Adrenal and thyroid function in stress-susceptible pigs (Sus domesticus)

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Abstract
Pigs incapable of maintaining physiological homeostasis when subjected to even mild stressors, show low PO2 in their blood and high levels of lactate in their blood and muscle and are categorized as stress-susceptible. The objectives of this study were to compare the quantities of various adrenal steroids (17-ketosteroids, 17-hydroxycorticosteroids) and catecholamines in the urine and the levels of protein-bound iodine (PBI) in the serum and I131 uptake in the thyroids of pigs with ("stress-susceptible") and without ("stress-resistant") these characteristics. Mean values of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids tended to be lower, PBI higher, and thyroid-I131 uptake lower in stress-susceptible than in stress-resistant pigs. Additionally the PBI levels were more variable (P< .05) in stress-susceptible pigs upon their exposure to a warm environment. Pertinent interrelationships are discussed to partially support the view that these pigs may have some degree of adrenal insufficiency accompanied by some failure of circulating thyroid hormone to stimulate oxidative metabolism in their striated musculature.