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Association between low birth weight and increased adrenocortical function in neonatal pigs
H G Klemcke1, D D Lunstra, H M Brown-Borg
1Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, ARS, USDA, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166.
Journal of Animal Science
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Low-birth-weight neonatal pigs exhibit enhanced adrenocortical function, including larger adrenal glands and increased cortisol levels. This suggests a link between adrenal activity and birth weight in early life.
Area of Science:
- Comparative Physiology
- Neonatal Endocrinology
Background:
- Birth weight is a critical factor influencing neonatal development and survival.
- Adrenocortical function plays a vital role in stress response and metabolic regulation in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between birth weight and adrenocortical function in female neonatal pigs.
- To compare adrenal weight, plasma cortisol levels, and adrenocortical cell sensitivity to ACTH between low- and high-birth-weight pigs.
Main Methods:
- Female neonatal pigs were grouped by birth weight (< or = 1.2 kg vs. > 1.2 kg) and cross-fostered.
- Adrenal weights, plasma cortisol concentrations, and adrenocortical cell responses to ACTH were measured at 3 and 7 days of age.
- Corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) binding capacity was also assessed.
Main Results:
- Small pigs had significantly greater relative adrenal weights (46%) and plasma cortisol concentrations (70% at 3d, 199% at 7d) compared to large pigs.
- Adrenocortical cell sensitivity to ACTH and CBG binding capacity were also enhanced in small pigs.
- Negative correlations were observed between birth weight and adrenal weight, plasma cortisol, ACTH response sensitivity, and CBG binding capacity.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight in female neonatal pigs is associated with significantly enhanced adrenocortical function.
- This enhanced adrenal activity may be initiated prenatally and could contribute to low birth weight.
- Further research is needed to determine if increased adrenal function causes or reflects conditions associated with low birth weight.