Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Associations among beta-endorphin, ACTH, cortisol concentration, age, and clinical signs indicative of pituitary pars
Paula Billmann1, Andy Durham2, Garance Christen1
1Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Background:
Limited published data are available regarding the relationships among clinical signs associated with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), age, and concentrations of proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides and cortisol.
Hypothesis/Objectives:
Identify clinical signs associated with age, beta-endorphin (β-END), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol concentrations and compare β-END and cortisol concentrations between horses with PPID and geriatric controls.
Animals:
A total of 113 horses aged 18-32 years.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study. Clinical signs were scored, plasma β-END, ACTH, and serum cortisol concentrations were measured, and their associations were evaluated. Horses were classified as PPID or controls based on haircoat abnormalities and ACTH concentrations, and group comparisons were performed.
Results:
Increased β-END and ACTH concentrations were associated with haircoat abnormalities (P < .001), whereas advanced age was associated with muscle atrophy, weight loss, and lethargy (P < .001). Cortisol concentrations were not associated with any of the clinical signs. The β-END concentrations were higher in the PPID group (median, 291 pg/mL; interquartile range [IQR], 122-836 pg/mL; n = 40) compared with the control group (median, 55.0 pg/mL; IQR, 45.0-68.0 pg/mL; n = 53; P < .001).
Conclusions And Clinical Importance:
In this geriatric study cohort, haircoat abnormalities were associated with increased β-END and ACTH concentrations, whereas other clinical signs, such as muscle atrophy, weight loss, and lethargy, were primarily linked to age. Because PPID is diagnosed based on clinical signs and ACTH concentrations, it is important to distinguish clinical signs that are age-related from those associated with PPID.
More Related Videos
08:25Collecting Saliva and Measuring Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase in Frail Community Residing Older Adults via Family Caregivers
Published on: December 18, 2013
07:02Providing Meaningful Environmental Enrichment and Measuring Saliva Cortisol in Pigs Housed on Slatted Flooring
Published on: September 30, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...