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Evaluation of adrenal function in psittacine birds, using the ACTH stimulation test
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) significantly increased plasma corticosterone in psittacine birds. This ACTH stimulation test can assess adrenal function in parrots, cockatoos, and other species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Avian Biology
Background:
- Adrenal gland function is crucial for bird health.
- Assessing adrenal capacity in psittacine birds requires validated methods.
- Plasma hormone levels, like corticosterone, indicate adrenal activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of ACTH on plasma cortisol and corticosterone in psittacine birds.
- To determine if the ACTH stimulation test is a reliable method for assessing adrenal secretory capacity in parrots.
- To optimize the measurement of plasma corticosterone using radioimmunoassay (RIA).
Main Methods:
- Administered 16 units of ACTH to healthy psittacine birds.
- Measured plasma corticosterone and cortisol concentrations before and after ACTH administration.
- Utilized radioimmunoassay (RIA) for hormone quantification, including a heat denaturation step for maximal corticosterone release.
Main Results:
- Plasma corticosterone levels significantly increased (P<0.01) one and two hours post-ACTH administration.
- Heat denaturation was essential for accurate radioimmunoassay measurement of plasma corticosterone.
- Plasma cortisol concentrations did not show a significant increase following ACTH stimulation.
Conclusions:
- The ACTH stimulation test is a viable tool for evaluating adrenal secretory capacity in various psittacine species.
- Plasma corticosterone is a reliable indicator of adrenal response to ACTH in birds.
- Optimized RIA methods, including heat denaturation, are crucial for accurate avian corticosteroid analysis.