Endocrine and reproductive consequences of certain endotoxin-mediated diseases in farm mammals: a review

After giving an overview of the general pathology of endotoxin-mediated diseases, the authors summarise the endotoxin-induced endocrine changes and their clinical consequences, with particular regard to reproduction. The consequences of temporary activation of the cyclooxygenase-2 and lipoxygenase enzyme systems resulting in elevated release of various prostanoids are discussed in cyclic and pregnant ruminants, sows and mares. The clinical failures attributable to increased glucocorticoid secretion as well as the endotoxin-induced changes in thyroid function and in peripheral level of some other hormones (prolactin, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1) are also reviewed.