Plasma LH, FSH, testosterone, prolactin and androstenedione in male white-tailed deer after acth and dexamethasone administration

Abstract

1. 1. In order to investigate the role of the adrenocortieal system in the regulation of plasma levels of reproductive hormones, adult male white-tailed deer (five intact and one castrated) from a captive herd were sedated with xylazine and ketamine and then challenged with various doses of ACTH with and without dexamethasone (DX) pretreatment. 2. 2. Plasma levels of LH, testosterone (T), FSH, prolactin (PRL) and androstenedione (A) were determined by RIA in serial samples taken from the jugular vein. 3. 3. An increase of A levels detected after ACTH in both intact and castrated deer indicated stimulation of secretion of adrenal androgens by ACTH. 4. 4. No effect on FSH and PRL levels was observed in either group. 5. 5. A significant decline of LH and T observed in various treatments could not be attributed to ACTH or DX administration. It is speculated that the decrease may be caused by anaesthetics which alleviate the stress induced in deer by the pre-immobilization activities.