ADRENAL-GLAND FUNCTION IN THE HORSE - EFFECTS OF COSYNTROPIN (SYNTHETIC) AND CORTICOTROPIN (NATURAL) STIMULATION

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 40  (5) , 724-726
Abstract
The plasma concentration of hydrocortisone [HC] was determined in mares given either cosyntropin (100 IU, given i.v.) or ACTH (200 IU, given i.m.). Plasma HC concentrations of the mares treated with cosyntropin increased by 46%, 57% and 80% at 30, 60 and 120 min, respectively, when compared with base-line values; these values returned to base line at 240 min. In mares treated with ACTH, mean plasma HC concentrations increased by 42, 143, 101 and 155% at 30, 60, 120 and 240 min, respectively, when compared with base-line values. Differences in total leukocyte count, total eosinophil count and plasma concentrations of electrolytes (Ca, Na, Mg, K) of cosyntropin- and ACTH-treated mares, and these values in control animals, were not significant. The horse responds to small dosages of cosyntropin (i.v.) in a prompt and reproducible manner as determined by plasma HC values. Response to ACTH was slow and less consistent. Thus, administration of cosyntropin to the horse, according to test results with paired samples collected (before administration and again at 2 h after injection), was a prompt and meaningful test of adrenal gland function.

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