the possibility to perform natural behaviors. Several factors may influence horses' quality of life also in the paddock, and there are very few data on the effects of those variables on leisure horses' chronic stress, measurable in terms of activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. Therefore, managerial choices faced by owners and stables managers are only based on experience, common sense, and anecdotal beliefs. This study assessed and compared the chronic stress levels in leisure horses hosted in structures in the same geographic and climatic area with different daily routines to verify which management strategy could be the one that better contributes to achieving the welfare of horses. Forty-seven horses were divided into three groups homogeneous in terms of sex and age: Mixed management group (n = 12), Paddock group (n = 19), and Natural management group (n = 16). The hair cortisol concentration, a reliable marker of long-term stress, was analyzed in all the horses the same day at four time points of the year. In addition to management strategies, the influences of other variables (sex, age, coat color, and season) were evaluated. Independently from the management strategies, significantly higher hair cortisol values were detected in the autumn and summer, as well as in individuals older than 15 years. No significant differences were highlighted between the sexes or the coat colors. The comparison of the different management strategies showed that, in the summer, autumn, and winter, the hair cortisol levels were significantly lower in the Mixed management group horses than the Paddock group, highlighting that those subjects had better homeostasis. The Natural management group horses' hair cortisol levels were intermediate between the other two groups of horses in all the seasons. Spending the night in the stables would seem to positively impact the well-being of the horses. These findings, if confirmed by further studies, may be helpful in enhancing horse welfare and assisting in managerial choice decision-making.
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Ibrahim A, Mahmoud UT, Ali MM, Ragab SMM. Evaluation of the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys (Equus asinus). Sci Rep 2021; 11:14080. [PMID: 34234262 PMCID: PMC8263736 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93585-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study described the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys with special regard to its efficiency and welfare impacts. The study was conducted on twelve adult male donkeys, allocated randomly into two groups; subcapsular castration (SC) and open castration (OC) groups, whether the donkeys were subjected to surgical castration either by subcapsular or open castration techniques, respectively. Testosterone, cortisol, lactate, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured before and after castration. Pain-associated behavioral activities were recorded post-castration. The SC was successfully performed in donkeys through a single paramedian scrotal incision. The SC was efficient as OC in reducing testosterone levels. The pain score decreased in the SC compared to the OC over time. The SC was an efficient and reliable technique for primary closure castration in donkeys with minimal postoperative complications and care and good cosmetic, physiological, and behavioral outcomes. It can be an alternative to other castration techniques in equines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ibrahim
- grid.252487.e0000 0000 8632 679XVeterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526 Egypt
| | - Usama T. Mahmoud
- grid.252487.e0000 0000 8632 679XDepartment of Animal and Poultry Behavior and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526 Egypt
| | - Magda M. Ali
- grid.252487.e0000 0000 8632 679XDepartment of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526 Egypt
| | - Sohair M. M. Ragab
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Assiut Uuniversity, Assiut, 71526 Egypt
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20
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Saoca C, Rizzo M, Giannetto C, Fazio F, Giudice E, Panzera M, Piccione G. Circannual variability of calcium and phosphorus serum levels in foal and calf: a comparison. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2019.1614385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Saoca
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Panzera
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, Messina, Italy
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21
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Stress response after race and endurance training sessions and competitions in Arabian horses. Prev Vet Med 2021; 188:105265. [PMID: 33497894 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Assuring a high level of animal welfare is a critical aspect of contemporary animal husbandry. Equine athletes begin their careers at a very young age when they are still developing and they are both physically and mentally immature. Lack of scientific knowledge of the stress related to horse racing impedes the development of optimal training programs to attain equilibrium between the best sport results and optimal welfare. This study aimed to determine the influence of the intensity and type of physical activity on peripheral blood cortisol concentration. Thirty untrained Arabians, 9 endurance and 21 race horses were enrolled in this longitudinal study. Blood samples were analysed every 3-weeks in 4 training sessions and 2 races in racing horses and monthly after 2 training sessions and 1 competition in endurance horses. Cortisol concentration was measured at rest and 30 min. after physical effort. Racing horses were divided into two groups of the best and the worst performers. Cortisol concentration increased significantly after training and competition, however both in racing and endurance horses the increase was more intensive after competition. In the racing horses, cortisol concentration tended to gradually increase after the subsequent trainings during the racing season, however the starting gate did not appear to exert any impact on cortisol concentration. The best performing race horses appeared to have a lesser increase in cortisol concentration after the race than the worst performing horses, however the cortisol concentration after the race was not significantly different between these two groups of horses. This study suggests that an optimal training program can induce a stress response which is likely not to have any harmful impact on an athlete's welfare. The more intense effort associated with competition events, both in race and endurance horses, results in a greater stress response, indicating that these kinds of events should be limited to assure animal welfare. Finally, better performance horses adapt more readily to physical activity as they experience less increase of serum cortisol concentration after the race.
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Horn R, Stewart AJ, Jackson KV, Dryburgh EL, Medina-Torres CE, Bertin FR. Clinical implications of using adrenocorticotropic hormone diagnostic cutoffs or reference intervals to diagnose pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in mature horses. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 35:560-570. [PMID: 33368633 PMCID: PMC7848300 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is problematic because of large variations in ACTH concentrations. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Compare the test characteristics of baseline and post-thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation plasma ACTH concentrations in horses using diagnostic cutoff values (DCOVs) and reference intervals (RIs) and determine the clinical consequences of using each method. ANIMALS One hundred six mature horses: 72 control cases and 34 PPID cases. METHODS Prospective case-controlled study. Horses underwent monthly TRH stimulation tests. Diagnostic cutoff values were determined monthly by receiver operating characteristic curves using the Youden index. Reference intervals were determined monthly by a robust method. For each case age, sex and body condition score (BCS) were recorded. RESULTS Baseline ACTH concentrations varied by month (P < .001) with significant "month × age" (P = .003), "month × sex" (P = .003), and "month × BCS" (P = .007) effects. Baseline ACTH concentrations were accurate to diagnose PPID (0.91 ± 0.06) with DCOVs increasing the test sensitivity (0.61 ± 0.21 to 0.87 ± 0.05, P = .002) and RI increasing test specificity (0.85 ± 0.12 to 0.98 ± 0.01, P = .01). Thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation improved test accuracy (0.91 ± 0.06 to 0.97 ± 0.03, P = .004). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE ACTH concentrations follow a circannual rhythm and vary with physiological factors. As using DCOVs increases the ability to detect mild cases and using RI decreases the risk of unnecessary treatments, ACTH concentrations should be interpreted within a specific clinical context. The TRH stimulation test improves the diagnosis of PPID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remona Horn
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Allison J Stewart
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karen V Jackson
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Carlos E Medina-Torres
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - François-René Bertin
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
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23
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Lewczuk D. Toward the best young horse performance—Variability of behavior and performance-related traits in Polish warmbloods during years 2002-2017. J Vet Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Nostell K, Lindåse S, Winqvist E, Bröjer J. The effect of diet-induced obesity and pasture on blood pressure and serum cortisol in Standardbred mares. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:542-548. [PMID: 32483866 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, vascular dysfunction and altered cortisol metabolism both in humans and in horses. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the effect of weight gain induced by a haylage diet low in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) on insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and serum cortisol concentrations. STUDY DESIGN In vivo experiment. METHODS Nine adult Standardbred mares fed a fat supplemented haylage diet at 250% of the horses' daily metabolisable energy requirements for 22 weeks. Horses were then turned out on pasture for 4 weeks. Insulin sensitivity (SICLAMP ) was measured before and after weight gain and after 4 weeks of pasture using the euglycemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC) method. Body condition score (BCS), blood pressure and serum cortisol were monitored throughout the study. All data were analysed using the linear mixed model procedure. Values of P < 0.05 were considered as statistically different. RESULTS All horses became obese during the weight gain period (BCS> 7). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) increased during the weight gain period and was significantly higher than initial values at the end of the weight gain period (78 ± 3 mm Hg vs 92 ± 3 mmHg). MAP remained increased on pasture (93 ± 3 mmHg). SICLAMP was unaffected by weight gain 0.9 ± 0.1 vs 1.0 ± 0.1 ([mg/kg/min × 103 ]/[µIU/mL × mmol/L])) but improved after pasture (1.6 ± 0.1 ([mg/kg/min × 103 ]/ [mU/L]). Serum cortisol concentrations increased during the weight gain period (80 ± 9 nmol/L vs 112 ± 9 nmol/L) and remained increased during pasture. MAIN LIMITATIONS Limited number of horses and no control group. CONCLUSIONS Obesity was associated with a linear increase in blood pressure and an increase in serum cortisol that was not associated with insulin sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanna Lindåse
- Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Johan Bröjer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Sauer FJ, Gerber V, Frei S, Bruckmaier RM, Groessl M. Salivary cortisol measurement in horses: immunoassay or LC-MS/MS? Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020; 72:106445. [PMID: 32247992 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to measure salivary cortisol concentrations of horses before and after hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stimulation by means of liquid chromatography-tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and an immunoassay (cELISA) for method comparison. Nine clinically healthy horses participated in the study. An ACTH stimulation test was performed. Saliva samples were collected before (T0) and 60 (T60) min after intravenous injection of 1 μg/kg BW synthetic ACTH1-24. LC-MS/MS was assessed for the determination of equine salivary cortisol. The results of these measurements were then compared to the results obtained by a cELISA, which has previously been validated for use in horses. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated and showed no correlation at T0 (r = -0.2452; P = 0.5249) and significantly correlated results at T60 (r = 0.8334; P = 0.0053). Bland-Altman-Plots of T60 revealed that immunoassay measurements led to higher outcome values than LC-MS/MS. On average, immunoassay results were 2.3 times higher. Poor agreement between both methods at T0 is potentially a consequence of inaccuracy in the very low measuring range of the immunoassay, and to a smaller extent, structurally similar cross-reacting agents and matrix effects, which might bias the results. Overestimation of immunoassay results at T60 might be due to different standardization of both methods, non-avoidable matrix effects on the antigen-antibody interaction in the ELISA, and possibly cross-reactions of other steroids. While immunoassay measurements of equine salivary cortisol yielded higher but reasonably correlated results for elevated cortisol concentrations after stimulation of the HPA axis, LC-MS/MS provided more accurate results, particularly for baseline cortisol concentrations close to the limit of detection of the ELISA.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Sauer
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Bern, and Agroscope, Switzerland, Laenggassstrasse 124, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - V Gerber
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Bern, and Agroscope, Switzerland, Laenggassstrasse 124, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - S Frei
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension and Department of BioMedical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - R M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Groessl
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension and Department of BioMedical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Banse HE, Getachew F, Levy M, Smits J. Influence of season and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction on hair cortisol concentration in horses. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020; 72:106375. [PMID: 31431311 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hair cortisol has been demonstrated to reflect hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity (including Cushing's disease and stress) in several species. We hypothesized that hair cortisol concentrations are increased in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) compared with healthy adult horses and that this difference is magnified in the fall, when circulating adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) is generally the highest. Cortisol from hair collected using clippers with a #40 blade from the neck was compared between PPID horses and control horses over several months in the fall (August-December) and 1 mo in spring (May). Cortisol from hair at several sampling sites (neck, jugular furrow, sternum, and submandibular) were compared between PPID (n = 6) and control (n = 8) horses in May. Relationships between hair cortisol and ACTH were assessed in the fall. Hair cortisol when measured by weight was higher in PPID vs control horses in October and November (P ≤ 0.01) but not December (P = 0.15), May (P > 0.7), or August-September (P = 0.18). When normalized for hair length, hair cortisol was higher in PPID vs control horses in November (P = 0.0006), but not October or December (P ≥ 0.06). Hair cortisol concentrations did not differ between PPID and control horses from any collection site in May (P > 0.7). There were no consistent relationships between ACTH and hair cortisol concentrations in October, November, or December (P ≥ 0.05). These findings suggest that PPID horses have increased hair cortisol accumulation in the fall compared with control horses. Additional work is needed to clarify whether assessing cortisol per weight or per hair length is most relevant in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Banse
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
| | - F Getachew
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z1, Canada
| | - M Levy
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z1, Canada
| | - J Smits
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z1, Canada
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Emery Thompson M, Fox SA, Berghänel A, Sabbi KH, Phillips-Garcia S, Enigk DK, Otali E, Machanda ZP, Wrangham RW, Muller MN. Wild chimpanzees exhibit humanlike aging of glucocorticoid regulation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:8424-8430. [PMID: 32229565 PMCID: PMC7165472 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920593117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortisol, a key product of the stress response, has critical influences on degenerative aging in humans. In turn, cortisol production is affected by senescence of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to progressive dysregulation and increased cortisol exposure. These processes have been studied extensively in industrialized settings, but few comparative data are available from humans and closely related species living in natural environments, where stressors are very different. Here, we examine age-related changes in urinary cortisol in a 20-y longitudinal study of wild chimpanzees (n = 59 adults) in the Kanyawara community of Kibale National Park, Uganda. We tested for three key features of HPA aging identified in many human studies: increased average levels, a blunted diurnal rhythm, and enhanced response to stressors. Using linear mixed models, we found that aging was associated with a blunting of the diurnal rhythm and a significant linear increase in cortisol, even after controlling for changes in dominance rank. These effects did not differ by sex. Aging did not increase sensitivity to energetic stress or social status. Female chimpanzees experienced their highest levels of cortisol during cycling (versus lactation), and this effect increased with age. Male chimpanzees experienced their highest levels when exposed to sexually attractive females, but this effect was diminished by age. Our results indicate that chimpanzees share some key features of HPA aging with humans. These findings suggest that impairments of HPA regulation are intrinsic to the aging process in hominids and are side effects neither of extended human life span nor of atypical environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Emery Thompson
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131;
- Kibale Chimpanzee Project, Fort Portal, Uganda
| | - Stephanie A Fox
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | - Andreas Berghänel
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
- Domestication Lab, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kris H Sabbi
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | | | - Drew K Enigk
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | - Emily Otali
- Kibale Chimpanzee Project, Fort Portal, Uganda
| | - Zarin P Machanda
- Kibale Chimpanzee Project, Fort Portal, Uganda
- Department of Anthropology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Richard W Wrangham
- Kibale Chimpanzee Project, Fort Portal, Uganda
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Martin N Muller
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
- Kibale Chimpanzee Project, Fort Portal, Uganda
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Gardela J, Carbajal A, Tallo-Parra O, Olvera-Maneu S, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Jose-Cunilleras E, López-Béjar M. Temporary Relocation during Rest Periods: Relocation Stress and Other Factors Influence Hair Cortisol Concentrations in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E642. [PMID: 32276388 PMCID: PMC7222751 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Horse transportation for temporary relocation during rest periods is a common and widespread practice among horse owners, either from sport competition or working tasks. This study aimed to determine the effect of a relocation period and the multiple factors associated with a rest period on hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) in horses. Additionally, this study reports the seasonal effect on HCCs and hair growth over a year. Thirteen police horses, Pure Spanish stallions of various ages (5-13 y), were selected to participate in this study. Hair sample collection was carried out approximately every 30 d for seven months (Study 1) and a year (Study 2). Cortisol determinations were performed by enzyme immunoassay. Interestingly, Study 1 revealed that relocated horses (n = 4) exhibited elevated HCCs compared with control horses (n = 4) after the relocation period (p < 0.05). Study 2 (n = 5) showed higher HCCs during summer compared with autumn and winter, and higher hair growth rates in winter compared with the other seasons (p < 0.05). Relocated horses had higher HCCs, suggesting a change in their welfare status, probably related to the sudden change in their surrounding conditions. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously due to the low sample size used. The nature of the relationship between HCCs and horse welfare needs to be further examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Gardela
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (J.G.); (A.C.); (S.O.-M.); (M.Á.-R.)
| | - Annaïs Carbajal
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (J.G.); (A.C.); (S.O.-M.); (M.Á.-R.)
| | - Oriol Tallo-Parra
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Sergi Olvera-Maneu
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (J.G.); (A.C.); (S.O.-M.); (M.Á.-R.)
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (J.G.); (A.C.); (S.O.-M.); (M.Á.-R.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Children’s and Women Health (BKH), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183 Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Eduard Jose-Cunilleras
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (J.G.); (A.C.); (S.O.-M.); (M.Á.-R.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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Hambrecht S, Oerke AK, Heistermann M, Dierkes PW. Diurnal variation of salivary cortisol in captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana) under routine management conditions and in relation to a translocation event. Zoo Biol 2020; 39:186-196. [PMID: 32134143 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The present study assessed the diurnal variation in salivary cortisol in captive African elephants during routine management (baseline) and in relation to a potential stressor (translocation) to evaluate to what extent acute stress may affect diurnal cortisol patterns. Under baseline conditions, we collected morning and afternoon saliva samples of 10 animals (three zoos) on different days in two study periods (n = 3-10 per animal, daytime and period). Under stress conditions, we sampled the transported cow (newcomer) and the two cows of the destination zoo before and after the transport in the morning and afternoon (n = 3-9 per animal, daytime and transport phase), as well as after the first introduction of the newcomer to the bull (n = 1 per animal). Cortisol was measured in unextracted samples by enzyme immunoassay. Under baseline conditions, we observed the expected diurnal variation with higher cortisol levels in the morning than in the afternoon. Under stress conditions, neither a significant difference between pre- and posttransport, nor between morning and afternoon levels was found. The percentage difference between morning and afternoon cortisol after the transport, however, was remarkably lower than before the transport in the newcomer potentially indicating a stress response to familiarization. Saliva samples taken immediately after the introduction of the newcomer to the bull revealed a marked cortisol increase. Our findings indicate that stressors may disturb the diurnal cortisol rhythm. Furthermore, provided that samples can be collected promptly, salivary cortisol is a useful minimally invasive measure of physiological stress in the African elephant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Hambrecht
- Bioscience Education and Zoo Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Oerke
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Centre, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Centre, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Paul Wilhelm Dierkes
- Bioscience Education and Zoo Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Padalino B, Davis GL, Raidal SL. Effects of transportation on gastric pH and gastric ulceration in mares. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:922-932. [PMID: 32009244 PMCID: PMC7096603 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transportation has been suggested as a risk factor for gastric ulceration in horses, but limited evidence supports this assumption. Animals Twenty‐six Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and Warmblood mares from a university teaching herd. Methods Twelve mares were confined for 12 hours, overnight, in reproductive stocks with indwelling nasogastric tubes (NGTs) to assess pH of gastric fluid (GF). Gastric ulceration was assessed endoscopically before and after confinement. Subsequently, 26 horses were transported for 12 hours, overnight, in 2 consignments. During transportation, GF was aspirated from indwelling NGT placed in the same 12 mares used in the confinement study, and gastric ulceration was assessed endoscopically before and after transportation in all horses. Results The median pH of GF in confined horses was 1.70‐2.49 at each sampling point, and there was no apparent effect on gastric squamous ulcer scores. The median pH of GF from the same 12 horses at corresponding sampling times during transportation was 6.82‐7.22. Transportation was associated with increased gastric squamous ulcer scores, particularly in horses fasted for gastroscopy and NGT placement immediately before departure. Gastric emptying appeared delayed after transportation in horses fed before departure. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Transportation is associated with increased gastric squamous ulceration and with increased pH of GF. These findings may be a consequence of impaired gastric emptying and reflux of alkaline small intestinal content, with factors such as duodenal bile salts and short‐chain fatty acids mediating mucosal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Padalino
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Division of Animal Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Georgina L Davis
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sharanne L Raidal
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
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31
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Seddon RJ, Hews DK. Melanization, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone and steroid hormones in male western fence lizards from nine populations. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 285:113287. [PMID: 31563645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hormones can mediate suites of correlated traits. Melanocortins regulate melanin synthesis and elements of the melanocortin system can directly, and indirectly, affect a number of other traits, such as stress reactivity. Trait correlations within the melanocortin system have been studied mainly in birds and mammals but less so in reptiles. We examined adult male western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) and if melanization was correlated with plasma levels of three hormones, including peptide hormone α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), testosterone and corticosterone, and ectoparasite loads. This lizard is darker at higher elevations in California, and we compared five high-elevation and four low-elevation populations during comparable periods of the breeding season at each site. We first validated use of an α-MSH assay kit with lizard plasma. Since Anolis carolinensis is one of the few species with published values for α-MSH plasma levels, we assayed both Anolis and Sceloporus plasma and compared hormone values to those we generated for Anolis to the publish values. We also evaluated effects of different methods of storing spiked plasma pools on resulting α-MSH concentrations. Plasma levels of α-MSH did not differ significantly, but some populations differed significantly in mean corticosterone and mean testosterone. Combining all individuals from the nine populations, we found that individual variation in α-MSH was not associated with individual variation in melanization, but levels of α-MSH were positively associated with plasma testosterone and negatively associated with corticosterone. The lack of association between individual levels of melanization and expression of most other traits differs from a growing number of within-population studies of melanization, and we discuss what differences in physiological mechanisms could produce different hypothetical patterns. Circulating levels of -MSH are only one element of the melanocortin system; in situ synthesis of α-MSH by the skin and the diversity of melanocortin receptors could also contribute to variation in traits mediated by the melanocortin system and should be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Seddon
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA.
| | - Diana K Hews
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA.
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Sauer FJ, Hermann M, Ramseyer A, Burger D, Riemer S, Gerber V. Effects of breed, management and personality on cortisol reactivity in sport horses. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221794. [PMID: 31790402 PMCID: PMC6886778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sport horses need to fulfill high physical and psychological requirements during training and competition. These as well as certain conditions of modern husbandry may affect their wellbeing. Here we aimed to (1) evaluate effects of demographic and management factors as well as personality traits on stress reactivity of sport horses, (2) investigate if elite sport horses have elevated stress levels compared to amateur sport horses, and (3) assess whether different equestrian disciplines differentially influence equine adrenal cortex responsiveness. For this purpose, we visited 149 healthy elite (n = 94) and amateur (n = 54) sport horses in Switzerland and performed an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Additionally, a person who was familiar with the horse completed a questionnaire about demographic and management factors and their horses' personality traits. Linear models were calculated to assess associations between the questionnaire data and salivary cortisol 60 (T60) and 90 (T90) minutes after ACTH stimulation. While the model at T90 was not significant, post-stimulatory cortisol after 60 minutes appears most informative in line with a previous study and was significantly affected by the breed and by three management factors: "number of riders", "hours spent outside" and "group housing" (adjusted r2 = 15%, p<0.001). Thoroughbred and Warmblood horses displayed an increased adrenal response compared to Franches-Montagnes horses. Horses with several riders had a less pronounced reaction than horses with one rider, and horses that spent more time outside had a decreased response compared to horses that were stabled most of the time. Horses living in groups showed higher post-stimulatory cortisol values than horses that were housed singly. However, no significant associations of cortisol responsiveness with personality traits were found, and neither the use as elite or as amateur sport horses nor the discipline had an effect on the cortisol response. This suggests that optimizing husbandry conditions may be more important for improving equine welfare than changing their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fay J. Sauer
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, and Agroscope, Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Hermann
- Pferdemedizin Hermann GmbH, Niederlenz, Aargau, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Ramseyer
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, and Agroscope, Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Burger
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, and Agroscope, Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Riemer
- Division of Animal Welfare, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vinzenz Gerber
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, and Agroscope, Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Thompson DL, Valencia NA, Walker NL, Oberhaus EL. Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Response to Exercise, Twitching, Epinephrine Injection, Substance P Injection, and Prostaglandin-F 2α Administration in Mares. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 77:114-120. [PMID: 31133303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Five experiments were performed to test the hypothesis that α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) is secreted in response to various stressors in horses similar to prolactin, growth hormone, and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). There was considerable variation in resting concentrations of MSH and in the degree of stimulation in responders; thus all data sets were tested for heterogeneity of variance and corrected for as needed before analysis. In experiment 1, 12 mares were used in a switchback design to test the effect of a 2-minute exercise bout on MSH secretion. Plasma MSH concentrations were constant when mares were not exercised but increased (P < .05) immediately (2 minutes) after exercise and were still elevated 5 minutes later. In experiment 2, six mares were twitched for 2 minutes and six mares were not twitched. Twitching stimulated (P < .05) both MSH and ACTH relative to controls. Experiments 3, 4, and 5 tested the acute effects of intravenous injection of epinephrine at 5 μg/kg of body weight, intravenous injection of 100 μg substance P, and intramuscular injection of 10 mg prostaglandin-F2α in mares compared to controls (6, 5, and 6 mares per treatment group, respectively). Concentrations of MSH increased (P ≤ .05) after treatment in all three experiments. Plasma concentrations of ACTH also increased (P < .01) after administration of epinephrine and prostaglandin-F2α in experiments 3 and 5; plasma ACTH was not measured in experiment 1 or 4 because we have previously reported that exercise and substance P stimulate plasma ACTH concentrations. As hypothesized, MSH is secreted in response to various stimuli similar to that observed previously for prolactin, growth hormone, and ACTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald L Thompson
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA.
| | - Nicole Arana Valencia
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Neely L Walker
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Erin L Oberhaus
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
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Horn R, Bamford NJ, Afonso T, Sutherland M, Buckerfield J, Tan RHH, Secombe CJ, Stewart AJ, Bertin FR. Factors associated with survival, laminitis and insulin dysregulation in horses diagnosed with equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Equine Vet J 2018; 51:440-445. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Horn
- School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland Gatton Queensland Australia
| | - N. J. Bamford
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences The University of Melbourne Werribee Victoria Australia
| | - T. Afonso
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences The University of Adelaide Roseworthy South Australia Australia
| | - M. Sutherland
- Gisborne Veterinary Clinic Gisborne Victoria Australia
| | | | - R. H. H. Tan
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
- Samford Valley Veterinary Hospital Samford Queensland Australia
| | - C. J. Secombe
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - A. J. Stewart
- School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland Gatton Queensland Australia
| | - F. R. Bertin
- School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland Gatton Queensland Australia
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35
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Mejia‐Pereira S, Perez‐Ecija A, Buchanan BR, Toribio RE, Mendoza FJ. Evaluation of dynamic testing for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction diagnosis in donkeys. Equine Vet J 2018; 51:481-488. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - A. Perez‐Ecija
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery University of Cordoba, Campus Rabanales Cordoba Spain
| | | | - R. E. Toribio
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - F. J. Mendoza
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery University of Cordoba, Campus Rabanales Cordoba Spain
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36
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Madrigal RG, Andrews FM, Rademacher N, McConnico RS, Duplantis D, Eades SC. Large pituitary adenoma in an 8-year-old Arabian stallion. EQUINE VET EDUC 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. G. Madrigal
- Equine Health Studies Program; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; School of Veterinary Medicine; Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge USA
| | - F. M. Andrews
- Equine Health Studies Program; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; School of Veterinary Medicine; Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge USA
| | - N. Rademacher
- Imaging Section; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; School of Veterinary Medicine; Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge USA
| | - R. S. McConnico
- Equine Health Studies Program; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; School of Veterinary Medicine; Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge USA
| | - D. Duplantis
- Equine Health Maintenance; Port Allen Louisiana USA
| | - S. C. Eades
- Equine Health Studies Program; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; School of Veterinary Medicine; Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge USA
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Jacob SI, Geor RJ, Weber PSD, Harris PA, McCue ME. Effect of dietary carbohydrates and time of year on ACTH and cortisol concentrations in adult and aged horses. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2018; 63:15-22. [PMID: 29195115 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) remains a challenge as multiple factors (stress, exercise, and time of year) influence ACTH and cortisol concentrations. To assess endocrine status in a study designed to evaluate the effects of age and diet on glucose and insulin dynamics, we performed thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation tests and overnight dexamethasone suppression tests in March, May, August, and October on 16 healthy Thoroughbred and Standardbred mares and geldings. Horses were grouped by age: adult (mean ± SD; 8.8 ± 2.9 yr; n = 8) and aged (20.6 ± 2.1 yr; n = 8). None of the horses showed clinical signs (hypertrichosis, regional adiposity, skeletal muscle atrophy, lethargy) of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Horses were randomly assigned to groups of 4, blocked for age, and fed grass hay plus 4 isocaloric concentrate diets (control, starch-rich, fiber-rich, and sugar-rich) using a balanced Latin square design. Data were analyzed using a multivariable linear mixed regression model. Baseline ACTH was significantly higher in aged horses (mean ± standard error of the mean; 60.0 ± 10.7 pg/mL) adapted to the starch-rich diet compared to adult horses (15.7 ± 12.0 pg/mL) on the same diet (P = 0.017). After controlling for age and diet, baseline ACTH concentrations were significantly increased in October (57.7 ± 7.1 pg/mL) compared to March (13.2 ± 7.1 pg/mL; P < 0.001), May (12.4 ± 7.1 pg/mL; P < 0.001), and August (24.2 ± 7.1 pg/mL; P < 0.001), whereas post-TRH ACTH was higher in August (376.6 ± 57.6 pg/mL) and October (370.9 ± 57.5 pg/mL) compared to March (101.9 ± 57.3 pg/mL; P < 0.001) and May (74.5 ± 57.1 pg/mL; P < 0.001). Aged horses had significantly higher post-dexamethasone cortisol on the starch-rich diet (0.6 ± 0.1 μg/dL) compared to the sugar-rich diet (0.2 ± 0.1 μg/dL; P = 0.021). Post-dexamethasone cortisol was significantly higher in October (0.6 ± 0.1 μg/dL) compared to March (0.3 ± 0.1 μg/dL; P = 0.005), May (0.2 ± 0.1 μg/dL; P < 0.001), and August (0.3 ± 0.1 μg/dL; P = 0.004). Breed did not influence ACTH or cortisol measurements. In conclusion, in addition to age and time of year, diet is a potential confounder as animals on a starch-rich diet may be incorrectly diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- S I Jacob
- Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - R J Geor
- Massey University College of Sciences, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - P S D Weber
- Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - P A Harris
- Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Freeby Lane, Leicestershire, UK
| | - M E McCue
- University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, 1365 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Shawaf T, Hussen J, Al-Zoubi M, Hamaash H, Al-Busadah K. Impact of season, age and gender on some clinical, haematological and serum parameters in Shetland ponies in east province, Saudi Arabia. Int J Vet Sci Med 2018; 6:61-64. [PMID: 30255080 PMCID: PMC6148337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Shetland ponies, which originate from harshest environments in the world islands in the north of the Atlantic Ocean, are now most popular pony breed distributed in almost every corner of the world. Reference ranges of physiological, biochemical and haematological values, which are widely used in veterinary clinics, may differ according to season, age, sex, type of feeding, and environmental circumstances of the area. Reference ranges of haematological and biochemical values of Shetland ponies are rare. The present study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the impact of season, age and sex on some haematological and biochemical values and cortisol levels in healthy ponies in Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted between December 2016 to June 2017 on ponies in and around Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia. Twenty-three clinically healthy ponies males and females of different ages were included for haematological and biochemical analysis in this study. For each animal, blood samples were collected in summer and winter. Four physiological, fourteen haematological, sixteen biochemical parameters as well as serum cortisol levels were analysed. Heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse and rectal temperature were increased in summer in comparison to winter. Values of heart rate proved significant at P < 0.05. The results of blood haematology and biochemistry of the ponies revealed that there was no significant variation between summer and winter in most of the haematological and biochemical parameters, while there was a slight significant difference in leucocyte counts, monocytes, MCH, MPVK+, platelets and AST activity. There were significant differences in serum cortisol concentration regarding season and age but not regarding gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turke Shawaf
- Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Studies, King Faisal University, Al Hasa Box 400, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamal Hussen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, 400 Al-Hasa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Al-Zoubi
- Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Studies, King Faisal University, Al Hasa Box 400, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassein Hamaash
- Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Studies, King Faisal University, Al Hasa Box 400, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Al-Busadah
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia
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Profiles of pro-opiomelanocortin and encoded peptides, and their processing enzymes in equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190796. [PMID: 29309431 PMCID: PMC5757946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is characterized by hyperplasia of the pars intermedia (PI) melanotrophs of the pituitary gland (PG), and increased production of proopiomelanocortin (POMC). POMC is cleaved by prohormone convertase 1 (PC1) to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and further processing of ACTH by PC2 to produce alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and corticotropin-like intermediate peptide (CLIP). High plasma ACTH concentrations in horses with PPID might be related to reduced conversion of ACTH to α-MSH by PCs. The hypothesis of this study was that PC1 and PC2 expression in the pituitary gland are altered in PPID, resulting in an abnormal relative abundance of POMC derived proteins. The objectives of this study were to identify the partial sequences of equine POMC, PC1, and PC2 mRNAs; and to determine whether the expression of POMC, PC1, and PC2 mRNAs in whole pituitary extracts, and POMC-protein in the cavernous sinus blood of horses are altered in PPID. We confirmed (RT-PCR and sequencing) that the partial sequences obtained match the corresponding regions of predicted equine POMC, PC1 and PC2 sequences. The expression (quantification by RT-qPCR) of POMC, PC1 and PC2 mRNAs were found upregulated in the pituitary of horses with PPID. Plasma (measured using RIA/ELISA) ACTH and α-MSH were elevated in PPID horses. These results indicate distinct differences in gene and protein expression of POMC and its intermediates, and processing enzymes in PPID. It provides evidence to support the notion that local, pituitary-specific inadequacies in prohormone processing likely contribute to equine PPID.
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Banse HE, Schultz N, McCue M, Geor R, McFarlane D. Comparison of two methods for measurement of equine adrenocorticotropin. J Vet Diagn Invest 2017; 30:233-237. [PMID: 29284383 DOI: 10.1177/1040638717752216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate measurement of equine adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) is important for the diagnosis of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Several radioimmunoassays (RIAs) and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CIAs) are used for measurement of ACTH concentration in horses; whether these methods yield similar results across a range of concentrations is not determined. We evaluated agreement between a commercial RIA and CIA. Archived plasma samples ( n = 633) were measured with both assays. Correlation between the 2 methods was moderate ( r = 0.49, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis revealed poor agreement, with a proportional bias and widening limits of agreement with increasing values. Poor agreement between assays was also observed when evaluating plasma samples with concentrations at or below the recommended diagnostic cutoff value for PPID testing. The lack of agreement suggests that measurements obtained should not be considered interchangeable between methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi E Banse
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Banse).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Schultz, McCue).,College of Sciences, Massey University, Manawatu, NZ (Geor).,Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (McFarlane)
| | - Nichol Schultz
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Banse).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Schultz, McCue).,College of Sciences, Massey University, Manawatu, NZ (Geor).,Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (McFarlane)
| | - Molly McCue
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Banse).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Schultz, McCue).,College of Sciences, Massey University, Manawatu, NZ (Geor).,Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (McFarlane)
| | - Ray Geor
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Banse).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Schultz, McCue).,College of Sciences, Massey University, Manawatu, NZ (Geor).,Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (McFarlane)
| | - Dianne McFarlane
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Banse).,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Schultz, McCue).,College of Sciences, Massey University, Manawatu, NZ (Geor).,Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (McFarlane)
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De Santis M, Contalbrigo L, Borgi M, Cirulli F, Luzi F, Redaelli V, Stefani A, Toson M, Odore R, Vercelli C, Valle E, Farina L. Equine Assisted Interventions (EAIs): Methodological Considerations for Stress Assessment in Horses. Vet Sci 2017; 4:E44. [PMID: 29056702 PMCID: PMC5644660 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci4030044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine assisted interventions (EAIs) are recently facing an increasing popularity, and are characterized by a wide diversity of practices. However, information on the welfare of animals involved in this kind of activity is often lacking. Horses are highly susceptible to work stressors related to physical constraints and/or to the need to control emotions while interacting with humans. Considerations of the emotional state of horses involved in EAIs have multiple valences: for the safety of humans and animals involved, for the quality and efficacy of interventions, as well as for ethical reasons. The aim of this unsystematic narrative review is to summarize the different approaches used for the evaluation of horses' stress responses, investigate their application in the context of EAIs, and discuss some methodological considerations for researchers and practitioners involved in EAI. The sources of information are mostly based on electronic databases (i.e., Medline, Scopus and Google scholar), as well as on hand searches of the references of retrieved literature, and discussions with experts in the field. At present, a few studies have investigated horses' stress responses during EAIs, and further studies are recommended, with the final aim to derive a reliable multidimensional method for assessing a horse's reaction during therapeutic programs, ultimately helping professionals to better develop interventions by taking into consideration the animal's perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta De Santis
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Laura Contalbrigo
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Marta Borgi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabio Luzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Veronica Redaelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Stefani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Marica Toson
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Rosangela Odore
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Cristina Vercelli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Valle
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Luca Farina
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
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Regidor PA, Volko CD, Schindler AE, Rohr UD. The evolution of genomic stability to a mechanism in reproduction and psychiatry. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2017; 29:1-11. [PMID: 27269896 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2016-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There are two forms of immune defense, the specific or adaptive immune defense and the unspecific innate immune defense. Vaccination is utilized against specific bacteria via the adaptive immune system. The innate immunity DNA stress defense is a non-toxic mechanism developed in yeasts and conserved in mammals and in plants. Although the steroidal hormone cascade has overtaken the stress response and allows superfast response via non-genomic receptors, the old innate immunity response is still mediated via the steroidal hormones cascade. The classical drug/receptor model has provided for many solutions, however, in antibiotics, cancer, and in severe mental diseases this model reaches to certain limits. The NIH/Department of Mental Health has developed a new model that shows severe mental diseases may be immune diseases that can be treated by replacing old diseased nerve cells by new healthy nerve cells, where the old innate immunity may be exploited. This means that severe mental diseases are physical diseases. A newly developed model, where modifications of the steroidal hormone cascade help to understand bipolarity, schizophrenia, and PTSD in men and women can be transferred to gynecological hormone modifications in women, where innate immunity is mediated via the same steroidal hormone cascade. Treatment via immune response via the DNA cascade should be developed in cancer, infections and severe mental disease, because foreign cells or diseased cells may be removed by the unspecific innate immunity.
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43
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Comparative well-being of horses kept under total or partial confinement prior to employment for mounted patrols. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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44
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Influence of transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular punctures in the mare on heart rate, respiratory rate, facial expression changes, and salivary cortisol as pain scoring. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1757-63. [PMID: 27354340 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular punctures are widely used in the mare for diagnosis, research, and commercial applications. The objective of our study was to determine their influence on pain, stress, and well-being in the mare, by evaluating heart rate, breath rate, facial expression changes, and salivary cortisol before, during, and after puncture. For this experiment, 21 pony mares were used. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspirations were performed on 11 mares. After injections for sedation, analgesia, and antispasmodia, the follicles from both ovaries were aspirated with a needle introduced through the vagina wall into the ovary. In the control group, 10 mares underwent similar treatments and injections, but no follicular aspiration. Along the session, heart rate and breath rate were evaluated by a trained veterinarian, ears position, eyelid closure, and contraction of facial muscles were evaluated, and salivary samples were taken for evaluation of cortisol concentration. A significant relaxation was observed after sedative injection in the punctured and control mares, according to ear position, eyelid closure, and contraction of facial muscles, but no difference between punctured and control animals was recorded. No significant modification of salivary cortisol concentration during puncture and no difference between punctured and control mares at any time were observed. No significant modification of the breath rate was observed along the procedure for the punctured and the control mares. Heart rate increased significantly but transiently when the needle was introduced in the ovary and was significantly higher at that time for the punctured mares than that for control mares. None of the other investigated parameters were affected at that time, suggesting discomfort is minimal and transient. Improving analgesia, e.g., through a multimodal approach, during that possibly more sensitive step could be recommended. The evaluation of facial expression changes and heart rate is easy-to-use and accurate tools to evaluate pain and well-being of the mare.
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46
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Restifo MM, Frank N, Hermida P, Sanchez-Londoño A. Effects of withholding feed on thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test results and effects of combined testing on oral sugar test and thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test results in horses. Am J Vet Res 2016; 77:738-48. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.77.7.738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
The hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is responsible for stimulation of adrenal corticosteroids in response to stress. Negative feedback control by corticosteroids limits pituitary secretion of corticotropin, ACTH, and hypothalamic secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone, CRH, and vasopressin, AVP, resulting in regulation of both basal and stress-induced ACTH secretion. The negative feedback effect of corticosteroids occurs by action of corticosteroids at mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and/or glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) located in multiple sites in the brain and in the pituitary. The mechanisms of negative feedback vary according to the receptor type and location within the brain-hypothalmo-pituitary axis. A very rapid nongenomic action has been demonstrated for GR action on CRH neurons in the hypothalamus, and somewhat slower nongenomic effects are observed in the pituitary or other brain sites mediated by GR and/or MR. Corticosteroids also have genomic actions, including repression of the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene in the pituitary and CRH and AVP genes in the hypothalamus. The rapid effect inhibits stimulated secretion, but requires a rapidly rising corticosteroid concentration. The more delayed inhibitory effect on stimulated secretion is dependent on the intensity of the stimulus and the magnitude of the corticosteroid feedback signal, but also the neuroanatomical pathways responsible for activating the HPA. The pathways for activation of some stressors may partially bypass hypothalamic feedback sites at the CRH neuron, whereas others may not involve forebrain sites; therefore, some physiological stressors may override or bypass negative feedback, and other psychological stressors may facilitate responses to subsequent stress.
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48
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Cuming RS, Groover ES, Wooldridge AA, Caldwell FJ. Review of glucocorticoid therapy in horses. Part 1: Pharmacology. EQUINE VET EDUC 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R. S. Cuming
- J. T. Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital Auburn University Alabama USA
| | - E. S. Groover
- J. T. Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital Auburn University Alabama USA
| | - A. A. Wooldridge
- J. T. Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital Auburn University Alabama USA
| | - F. J. Caldwell
- J. T. Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital Auburn University Alabama USA
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Hart KA, Wochele DM, Norton NA, McFarlane D, Wooldridge AA, Frank N. Effect of Age, Season, Body Condition, and Endocrine Status on Serum Free Cortisol Fraction and Insulin Concentration in Horses. J Vet Intern Med 2016; 30:653-63. [PMID: 26860336 PMCID: PMC4913614 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.13839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased free cortisol fraction is associated with insulin dysregulation (ID) in people with Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing's Disease. Free cortisol has not been investigated in equine endocrine disorders. HYPOTHESES (1) In healthy horses, sex, age, body condition score (BCS), and season impact free cortisol; (2) free cortisol is increased in horses with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). ANIMALS Fifty-seven healthy horses; 40 horses and ponies with PPID (n = 20) or EMS (n = 20). METHODS Prospective study. Serum collected seasonally from healthy animals and archived serum from PPID and EMS animals was analyzed for insulin, total and free cortisol concentrations, and free cortisol fraction (FCF). Linear mixed models were used to determine effects of age, sex, season, and BCS on hormones in controls. Hormone measurements were compared between disease groups and age- and season-matched controls with t-tests. EMS and hyperinsulinemic PPID animals were combined in an ID (hyperinsulinemia) group. RESULTS Free cortisol concentrations were increased in overweight/obese controls (0.3 ± 0.1 μg/dL) compared to lean controls (0.2 ± 0.1 μg/dL; P = .017). Mean FCF was significantly higher in animals with PPID (8.8 ± 5.8 μg/dL, P = .005) or ID (8.8 ± 10.2 μg/dL, P = .039) than controls (5.0 ± 0.9 μg/dL), but total cortisol concentrations were similar (P ≥ .350) (PPID: 4.2 ± 4.3 μg/dL; ID: 5.0 ± 4.5 μg/dL; controls: 4.6 ± 1.7 and 5.1 ± 2.1 μg/dL). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Increased FCF is associated with obesity in healthy horses and with ID (hyperinsulinemia) in horses and ponies with endocrine disease. Decreased plasma cortisol-binding capacity could be a component of these endocrine disorders in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Hart
- University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA
| | - D M Wochele
- University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA
| | - N A Norton
- University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA
| | - D McFarlane
- Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK
| | - A A Wooldridge
- Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL
| | - N Frank
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA
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50
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Gallelli MF, Lombardo D, Vissio P, Quiroga A, Caggiano N, Soler E, Meikle A, Castillo VA. Immunohistochemical analysis of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in dogs: Sex-linked and seasonal variation. Res Vet Sci 2016; 104:10-6. [PMID: 26850531 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated sexual dimorphism and seasonal variations in corticotrophs and adrenal zona fasciculata in dogs, as well as the expression of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα). An immunohistochemical analysis was conducted in pituitaries for ACTH and in adrenal glands for ERα and for the melanocortin-2-receptor (MC2R) in winter and summer. Double immunofluorescence was performed to identify ERα in corticotrophs. Females had a greater proportion of corticotrophs per field (p<0.01), with a greater cellular area and optical density (p<0.001) than males. Optical density of corticotrophs was greater in winter for both sexes (p<0.001). In zona fasciculata, ERα and MC2R expression was greater in females (p<0.001) and was greater in winter (p<0.001). ERα was identified in corticotrophs. This study is the first to demonstrate ERα expression in corticotrophs and the adrenal cortex in dogs, providing evidence for sexual dimorphism and seasonal variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Gallelli
- UBACyT scholarship holder, Argentina; Hospital Escuela-Unidad de Endocrinología, A. Clínica Médica de Pequeños Animales, Fac. de Ciencias Veterinarias-UBA, Av. Chorroarin 280, Buenos Aires CP 1427, Argentina.
| | - D Lombardo
- Cátedra de Histología, Fac. de Ciencias Veterinarias-UBA, Av. Chorroarin 280, Buenos Aires CP 1427, Argentina
| | - P Vissio
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología del Crecimiento y la Reproducción, DBBE, FCEN-UBA/IBBEA-CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Quiroga
- Área de Patología Especial, Fac. De Ciencias Veterinarias, UNLP. Calle 60 y 118, CP 1900 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N Caggiano
- Área de Patología Especial, Fac. De Ciencias Veterinarias, UNLP. Calle 60 y 118, CP 1900 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E Soler
- Hospital Escuela-Unidad de Endocrinología, A. Clínica Médica de Pequeños Animales, Fac. de Ciencias Veterinarias-UBA, Av. Chorroarin 280, Buenos Aires CP 1427, Argentina
| | - A Meikle
- Laboratorio de Técnicas Nucleares, Fac. De Ciencias Veterinarias, UDELAR, Lasplacesr 1550-1620, CP 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - V A Castillo
- Hospital Escuela-Unidad de Endocrinología, A. Clínica Médica de Pequeños Animales, Fac. de Ciencias Veterinarias-UBA, Av. Chorroarin 280, Buenos Aires CP 1427, Argentina
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