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Lipid metabolism in horses with hyperadrenocorticism
J H van der Kolk1, T Wensing, H C Kalsbeek
1Department of Large Animal Medicine and Nutrition, Veterinary Faculty, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Horses with hyperadrenocorticism show increased lipolysis and ketogenesis, despite normal lipid levels. Cortisol is not the only cause of insulin resistance in these horses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Equine hyperadrenocorticism (EН) is a common endocrine disorder in horses.
- It is characterized by excessive production of cortisol.
- Insulin resistance is a common complication of EН.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lipid metabolism in horses with hyperadrenocorticism.
- To determine the relationship between cortisol and insulin resistance in affected horses.
Main Methods:
- Studied lipid metabolism in 21 horses diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism.
- Inclusion criteria included histologic evidence of pars intermedia adenoma, high baseline ACTH, or elevated plasma cortisol post-ACTH stimulation.
- Measured plasma concentrations of cortisol, insulin, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids.
Main Results:
- Horses with hyperadrenocorticism did not exhibit hyperlipemia.
- Increased lipolysis and ketogenesis were observed in horses with hyperadrenocorticism compared to controls.
- Mean baseline plasma cortisol was 338 +/- 261 nmol/L, insulin was 97 +/- 54 microU/ml, beta-hydroxybutyrate was 1.8 +/- 1.2 mg/dl, and nonesterified fatty acids were 6.2 +/- 6.4 mg/dl.
Conclusions:
- Cortisol alone cannot account for insulin resistance in horses with hyperadrenocorticism.
- Lipid metabolism is significantly altered in horses with this condition, with increased lipolysis and ketogenesis.