Equine lamellar energy metabolism studied using tissue microdialysis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Physiology
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Laminitis in horses may involve impaired lamellar energy metabolism.
• Tissue microdialysis offers a method for dynamic monitoring of lamellar energy balance.
• Understanding energy metabolism is crucial for diagnosing and treating equine laminitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a minimally invasive lamellar microdialysis technique for horses.
• To measure normal lamellar energy metabolite concentrations over a 24-hour period.
• To compare metabolite concentrations between lamellar (LAM), sublamellar (SUBLAM), and skin dermis (SKIN).

Main Methods:

• Microdialysis probes were inserted into LAM, SUBLAM, and SKIN of equine feet.
• Probes were continuously perfused for 24 hours, with samples collected every 2 hours.
• Analyzed metabolites included glucose, lactate, pyruvate, urea, and glycerol.

Main Results:

• The microdialysis technique was well-tolerated with mild histological response and no adverse clinical effects.
• Lamellar tissue (LAM) showed lower glucose and a higher lactate:glucose ratio compared to SUBLAM and SKIN.
• These findings suggest reduced perfusion and increased glucose utilization in the lamellar tissue.

Conclusions:

• Lamellar tissue microdialysis is a safe and feasible technique for equine research.
• The method can dynamically assess energy metabolism in the equine lamellar region.
• This technique may help elucidate the role of energy failure in equine laminitis pathogenesis.