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[Plasma gastrin levels in horses with colic]
G F Schusser1, B Obermayer-Pietsch
1Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Polytechnic Institute and State University, Leesburg.
Tierarztliche Praxis
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Gastric reflux in horses significantly elevates plasma gastrin levels. Higher reflux volumes correlate with markedly increased gastrin, indicating a potential link between reflux and hormonal changes in equine gastrointestinal issues.
Area of Science:
- Equine internal medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Gastrin plays a crucial role in regulating gastric acid secretion.
- Equine gastrointestinal disorders, such as colic, can lead to significant physiological disturbances.
- Understanding hormonal changes in horses with colic is vital for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between plasma gastrin levels and the presence and volume of gastric reflux in horses.
- To determine if specific types of colic are associated with altered gastrin concentrations.
- To assess the impact of gastric reflux volume on plasma gastrin levels.
Summary:
- Plasma gastrin levels were not significantly different in fasted horses, horses with spasmodic colic, or those with impaction colic.
- Horses with no gastric reflux, regardless of underlying condition (strangulation obstruction, displacement, ileus), showed no significant difference in gastrin levels compared to fasted controls.
- A significant increase in plasma gastrin was observed in horses with moderate (5-10 L) and severe (11-20 L) gastric reflux, with the latter showing a highly significant elevation (P < 0.0004) compared to fasted horses and those without reflux.
Impact:
- This study highlights gastric reflux as a significant factor influencing plasma gastrin levels in horses.
- Elevated gastrin in horses with significant gastric reflux may have implications for gastric mucosal protection or pathophysiology.
- Findings suggest that plasma gastrin measurement could be a useful biomarker in horses experiencing severe gastric reflux associated with gastrointestinal distress.