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Normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary growth axis in three dwarf Friesian foals
E de Graaf-Roelfsema1, W Back, H A Keizer
1Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. e.roelfsema@uu.nl
The Veterinary Record
|September 29, 2009
Summary
Dwarf foals exhibit normal endogenous growth hormone (GH) secretion and their GH-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis remains responsive to stimulation. This suggests dwarfism in these foals is not due to a deficient GH-IGF-1 axis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Animal Physiology
Background:
- Dwarfism in Friesian foals can impact growth and well-being.
- Understanding the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis is crucial for diagnosing growth disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endogenous growth hormone (GH) profiles in dwarf Friesian foals.
- To assess the integrity of the GH-IGF-1 axis in dwarf foals through functional testing.
Main Methods:
- Serial blood sampling was performed on three dwarf Friesian foals.
- One dwarf foal underwent stimulation tests with GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and recombinant equine GH.
- Serum IGF-1 concentrations in dwarf foals were compared to age-matched normal foals.
Main Results:
- All dwarf foals demonstrated endogenous GH secretion.
- GHRH administration caused a significant increase (1400%) in plasma GH in the tested dwarf foal.
- Recombinant equine GH treatment increased serum IGF-1 by 100% in the dwarf foal.
- Basal serum IGF-1 levels were comparable between dwarf and normal foals.
Conclusions:
- Dwarf Friesian foals possess a functional GH-IGF-1 axis.
- The observed dwarfism is unlikely to be caused by a primary deficiency in GH secretion or IGF-1 response.
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