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Urinary enzyme concentrations in healthy horses.
The Cornell Veterinarian
|July 1, 1986
Summary
Urinary enzyme levels, including gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP), are not affected by a horse's age or sex. These urinary enzyme concentrations do not correlate with serum levels, indicating unique physiological roles.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Equine Health
Background:
- Assessing kidney and liver function in horses often involves serum enzyme analysis.
- Urinary enzyme concentrations offer a non-invasive alternative for evaluating physiological status.
- Limited data exists on the influence of age, sex, and diurnal variation on equine urinary enzyme activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal urinary concentrations of key enzymes in healthy horses.
- To investigate the impact of age, sex, and time of day on urinary enzyme activity.
- To compare urinary enzyme levels with serum concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Urinary enzyme activity (GGT, AP, AsAT, AAT) was measured in 32 healthy horses.
- Urine samples were collected over 72 hours from 10 geldings to assess diurnal variation.
- Enzyme activity was analyzed in relation to creatinine excretion, age, and sex.
Main Results:
- Urinary GGT and AP activities were quantifiable, while AsAT and AAT were below detectable levels.
- No significant correlation was found between urinary and serum enzyme concentrations.
- Urinary enzyme activity showed no diurnal variation and was independent of horse age or sex.
- Normal ranges for urinary GGT and AP were established.
Conclusions:
- Urinary GGT and AP can serve as potential biomarkers in equine health assessments.
- Age and sex do not influence urinary enzyme excretion in healthy horses.
- Further research is needed to explore the diagnostic utility of urinary enzymes in equine disease states.