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A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Pituitary-adrenal axis function in dogs with neoplasia*
A L Boozer1, E N Behrend, R J Kemppainen
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
Veterinary and Comparative Oncology
|September 17, 2009
Summary
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests in dogs with cancer revealed no significant differences in cortisol levels compared to healthy dogs. Some dogs with lymphoma or non-hematopoietic neoplasia showed altered cortisol or ACTH concentrations, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Canine Oncology
Background:
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) plays a crucial role in regulating cortisol production.
- Assessing adrenal function is important in dogs with cancer, particularly those with neoplasia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests in tumor-bearing dogs.
- To compare adrenal function and gland size in healthy dogs versus dogs with lymphoma or non-hematopoietic neoplasia (NHN).
Main Methods:
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests were performed on healthy dogs and dogs with tumors prior to therapy.
- Plasma endogenous ACTH (eACTH) concentrations were measured.
- Adrenal gland size was assessed using ultrasonography.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in basal or ACTH-stimulated cortisol concentrations were observed between tumor-bearing and healthy dogs.
- No differences in eACTH concentration were found between dogs with NHN and lymphoma.
- Altered cortisol or eACTH concentrations and enlarged adrenal glands were noted in a subset of dogs with lymphoma and NHN.
Conclusions:
- While overall cortisol and eACTH levels did not differ significantly, individual dogs with cancer exhibited variations in adrenal function.
- Further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings in canine oncology.
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