Increased Serum Cortisol Concentrations Research Articles

Increased Glucocorticoid Receptor Alpha Expression and Signaling in Critically Ill Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients.

Critical illness is characterized by increased serum cortisol concentrations and bioavailability resulting from the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which constitutes an essential part of the stress response. The actions of glucocorticoids are mediated by a ubiquitous intracellular receptor protein, the glucocorticoid receptor. So far, data on coronavirus disease 2019 and glucocorticoid receptor alpha expression are lacking. Prospective observational study. One academic multidisciplinary ICU. Twenty-six adult coronavirus disease 2019 patients; 33 adult noncoronavirus disease 2019 patients, matched for age, sex, and disease severity, constituted the control group. All patients were steroid-free. None. Glucocorticoid receptor alpha, glucocorticoid-inducible leucine zipper expression, and serum cortisol were measured on ICU admission. In coronavirus disease 2019 patients, glucocorticoid receptor alpha and glucocorticoid-inducible leucine zipper messenger RNA expression were upregulated (4.7-fold, p < 0.01 and 14-fold, p < 0.0001, respectively), and cortisol was higher (20.3 vs 14.3 μg/dL, p < 0.01) compared with the control group. ICU coronavirus disease 2019 patients showed upregulated glucocorticoid receptor alpha and glucocorticoid-inducible leucine zipper expression, along with cortisol levels, compared with ICU noncoronavirus disease 2019 patients. Thus, on ICU admission, critical coronavirus disease 2019 appears to be associated with hypercortisolemia, and increased synthesis of glucocorticoid receptor alpha and induced proteins.

Muscle oxygenation, endocrine and metabolic regulation during low-intensity endurance exercise with blood flow restriction.

[Purpose]The present study investigated the effect of endurance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) performed at either 25% maximal oxygen uptake ( max) or 40% max) on muscle oxygenation, energy metabolism, and endocrine responses.[Methods]Ten males were recruited in the present study. The subjects performed three trials: (1) endurance exercise at 40% max without BFR (NBFR40), (2) endurance exercise at 25% max with BFR (BFR25), and (3) endurance exercise at 40% max with BFR (BFR40). The exercises were performed for 15 min during which the pedaling frequency was set at 70 rpm. In BFR25 and BFR40, 2 min of pressure phase (equivalent to 160 mmHg) followed by 1 min of release phase were repeated five times (5 × 3 min) throughout 15 minutes of exercise. During exercise, muscle oxygenation and concentration of respiratory gases were measured. The blood samples were collected before exercise, immediately after 15 min of exercise, and at 15, 30, and 60 minutes after completion of exercise.[Results]Deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) level during exercise was significantly higher with BFR25 and BFR40 than that with NBFR40. BFR40 showed significantly higher total-hemoglobin (total-Hb) than NBFR40 during 2 min of pressure phase. Moreover, exercise-induced lactate elevation and pH reduction were significantly augmented in BFR40, with concomitant increase in serum cortisol concentration after exercise. Carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation was significantly higher with BFR40 than that with NBFR40 and BFR25, whereas fat oxidation was lower with BFR40.[Conclusion]Deoxy-Hb and total Hb levels were significantly increased during 15 min of pedaling exercise in BFR25 and BFR40, indicating augmented local hypoxia and blood volume (blood perfusion) in the muscle. Moreover, low-and moderate-intensity exercise with BFR facilitated CHO oxidation.

Cardiac, Energy and Hormonal Blood Markers, and Lactatemia in Cows with Displaced Abomasum

Background: Displaced abomasum (DA) is a common and economically important disorder that affects dairy cattle. Nutritional factors and adaptive responses that occur in the peripartum play a central role in the pathogenesis. The measurement of blood metabolites represents a useful tool for monitoring and prognostic determination in affected animals. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate cardiac, energy and hormonal blood markers, lactatemia, and insulin sensitivity in cows diagnosed with right displaced abomasum (RDA) and left displaced abomasum (LDA), comparing them with each other.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Nineteen cases of abomasum displacement in cows were studied, including 9 cases of RDA and 10 cases of LDA. The diagnosis was established by means of physical examination and measurement of the concentration of chlorides in the ruminal fluid (&gt; 30mEq/L). After diagnosis, clinical-surgical therapeutic management was instituted. At the time of diagnosis (M1) and at the resolution of the case (M2), blood samples were collected to assess the variables: non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta hydroxybutyrate (βHB), L-lactate, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose, insulin, and cortisol. In addition, insulin sensitivity was estimated using the Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (RQUICKI) and RQUICKI-βHB. The means of the variables were compared, separating the effects of groups (RDA and LDA) and moments (M1 and M2), at the level of 5% probability. The concentrations of NEFA, CK-MB, L-lactate, glucose, insulin, and cortisol were higher at M1 and the RQUICKI and RQUICKI-βHB indices were lower at this moment. L-lactate, CK, and CK-MB were higher in the RDA group, while cTnI, βHB, and LDH did not present a group or moment effect. Cardiac markers correlated with the energy profile metabolites, L-lactate, and cortisol.Discussion: The high concentrations of NEFA at M1 reflected the condition of negative energy balance. βHB concentrations were stable, that may be related to the number of days postpartum in which the animals were diagnosed. The hyperglycemic condition and the increase in serum cortisol concentrations found at M1 can be induced by the condition of metabolic stress resulting from the disease. Hyperinsulinemia were recorded in the present study could be an important factor related to the pathogenesis of DA, since there seems to be a correlation between hyperinsulinemia and decreased abomasal emptying rate. The RQUICKI and RQUICKI-βHB indices was significantly lower at M1, which may indicate lower sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin at this time. Changes in serum activity of LDH and CK may result from tissue damage due to organ displacement, in addition to damage associated with surgery and the administration of injectable drugs, mainly intramuscularly. The elevation in plasma L-lactate at M1 and in the RDA group may be associated with abomasal hypoperfusion. The high positive correlations found between L-lactate and the variables glucose, insulin, and cortisol reinforcing the association between the concentration of L-lactate and the moment of greatest stress. The increase in cardiac biomarkers may be related to the occurrence of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the abomasum, which involves oxidative stress and the production of inflammatory mediators. The hyperglycemic condition and the higher concentrations of NEFA can also contribute to the occurrence of myocardial injury. The correlations found between cardiac biomarkers and plasma L-lactate, strengthen the idea that there is a relationship between L-lactate and myocardial injury. In this sense, the measurement of blood concentrations of cTnI, CK-MB, and L-lactate could contribute as severity markers and prognosis indicators in cattle with DA.

Emotional intelligence and mood states impact on the stress response to a treadmill ultramarathon

ObjectivesParticipants of ultramarathon events experience a complex interaction of psychophysiological stressors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) on mood states and serum cortisol responses to a 80.5km treadmill ultramarathon. DesignTwelve participants completed an 80.5km time-trial on a motorised treadmill in the fastest possible time. MethodsParticipants’ trait EI was measured prior to the trial. A mood state questionnaire was completed prior (baseline: within two weeks of treadmill ultramarathon), immediately prior (pre: within 30min of commencing treadmill ultramarathon), at 40.25km (halfway: during standardised 10min rest period to allow for venous blood sampling) and on completion of 80.5km (post: immediately on completion of treadmill ultramarathon), along with serum cortisol concentrations measured at the same time points. ResultsCompletion time was 09:00:18±01:14:07 (hhmmss). Significant increase in serum cortisol and total mood disturbance (TMD) was observed throughout the treadmill ultramarathon (p<0.05). Participants with higher trait EI displayed a higher post cortisol concentration (p=0.01) with no change in TMD, compared to those with low trait EI who displayed a significant increase in TMD between pre and halfway (p=0.02). ConclusionsThe treadmill ultramarathon elicited a significant increase in serum cortisol concentration, which was significantly greater in those with a higher trait EI. Those individuals with higher trait EI were more effective at managing their mood, with little change total mood disturbance and perceived effort compared to those with lower trait EI.

Decreased glucocorticoid receptor expression during critical illness.

In critically ill patients, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is activated, resulting in increased serum cortisol concentrations. However, in some patients, especially those with sepsis, cortisol levels are relatively low for the degree of illness severity. Therefore, in the present project, we aim to characterize the time course of glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) alpha and beta expression in peripheral polymorphonuclear cells of critically ill septic or nonseptic patients using real-time PCR. A prospective observational study conducted on 32 critically ill adults not receiving steroids, in a university-affiliated, multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU). Blood samples were collected for measurement of glucocorticoid receptor expression within 24-48hours of admission to the ICU and at days 4, 8 and 13 after admission, reflecting the acute and chronic phase of the illness. During ICU stay, patients expressed over time reduced levels of both GCR-α and GCR-β mRNA. More specifically, GCR-α mRNA expression was decreased fourfold 4days after admission (P<0.0001) and remained low up to 2weeks after admission (P<0.001). On the other hand, GCR-β mRNA levels remained stable shortly after admission, but approx. one week after admission, its levels decreased threefold (P<0.01) and remained reduced up to 2weeks after admission (P<0.001). Our results suggest that critically ill patients have highly variable expression of alpha and beta GCR, and moreover, the levels of both receptors decrease during ICU stay. Taken together, these might explain the differential responsiveness of patients to exogenous steroid administration or to endogenous cortisol secretion.

Effects of different space allowances on growth performance, blood profile and pork quality in a grow-to-finish production system.

ObjectiveThis experiment was conducted to evaluate the optimal space allowance on growth performance, blood profile and pork quality of growing-finishing pigs.MethodsA total of ninety crossbred pigs [(Yorkshire×Landrace)×Duroc, 30.25±1.13 kg] were allocated into three treatments (0.96: four pigs/pen, 0.96 m2/pig; 0.80: five pigs/pen, 0.80 m2/pig; 0.69: six pigs/pen, 0.69 m2/pig) in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were housed in balanced sex and had free access to feed in all phases for 14 weeks (growing phase I, growing phase II, finishing phase I, and finishing phase II).ResultsThere was no statistical difference in growing phase, but a linear decrease was observed on average daily gain (ADG, p<0.01), average daily feed intake (ADFI, p<0.01), and body weight (BW, p<0.01) with decreasing space allowance in late finishing phase. On the other hand, a quadratic effect was observed on gain to feed ratio in early finishing phase (p<0.03). Consequently, overall ADG, ADFI, and final BW linearly declined in response to decreased space allowance (p<0.01). The pH of pork had no significant difference in 1 hour after slaughter, whereas there was a linear decrease in 24 h after slaughter with decreasing space allowance. Floor area allowance did not affect pork colors, but shear force linearly increased as floor space decreased (p<0.01). There was a linear increase in serum cortisol concentration on 14 week (p<0.05) with decreased space allocation. Serum IgG was linearly ameliorated as space allowance increased on 10 week (p<0.05) and 14 week (p<0.01).ConclusionData from current study indicated that stress derived from reduced space allowance deteriorates the immune system as well as growth performance of pigs, resulting in poor pork quality. Recommended adequate space allowance in a grow-to-finish production system is more than 0.80 m2/pig for maximizing growth performance and production efficiency.

Impacts of meloxicam administration before temporary calf weaning on physiological and reproductive responses of Bos indicus beef cows1

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate temperament, physiological, and reproductive variables in beef cows assigned to an estrus synchronization + timed AI protocol including eCG administration, 48-h temporary calf weaning (TCW), or TCW + meloxicam administration. A total of 943 lactating, multiparous, nonpregnant Nelore cows, allocated into 8 groups of approximately 120 cows each, were assigned to the experiment. Groups were maintained in individual pastures and assigned to the following estrus synchronization + timed AI protocol: a 2-mg injection of estradiol benzoate and an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (CIDR) on d 0, a 12.5-mg injection of PGF on d 7, CIDR removal in addition to a 0.6-mg injection of estradiol cypionate on d 9, and timed AI on d 11. Within each group, cows were randomly assigned on d 9 to 1) TCW from d 9 to 11 (TCW-CON; = 317), 2) no TCW and a 300-IU injection of eCG on d 9 (NOTCW; = 311), and 3) TCW-CON in addition to meloxicam administration (intramuscular; 0.5 mg/kg BW) on d 9 (TCW-MEL; = 315). Cow BW and BCS were assessed on d 0. On d 9 and 11, blood samples were collected, and cow temperament was evaluated via chute score and exit velocity. Pregnancy status was verified 30 d after timed AI via transrectal ultrasonography. No treatment differences were detected ( ≥ 0.23) for cow age, days postpartum, BW, and BCS on d 0 of the estrus synchronization + timed AI protocol. No treatment effects were detected ( ≥ 0.41) for any of the temperament variables evaluated. A treatment × day interaction was detected ( = 0.02) for serum cortisol concentrations, which were similar ( = 0.55) between treatments on d 9 but greater ( ≤ 0.05) in TCW-CON and TCW-MEL compared with NOTCW cows on d 11. No treatment effects were detected ( = 0.90) for serum haptoglobin concentrations, which decreased from d 9 to 11 in all treatments (day effect; < 0.01). No treatment differences were detected ( = 0.84) for pregnancy rates to timed AI. In summary, TCW during estrus synchronization did not impact temperament or serum haptoglobin concentrations in beef cows but increased serum cortisol concentrations compared with cows not assigned to TCW, although such an outcome was not sufficient to impact pregnancy rates to timed AI. Moreover, administration of meloxicam did not alleviate the TCW-induced increase in serum cortisol concentrations and failed to benefit pregnancy rates to timed AI in beef cows.

A Comparative Study on the Hemato-Biochemical and Immunological Effects of the Hexavalent FMD Vaccine Alone or in Combination with Trivalent FMD Vaccine in Cattle

Foot and mouth disease is the most contagious disease of mammals and has a great potential for causing severe economic loss in susceptible cloven-hoofed animals. Routine prophylactic vaccination in Egypt from 2012 till now has been conducted with Trivalent and/or hexavalent vaccine of MERIAL, against virus strains (O manisa + O-3039 + A Iran 05 + A Saudi 95 + Asia 1 + Sat2). This study aimed to evaluate the hemato-biochemical and immunological changes associated with the use of hexavalent vaccine alone or in combination with trivalent FMD vaccine. This study was carried out on 24 cattle divided into three groups eight cattle each. Group I served as control. Group II were selected from farms vaccinated with hexavalent FMD vaccine. Group III were selected from farms vaccinated with a combination of trivalent and hexavalent FMD vaccine. The results showed that both vaccinated groups showed a significant increase in total leukocytic count. Sera from hexavalent-trivalent vaccinated cattle demonstrated a significant increase in serum cortisol concentrations. Significant increase in serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase was recorded in animals vaccinated with a combination of hexavalent and trivalent vaccine. In addition, both regimes resulted in a significant increase in serum blood urea nitrogen compared to control. Both regimes induced a significant increase in serum levels of ceruloplasmin while phagocytic activity of neutrophils and phagocytic index was enhanced only by the hexavalent vaccine. Both vaccinated groups had significantly increased serum values of gamma globulins. These results suggested that hexavalent vaccine produced higher levels of safety and protective effects against FMD in cattle as compared to those produced by a combination of hexavalent and trivalent vaccines. It is also advisable to include the hexavalent vaccine within the program of obligatory and imperative vaccination against FMD.

Serum cortisol concentrations during induced hypothermia for perinatal asphyxia are associated with neurological outcome in human infants

Birth asphyxia is a cause of neonatal death or adverse neurological sequelae. Biomarkers can be useful to clinicians in order to optimize intensive care management and communication of prognosis to parents. During perinatal adverse events, increased cortisol secretion is due to hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis activation. We aimed to investigate if cortisol variations during therapeutic hypothermia are associated with neurodevelopmental outcome. We compared 18 cases (neonates with birth asphyxia) with 18 controls (healthy term newborns) and confirmed increased serum cortisol concentrations following the peri-partum adverse event. Among cases, we stratified patients according to neurological outcome at 18 months (group A – good; group B – adverse) and found that after 24 h of therapeutic hypothermia serum cortisol concentration was significantly lower in group A vs group B (28.7 ng/mL vs 344 ng/mL, *p = 0.01). In group B serum, cortisol concentration decreased more gradually during therapeutic hypothermia. We conclude that monitoring serum cortisol concentration during neonatal therapeutic hypothermia can add information to clinical evaluation of neonates with birth asphyxia; cortisol values after the first 24 h of hypothermia can be a biomarker associated with neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months of age.

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone causes an increase in cortisol, but not parathyroid hormone, in dogs

Dogs with spontaneous disorders of glucocorticoid production often have marked disturbances in calcium homeostasis. For example, hypercalcaemia is frequently observed in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism and secondary hyperparathyroidism is a common feature of canine hyperadrenocorticism. The mechanism(s) by which glucocorticoids modulate calcium homeostasis in dogs remains ill-defined. The hypothesis of this study is that a marked increase in serum cortisol concentrations would lead to an immediate negative calcium balance state which would drive a compensatory increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. This hypothesis was investigated by measuring serum cortisol and plasma PTH concentration in 19 dogs before and after administration of adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) hormone. Post ACTH administration, there was a significant increase in serum cortisol, but not PTH, concentrations. The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that an increase in endogenous glucocorticoids influences calcium balance sufficiently to cause an immediate, compensatory increase in parathyroid hormone concentration.

Chronic heat stress in Iranian fat-tailed ram lambs: clinical and paraclinical parameters

BACKGROUND: The effect of heat stress on physiologicalparameters has been well documented. However, there arereports of a genetic based heat tolerance in some sheep breeds.OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to monitor thephysiological responses of an Iranian fat-tailed breed againstheat stress and an acute stress insult. METHODS:Atotal numberof 15 fall-born ram lambs were selected and subjected to directsummer solar radiation throughout the day (May 2009 toFebruary 2010). Ten lambs were semi-castrated in October to seethe physiologic response of animals to an acute stress. Thegeneral parameter as well as blood chemistry and cortisol wereanalyzed during the study. RESULTS: The results showed that allphysiologic parameters had significant changes; however, theirvalues were in normal range. The fact that the animals in thepresent study experienced their first exposure of heat stress anda significant increase in serum cortisol concentration in semicastratedlambs in October, compared to the respected values inthe hottest months of the experiment, may indicate a geneticbased adaptability of the breed in Iran. CONCLUSIONS: Thepresent study shows the dynamic changes of general andbiochemical parameters in response to chronic heat stress and anacute stress that raises a possible tolerance of the breed againstheat stress.

Validation of a low-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test in healthy neonatal foals

To determine the lowest ACTH dose that would induce a significant increase in serum cortisol concentration and identify the time to peak cortisol concentration in healthy neonatal foals. Prospective randomized crossover study. 11 healthy neonatal foals. Saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or 1 of 4 doses (0.02, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/kg [0.009, 0.045, 0.114, and 0.227 μg/lb]) of cosyntropin (synthetic ACTH) was administered IV. Serum cortisol concentrations were measured before and 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after administration of cosyntropin or saline solution; CBCs were performed before and 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after administration. Serum cortisol concentration was significantly increased, compared with baseline, by 10 minutes after cosyntropin administration at doses of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/kg. Serum cortisol concentration peaked 20 minutes after administration of cosyntropin at doses of 0.02, 0.1, and 0.25 μg/kg, with peak concentrations 1.7, 2.0, and 1.9 times the baseline concentration, respectively. Serum cortisol concentration peaked 30 minutes after cosyntropin administration at a dose of 0.5 μg/kg, with peak concentration 2.2 times the baseline concentration. No significant differences were detected among peak serum cortisol concentrations obtained with cosyntropin administration at doses of 0.25 and 0.5 μg/kg. Cosyntropin administration significantly affected the lymphocyte count and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Results suggested that in healthy neonatal foals, the lowest dose of cosyntropin to result in significant adrenal gland stimulation was 0.25 μg/kg, with peak cortisol concentration 20 minutes after cosyntropin administration.

Effects of different positions during transport on physiological and behavioral changes of horses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different transport positions on some physiological parameters in racehorses and their behavior patterns during and after the journey. Twelve horses made 3-hour journeys of 200 km on the same route, with the same driver, and in 3 different positions: facing forward, backward, and sideways in relation to the direction of travel. Physiological and behavioral parameters were registered before, during, and after the journey. Horses were checked at 5 different times: at rest (T0), at loading (T1), at unloading (T2), and at 2 (T3) and 4 (T4) hours after return from the journey. At each check, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were measured and blood samples were collected by jugular vein puncture to assess cortisol, packed cell volume, total protein, albumin, glucose, creatinine, triglycerides, cholesterol, urea, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus, and chlorine. Loading and unloading were filmed. Behavioral patterns were recorded by direct observation, during the travel, 2 and 4 hours after arrival in a new stall. The same parameters were recorded at the same times (excluding loading and unloading) in a control group that did not travel. All data were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis (analysis of variance). Loading produced an increase of heart rate and packed cell volume in comparison with rest values. Horses facing in the direction of travel during journey made fewer forward, backward, and sideways movements than others, whereas horses traveling sideways lost their balance and touched the stall rails less frequently. Highest serum cortisol concentration value was recorded soon after unloading horses that had faced in the direction of travel (P < 0.01). Two hours after return, horses that had traveled sideways revealed an increase of creatine kinase (P < 0.01). The traveling position in the vehicle did not appear to affect postjourney behavior. In comparison with the control group, the horses that had traveled consumed concentrate faster, spent more time eating hay, and drank more frequently in the first 2 hours after return from the journey. Front-facing position led to an increase in serum cortisol concentration, whereas the sideways position caused some muscular tension, which disappeared 4 hours after the journey. Although facing backward was the travel position that provoked the greatest number of horses’ movements, it did not have a negative effect on physiological and behavioral parameters during and after the journey. We concluded that for Standardbred trotters accustomed to travel, the latter may be the less stressful position during a 200-km transport.

Pharmacokinetics and effect of intravenous meloxicam in weaned Holstein calves following scoop dehorning without local anesthesia

BackgroundDehorning is a common practice involving calves on dairy operations in the United States. However, less than 20% of producers report using analgesics or anesthetics during dehorning. Administration of a systemic analgesic drug at the time of dehorning may be attractive to dairy producers since cornual nerve blocks require 10 – 15 min to take effect and only provide pain relief for a few hours. The primary objectives of this trial were to (1) describe the compartmental pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in calves after IV administration at 0.5 mg/kg and (2) to determine the effect of meloxicam (n = 6) or placebo (n = 6) treatment on serum cortisol response, plasma substance P (SP) concentrations, heart rate (HR), activity and weight gain in calves after scoop dehorning and thermocautery without local anesthesia.ResultsPlasma meloxicam concentrations were detectable for 50 h post-administration and fit a 2-compartment model with a rapid distribution phase (mean T½α = 0.22 ± 0.087 h) and a slower elimination phase (mean T½β = 21.86 ± 3.03 h). Dehorning caused a significant increase in serum cortisol concentrations and HR (P < 0.05). HR was significantly lower in the meloxicam-treated calves compared with placebo-treated calves at 8 h (P = 0.039) and 10 h (P = 0.044) after dehorning. Mean plasma SP concentrations were lower in meloxicam treated calves (71.36 ± 20.84 pg/mL) compared with control calves (114.70 ± 20.84 pg/mL) (P = 0.038). Furthermore, the change in plasma SP from baseline was inversely proportional to corresponding plasma meloxicam concentrations (P = 0.008). The effect of dehorning on lying behavior was less significant in meloxicam-treated calves (p = 0.40) compared to the placebo-treated calves (P < 0.01). Calves receiving meloxicam prior to dehorning gained on average 1.05 ± 0.13 kg bodyweight/day over 10 days post-dehorning compared with 0.40 ± 0.25 kg bodyweight/day in the placebo-treated calves (p = 0.042).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first published report examining the effects of meloxicam without local anesthesia on SP, activity and performance of calves post-dehorning. These findings suggest that administration of meloxicam alone immediately prior to dehorning does not mitigate signs of acute distress but may have long term physiological, behavior and performance effects.

Validation of a low-dose ACTH stimulation test in healthy adult horses

To determine the lowest ACTH dose that would induce a maximum increase in serum cortisol concentration in healthy adult horses and identify the time to peak cortisol concentration. Evaluation study. 8 healthy adult horses. Saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or 1 of 4 doses (0.02, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/kg [0.009, 0.045, 0.114, and 0.227 μg/lb]) of cosyntropin (synthetic ACTH) were administered IV (5 treatments/horse). Serum cortisol concentrations were measured before and 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after injection of cosyntropin or saline solution; CBCs were performed before and 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after injection. For all 4 doses, serum cortisol concentration was significantly increased, compared with the baseline value, by 30 minutes after administration of cosyntropin; no significant differences were detected among maximum serum cortisol concentrations obtained in response to administration of doses of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/kg. Serum cortisol concentration peaked 30 minutes after administration of cosyntropin at a dose of 0.02 or 0.1 μg/kg, with peak concentrations 1.5 and 1.9 times, respectively, the baseline concentration. Serum cortisol concentration peaked 90 minutes after administration of cosyntropin at a dose of 0.25 or 0.5 μg/kg, with peak concentrations 2.0 and 2.3 times, respectively, the baseline concentration. Cosyntropin administration significantly affected WBC, neutrophil, and eosinophil counts and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Results suggested that in healthy horses, administration of cosyntropin at a dose of 0.1 μg/kg resulted in maximum adrenal stimulation, with peak cortisol concentration 30 minutes after cosyntropin administration.

Effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone and flunixin meglumine on pregnancy retention in beef cows1

Pregnancy loss in beef cattle after d 28 of gestation is variable, but it has been reported to be as great as 14% and has been related to transportation or handling stress. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether activation of the hypophyseal-adrenal axis with ACTH would mimic a stressful response and cause pregnancy loss in beef cattle. A secondary objective was to determine if a single injection of the PG synthesis inhibitor flunixin meglumine would attenuate the stress response and suppress serum PGF(2α) concentrations to prevent pregnancy loss. Forty nonlactating beef cows that were 34 ± 0.33 d pregnant were used for this study. In a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, cows were randomly assigned to receive ACTH [0 or 0.5 IU/kg of BW, intramuscularly (i.m.)] at 0 and 2 h of the study and flunixin meglumine (0, 1.1, or 2.2 mg/kg of BW, i.m.) at 0 h. Blood samples were collected from all cows at 0 h and every 30 min for 4 h to measure serum cortisol and PGF(2α) metabolite (PGFM) concentrations. Rectal temperature was collected for each cow at 0, 120, and 240 min. Pregnancy exams were conducted 31 and 58 d after treatment by transrectal ultrasonography, and the presence of a fetal heartbeat was used as an indicator of fetal viability. Serum cortisol concentration was affected (P < 0.01) by ACTH, time, and the interaction of ACTH × time, but not by flunixin meglumine (P ≥ 0.14) or any other interactions. Cortisol concentrations increased (P < 0.01) in the serum of ACTH-treated cows immediately after ACTH treatment and remained increased (P < 0.01) throughout the 4-h sampling period. Serum PGFM concentration was not affected by ACTH (P = 0.97) or by any interactions (P > 0.35) with ACTH, but was affected (P < 0.01) by flunixin meglumine, time, and the interaction of flunixin meglumine × time. Regardless of dosage (1.1 or 2.2 mg/kg of BW), flunixin meglumine decreased (P < 0.01) serum PGFM concentrations in both ACTH-treated and control cows for the duration of the study. Although ACTH treatment induced a prolonged increase in serum cortisol concentration, none of the cows used in this study lost a pregnancy. In conclusion, the activation of the hypophyseal-adrenal axis with ACTH increased serum cortisol concentrations but did not increase serum concentrations of PGFM or cause pregnancy loss during early gestation in cows. Flunixin meglumine treatment suppressed serum PGFM concentrations in control and ACTH-treated cows.

Effects of housing and short-term transportation on hormone and lymphocyte receptor concentrations in beef cattle

The experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of housing system and short-term transportation on the pituitary and adrenal response and on blood progesterone concentrations of beef cattle. Since the use of steroid hormones in farm animals has been banned in the EU (Council Directive 96/22/EC), it seems important to study the possible modifications in serum progesterone concentrations induced by stress in cattle. Thirty-two, 6 months old male Piedmontese beef cattle (16 reared in a littered loose house, Group A, and 16 housed in a littered tying stall barn, Group B) were blood sampled at T1 (6 months old), T2 (12 months old), T3 (18 months old, before transportation to the slaughterhouse) and T4 (after transportation to the slaughterhouse) in order to measure hormonal concentrations and lymphocyte glucocorticoid (GR) and β-adrenergic (β-AR) receptor concentrations. Circulating hormone concentrations were measured using commercial radioimmunoassay kits, whereas lymphocyte receptor density was determined through binding assays. In beef cattle housed in tie stall barn a significant increase in serum cortisol concentration was observed at T3, whereas there was no effect of the housing system on blood progesterone concentrations. Short-term transportation caused a significant increase in blood cortisol and catecholamine concentrations in both groups, whereas lymphocyte GR and β-AR significantly decreased in Group A. Our data confirm the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the catecholaminergic system in short-term transportation and suggest that the stress-induced increase in circulating progesterone concentrations does not exceed the limit established by pending legislation.

Comparison of pain and postoperative stress in dogs undergoing natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, laparoscopic, and open oophorectomy

Few studies are available to compare the potential benefits of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) approaches to traditional surgery. To compare complications, surgical stress, and postoperative pain. Prospective study in dogs. Research laboratory. Thirty dogs. Oophorectomy procedures were performed via NOTES and laparoscopic and traditional open surgery. Operative time, pain scores, systemic stress parameters (cortisol, glucose), surgical stress markers (interleukin 6, C-reactive protein), 3-day observation. Median operative times were 76, 44, and 35 minutes for the NOTES, laparoscopic, and open procedures, respectively, with the NOTES procedure being significantly longer than the other 2 procedures. All ovaries were completely excised, and all the animals survived without complications. The NOTES animals had greater increases in serum cortisol concentrations at 2 hours but no statistically significant differences in glucose concentrations compared with the other groups. Serum interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein concentrations were significantly increased at specific times compared with baseline in the NOTES group, but not in the open or laparoscopic surgery groups. Based on the cumulative pain score and nociceptive thresholds, the animals in the NOTES group demonstrated less evidence of pain. Small sample size, limited follow-up. Although the NOTES oophorectomy procedures took approximately twice as long and there may be more evidence of tissue damage as judged by increases in serum cortisol and interleukin 6 concentrations, the dogs in the NOTES group had lower pain scores, especially when compared with animals undergoing open surgery.

Effects of very short rest periods on immunoglobulin A and cortisol responses to resistance exercise in men

There are few data relating to stress levels and immune function, prior to, and following acute bout of resistance exercise with varying rest intervals between sets in young resistance trained men. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of varying rest intervals on serum IgA and cortisol concentrations during heavy resistance exercise (RE). Ten resistance-trained men completed 3 exercise bouts of 4 sets of bench press and squat to exhaustion at 85% of one repetition maximum (1RM) with 60-, 90- or 120-second rest intervals. Blood samples collected at rest (PRE), immediately post-exercise (POST), and 30-min post-exercise (30Post) were analyzed for IgA, cortisol and lactate levels. Data were analyzed using 3×3 repeated measures analysis of variance. The results showed there was not any significant differences between serum IgA levels of three protocols in pre-test and post-test (P>0.05). However, serum cortisol concentrations were significantly different between and within protocols (P < 0.05). We conclude that short rest intervals between sets in resistance training programs do not suppress IgA secretion. However, short rest intervals induce increase in serum cortisol concentration.

Effects of short-term stress-like cortisol on cerebral metabolism: A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study at 3.0 T

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that glucocorticoids disturb cognitive performance and neuronal integrity. MR spectroscopy studies have tried to track these effects and correlate long-term effects of glucocorticoids with concentration changes of cerebral metabolites. However, a systematic spectroscopic study on short-term exposure to corticosteroids, in a dosage sufficient to impair memory performance, is lacking. Thus, it is not known when glucocorticoid effects become visible at 1H-MRS in vivo. Therefore, employing localized 1H-MRS at 3 T we quantitatively investigated the effects of a 4-day cortisol exposure (160 mg/d) on brain metabolites in vivo in a double blind and placebo-controlled cross-over study of 21 healthy subjects. Spectroscopic measurements were performed in four different brain regions, including the posterior cingulate gyrus, right frontal white matter, left and right anterior hippocampus using the PRESS method. Our results show, after 4 days of cortisol intake and despite a nearly 3-fold increase in serum cortisol concentration, for none of the investigated metabolites a significant corticosteroid-induced concentration change. Our results show that contrary to reported long-term effects, short-term hydrocortisone exposure at a stress-like dosage does not lead to changes of prominent cerebral metabolites, including N-acetylaspartate, creatine and phosphocreatine, choline-containing metabolites, myo-inositol and glutamate.