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Peripheral serotoninergic response to physical exercise in athletic horses
Daniela Alberghina1, Claudia Giannetto, Giuseppe Piccione
1Department of Experimental Sciences and Applied Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. dalberghina@unime.it
Journal of Veterinary Science
|November 30, 2010
Summary
Exercise significantly increases free serotonin (f5-HT) and whole blood-5-HT (WB-5-HT) in Italian Saddle horses. These peripheral serotoninergic markers play a key role in the equine response to physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Equine physiology
- Exercise science
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter with various physiological roles.
- Understanding how physical activity affects serotonin levels in horses is crucial for their well-being and performance.
- Previous research has explored exercise-induced changes in neurotransmitters, but specific data on peripheral serotonin markers in equine athletes is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of strenuous exercise on plasma tryptophan (TRP), free serotonin (f5-HT), and whole blood-5-HT (WB-5-HT) in Italian Saddle horses.
- To analyze the f5-HT/WB-5-HT ratio as a potential indicator of serotonin availability post-exercise.
- To establish the relationship between f5-HT and WB-5-HT levels during and after exercise.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy Italian Saddle horses performed a 450-meter obstacle course.
- Blood samples were collected at rest, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes post-exercise.
- Plasma and whole blood concentrations of TRP, f5-HT, and WB-5-HT were quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Main Results:
- Immediately following exercise, significant increases in f5-HT (p <0.001) and WB-5-HT (p <0.001) were observed.
- Post-exercise, f5-HT and WB-5-HT levels remained elevated compared to resting values, even after a 30-minute recovery period (p <0.01 and p <0.05, respectively).
- A significant linear regression was found between f5-HT and WB-5-HT throughout the experiment.
Conclusions:
- Exercise induces significant alterations in peripheral serotoninergic markers, specifically f5-HT and WB-5-HT, in Italian Saddle horses.
- These findings highlight the important role of peripheral serotonin in the physiological response to physical exertion in horses.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise source of increased serotonin following strenuous activities like show jumping.
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