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Effect of prolonged exhausting exercise on the adrenal cortex response to ACTH
Acta Physiologica Polonica
|September 1, 1980
Summary
Prolonged exercise significantly increased plasma cortisol in dogs. However, the adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) remained unchanged after exercise, indicating no difference in cortisol release capacity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates cortisol release.
- Prolonged exercise is a significant physiological stressor.
- Understanding the impact of exercise on HPA axis responsiveness is crucial for animal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of prolonged exercise on plasma cortisol levels in dogs.
- To assess the adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) following exhaustive exercise.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from dogs under control conditions.
- Dogs underwent prolonged exercise until exhaustion.
- Plasma cortisol concentrations were measured before and after ACTH stimulation in both control and post-exercise states.
Main Results:
- Exhaustive exercise led to a significant elevation in baseline plasma cortisol levels.
- No significant difference was observed in plasma cortisol response to ACTH injection between control and post-exercise dogs.
- This suggests that while exercise increases cortisol, it does not alter the adrenal gland's capacity to respond to ACTH.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged exercise in dogs causes a marked increase in circulating cortisol.
- The adrenal cortex's responsiveness to ACTH is not significantly affected by prior exhaustive exercise.
- The HPA axis may exhibit altered regulation post-exercise, but the direct stimulation capacity remains intact.