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Updated: Sep 23, 2026
Neurobehavioral Assessments in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-ischemic Brain Injury
Published on: November 24, 2017
Biomarkers of brain injury in foals with neonatal maladjustment syndrome
Javier Perez Quesada1, Kinnidy Coley2, David Wong3
1Veterinary Associates Equine, Karaka 2580, New Zealand.
Background:
Plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial-fibrillary-acidic protein (GFAP), and astrocytic protein S100B, might be linked to the pathophysiology of Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (NMS).
Hypothesis/Objectives:
To measure serum concentration of BDNF and S100B, plasma concentration of GFAP, and neurosteroids (progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone) in foals with NMS, foals presented for other diseases, including premature, and healthy foals, and determine their association with outcome.
Animals:
Fourteen healthy foals, 19 NMS foals, 39 foals hospitalized for other diseases < 7 days of age.
Methods:
In this prospective, longitudinal study, concentrations of biomarkers were determined in all foals on admission, at day 1 and 2 of hospitalization. Plasma or serum concentration of biomarkers was measured with ELISA and single-molecule-array technology.
Results:
Forty-eight foals survived, 10 did not survive. Serum BDNF concentration was lower after 24 h of hospitalization in NMS foals (baseline: 3.0, 1.9-4.1 g/mL; day 1: 2.0, 1.2-2.8 pg/mL) (P = .02). Serum S100B was higher in septic foals with NMS (marginal means, 95% CI, 435.3, 290-580 ng/mL) compared to septic foals without NMS (238.9, 164.6-313.2 ng/mL) on admission (P = .01). Pregnane concentrations were higher in NMS foals compared to healthy and sick foals over the first 48 h of hospitalization (P < .05).
Conclusions And Clinical Importance:
Higher BDNF, S100B, and pregnane concentrations were consistent with NMS, and might allow for neurological assessment.
