Evaluation of age effect on circulating catecholamines' network in pregnant mares
Katiuska Satué1, Pietro Medica2, Deborah La Fauci3
1Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cardenal Herrera University, Valencia, Spain.
Veterinary Research Communications
|August 8, 2025
Summary
Pregnancy alters catecholamine levels in mares, with age significantly influencing these neuroendocrine changes. Younger mares show higher noradrenaline, while older mares exhibit more stable dopamine during gestation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Catecholamines (CATs) are crucial neuroendocrine regulators whose plasma concentrations vary naturally during pregnancy.
- Both aging and pregnancy are known to affect catecholaminergic activity, suggesting an interplay between these factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the age-dependent patterns of plasma catecholamine concentrations (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine) during different stages of gestation in Spanish Purebred mares.
- To understand how aging modulates catecholamine profiles throughout pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 54 Spanish Purebred mares across three age groups (4-7, 8-10, 11-15 years) and four gestational stages (T1, T2, T3, B4).
- Plasma concentrations of adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA), and dopamine (DA) were quantified using a validated horse-specific competitive enzyme immunoassay (3-CAT EIA).
Main Results:
- Adrenaline (A) levels decreased from the first to the second trimester, with age influencing peak concentrations.
- Noradrenaline (NA) was higher in younger mares during late gestation, while mares aged 8-10 years had the lowest NA levels.
- Dopamine (DA) peaked in mid-gestation and declined before parturition, with older mares showing a more stable DA profile.
Conclusions:
- Gestational catecholamine concentrations are modulated by age in mares.
- These findings demonstrate age-related changes in neuroendocrine function during pregnancy, impacting key regulators like catecholamines.
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