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Elevated plasma IGF 1 levels in stags prevented from growing antlers
J M Suttie1, P F Fennessy, P D Gluckman
1Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand.
Endocrinology
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF 1) stimulates red deer stag antler growth. Preventing antler growth in stags led to higher circulating IGF 1 levels, suggesting antlers are a target organ.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Mammalian Physiology
Background:
- Plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF 1) concentration correlates positively with red deer stag antler growth rate.
- IGF 1 has been proposed to be a stimulatory factor for antler development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin of IGF 1 influencing antler growth (circulating vs. local).
- To determine if antler growth is regulated by circulating IGF 1 in an endocrine manner.
Main Methods:
- Surgical prevention of antler growth in red deer stags.
- Measurement of plasma IGF 1 levels in stags with and without antlers during growth periods.
Main Results:
- Non-antlered stags exhibited significantly elevated plasma IGF 1 levels compared to normal antlered stags.
- This finding supports the hypothesis that antlers are a target organ for IGF 1.
Conclusions:
- The results suggest that plasma IGF 1 may stimulate individual organ growth via an endocrine mechanism.
- Antler growth prevention potentially removed a population of IGF 1 receptors, leading to increased circulating IGF 1.