Biochemistry Concentrations Research Articles

Oxygen consumption, locomotory-respiratory coupling and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in horses during the Paso Fino gait.

Workload associated with the high frequency Colombian Paso Fino gait has not been evaluated. To determine the oxygen consumption (V̇O2), heart rate (HR), stride frequency: breathing ratio, and hematology associated with the Paso Fino gait, including whether exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) occurs. Eleven Paso Fino horses. Prospective cohort study. Horses performed a standardized Paso Fino gait test across a wooden sounding board, simulating competition. V̇O2 and ventilatory parameters (tidal volume [VT]; peak inspiratory and expiratory airflows [PkV̇I, PkV̇E]; respiratory rate [RR], minute ventilation [V̇E]) were measured using a portable ergospirometry facemask. Heart rate was measured using electrocardiograms. Post-exercise lactate, hematocrit, bicarbonate, pH, electrolytes, and biochemistry concentrations were measured. EIPH was assessed via tracheobronchoscopy. Four horses completed a secondary high-intensity gallop to elicit peak V̇O2 for comparative purposes. Median [IQR] mean individual HR during the Paso Fino gait was 190 [178, 201] bpm. Relative V̇O2 measured 49.8 [48.4, 59.5] mL/(kg min; VT = 8.6 [8.0, 10.7] L; RR = 87.1 [75.4, 99.5] bpm; V̇E = 869 [740, 902] L/min; PkV̇I = 33.4 [32.7, 37.2] L/s; PkV̇E = 44.2 [40.3, 46.0] L/s). Horses took 2.8 [2.7, 2.9] strides/second and had a stride frequency: breathing ratio of 2.0 [1.8, 2.3]. Post-exercise blood lactate concentration and hematocrit measured 2.7 mmol/L and 50% respectively. Three horses showed endoscopic evidence of Grade-1 EIPH. The Paso Fino gait V̇O2 and HR equaled 79% V̇O2pk and 91% maximal HR, respectively, based on the high-intensity gallop. The Paso Fino gait represents submaximal exercise based on V̇O2 < V̇O2pk and blood lactate.

Plasma Vitamin, Mineral and Biochemistry Concentrations in Free-Ranging, Adult Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) During Spring Egress.

Plasma Vitamin, Mineral and Biochemistry Concentrations in Free-Ranging, Adult Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) During Spring Egress.

Plasma Vitamin, Mineral, and Biochemistry Concentrations in Free-Ranging, Adult Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) during Spring Egress

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine vitamin (A, D, E), mineral (cobalt, copper, molybdenum, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc), and plasma biochemistry concentrations in free-ranging, eastern massasauga rattlesnakes (EMR) (Sistrurus catenatus) in relation to age, sex, reproductive status, and season. Plasma samples were collected from 24 snakes post-brumation (April–May) in Michigan. Significant increases in weight and plasma vitamin E, iron, molybdenum, calcium, phosphorus, triglycerides, and cholesterol were detected in gravid compared to non-gravid females. Vitamin D synthesis from ultraviolet B radiation may be possible in EMR and requires further research. Gravid snakes appear to bioaccumulate molybdenum in tissues. Although the sample size and methodology did not meet ASVCP guidelines for establishing reference ranges, the data provide an important first step in elucidating the role of vitamin and trace minerals in relation to EMR health and reproduction. These data can be used to comp...