Neonatal glucocorticoid overexposure programs pituitary-adrenal function in ponies

The present study tested the hypothesis that overexposure to endogenous glucocorticoids in neonatal life alters the reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in ponies at 1 and 2 yr of age. Newborn foals received saline (0.9% NaCl, n = 8, control) or long-acting adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH1-24) (Depot Synacthen 0.125 mg intramuscularly twice daily, n = 9) for 5 d after birth to raise cortisol concentrations 5- to 6-fold. At 1 and 2 yr of age, HPA axis function was assessed by bolus administration of short-acting ACTH1-24 (1 μg/kg intravenous) and insulin (0.5 U/kg intravenous) to induce hypoglycemic on separate days.

Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - July 3, 2014 Category: Endocrinology Authors: J.K. Jellyman, O.A. Valenzuela, V.L. Allen, A.J. Forhead, N.B. Holdstock, A.L. Fowden Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research