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ACTH and plasma corticosteroid levels in young calves
Journal De Physiologie
|August 1, 1982
Summary
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) infusion in calves significantly increased plasma cortisol but did not affect sodium, potassium, or aldosterone levels. This study examines hormonal responses in young cattle to ACTH stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Endocrinology
- Neonatal Physiology
- Animal Metabolism
Background:
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) plays a crucial role in regulating corticosteroid production in mammals.
- Understanding the endocrine response in neonatal animals is vital for assessing physiological development and stress.
- Calves are a key model for studying early-life endocrine functions in livestock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ACTH infusion on plasma electrolyte and hormone concentrations in 11-day-old calves.
- To compare the endocrine and electrolyte responses between ACTH-infused calves and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of plasma sodium, potassium, aldosterone, and cortisol levels.
- Administration of ACTH infusion to a group of seven neonatal calves.
- Comparison with a control group of five neonatal calves over a 24-hour period.
Main Results:
- ACTH infusion significantly elevated plasma cortisol levels in treated calves compared to controls.
- No significant variations in plasma or urine sodium and potassium concentrations were observed in either group.
- Plasma aldosterone levels remained unchanged in both ACTH-infused and control calves.
Conclusions:
- ACTH stimulation in neonatal calves primarily impacts cortisol secretion, with minimal effect on mineralocorticoids or electrolytes.
- Neonatal calves exhibit a specific endocrine response to exogenous ACTH, highlighting the developmental stage of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
- The lack of aldosterone response suggests a limited role for mineralocorticoid regulation via ACTH in this age group.