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Endothelin response during and after exercise in horses
Kenneth H McKeever1, Lisa A Antas, Charles F Kearns
1Equine Science Center, Department of Animal Sciences, Cook College, Rutgers, NJ 08901-8525, USA. mckeever@aesop.rutgers.edu
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|October 3, 2002
Summary
Plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in horses did not change during rest or incremental exercise. However, ET-1 significantly increased after submaximal steady-state exercise, suggesting exercise alters ET-1 concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Equine physiology
- Cardiovascular research
- Exercise science
Background:
- Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor with roles in cardiovascular regulation.
- Understanding ET-1's response to exercise is crucial for equine health and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations in horses at rest and during different exercise intensities.
- To investigate the impact of graded and steady-state exercise on ET-1 levels in equine plasma.
Main Methods:
- Six unfit Standardbred and Thoroughbred mares were used.
- Plasma ET-1 was measured via radioimmunoassay during a control trial, a graded exercise test (GXT), and a 15-minute submaximal steady-state exercise test (SST).
- Blood samples were collected at various time points, including pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and during recovery.
Main Results:
- Plasma ET-1 concentrations remained unchanged during the control and GXT trials.
- A significant elevation in plasma ET-1 was observed immediately after and 2 minutes into recovery from the SST.
- ET-1 levels returned to baseline by 10 minutes post-exercise in the SST.
Conclusions:
- Plasma ET-1 concentrations in horses are not significantly altered by rest or graded exercise.
- Submaximal steady-state exercise can lead to a transient increase in plasma ET-1.
- These findings suggest that ET-1 levels are sensitive to specific exercise challenges in horses.