Effect of ACTH (tetracosactide) on steroid hormone levels in the mare Part A: Effect in intact normal mares and mares with possible estrous related behavioral abnormalities

Abstract

Ovariectomized mares and mares with inactive ovaries may show signs of estrus. The reason behind this phenomenon is not clear; however, steroid hormones of adrenal origin have been suggested. Moreover, aberrant adrenal hormone production has been implied as a reason why some intact mares may change behavior. In the present study, the effect of ACTH on plasma levels of cortisol, progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone was investigated in intact mares with normal estrous behavior ('controls', n=5) and intact mares that according to their owners showed deviant estrous behavior ('problem' mares, n=7). Blood samples were collected hourly from 12:00h until 14:00h the following day (half-hourly between 14:00 and 17:00h) on two occasions (at two estruses), with saline or ACTH treatment (tetracosactide) at 14:00h (saline treatment day or ACTH treatment day). ACTH treatment caused a significant increase in plasma levels of cortisol, progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone in all mares (P

Published in

Animal Reproduction Science
2006, pages: 1-19

SLU Authors

• Hedberg Alm, Ylva

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Dalin, Anne-Marie

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Lundeheim, Nils

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Kindahl, Hans

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science
Veterinary Science

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/9870