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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Res Commun / Catecholamine and cortisol responses of horses to incrementa...
Veterinary research communications1998; 22(2); 107-118; doi: 10.1023/a:1006027429526

Catecholamine and cortisol responses of horses to incremental exertion.

Abstract: The responses of the plasma concentrations of catecholamines and cortisol in horses to varied relative intensities of exertion were examined. The plasma concentrations of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine increased significantly (p < 0.05) with exertion. The plasma cortisol concentrations at relative work intensities of 48.3% +/- 1.4%, 82.3% +/- 2.0% and 99.6% +/- 0.4% of VO2max were 114%, 124%, and 126%, respectively, of those at rest, whereas the plasma epinephrine concentrations were 239%, 772% and 3483%, and the norepinephrine concentrations were 138%, 255%, and 1121% of the values at rest. There was a significant (p < 0.0001) relationship between the plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations. The blood lactate concentration and the plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were significantly (p 0.05). This study demonstrates a relationship between work intensity and indicators of adrenal medullary and sympathetic activity during brief exertion in horses.
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Publication Date: 1998-05-01 PubMed ID: 9563169DOI: 10.1023/a:1006027429526Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study investigates how the plasma concentrations of hormones, which include catecholamines and cortisol, in horses change at different levels of physical exertion. It found a clear increase in the concentrations of these stress hormones with increased intensity of physical activity.

Understanding the Study’s Background and Purpose

  • The research aimed to understand the physiological responses of horses during various degrees of physical effort.
  • The primary focus was on analyzing plasma concentrations of two types of catecholamines—epinephrine and norepinephrine—and cortisol, which are hormones typically associated with stress and physical activity.

Key Findings

  • The study discovered that the levels of plasma cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine all increased significantly with escalated effort.
  • There were different increases in plasma cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentration at 48.3%, 82.3%, and 99.6% of maximal oxygen consumption, with the highest observed at nearly maximum exertion.
  • The researchers found a significant correlation between plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentration, indicating that both these hormones were affected in a similar way by increasing work intensity.
  • Furthermore, a strong relationship was established between the blood lactate concentration and both plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations. In contrast, there were no significant relationships between plasma cortisol concentration and work intensity or blood lactate concentration, implying that cortisol responses might not be directly related to the work intensity or to changes in blood lactate levels.

Conclusion and Implication

  • This study underscores a significant relationship between work intensity and signs of adrenal medulla and sympathetic nerve activity during short bouts of exertion in horses.
  • The findings could be useful in improving the management of horses’ physical activity and potentially reducing the risk of overexertion, stress, or injury. They could also indirectly contribute to improving performance and health status in horses, through better understanding of their physiological responses to different levels of work intensity.

Cite This Article

APA
Jimenez M, Hinchcliff KW, Farris JW. (1998). Catecholamine and cortisol responses of horses to incremental exertion. Vet Res Commun, 22(2), 107-118. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1006027429526

Publication

Veterinary research communications
ISSN: 0165-7380
NlmUniqueID: 8100520
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 22
Issue: 2
Pages: 107-118

Researcher Affiliations

Jimenez, M
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, USA.
Hinchcliff, K W
    Farris, J W

      MeSH Terms

      • Adrenal Medulla / physiology
      • Animals
      • Epinephrine / blood
      • Female
      • Horses / physiology
      • Hydrocortisone / blood
      • Hydrocortisone / metabolism
      • Lactates / blood
      • Models, Biological
      • Norepinephrine / blood
      • Oxygen Consumption
      • Physical Exertion / physiology
      • Reference Values

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      Citations

      This article has been cited 3 times.
      1. Ferlazzo A, Cravana C, Fazio E, Medica P. The different hormonal system during exercise stress coping in horses. Vet World 2020 May;13(5):847-859.
        doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.847-859pubmed: 32636578google scholar: lookup
      2. Hennes N, Tutin L, Foury A, Vancassel S, Bourguignon H, Duluard A, Ruet A, Lansade L. Exploring the association between stress-related hormonal changes, behaviours and facial movements after an interval training exercise in French Standardbred. PLoS One 2025;20(11):e0328430.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328430pubmed: 41191577google scholar: lookup
      3. Cravana C, Medica P, Fazio E, Satué K, Brancato G, La Fauci D, Bruschetta G. Circulating ACTH and Cortisol Investigations in Standardbred Racehorses Under Training and Racing Sessions. Vet Sci 2025 May 19;12(5).
        doi: 10.3390/vetsci12050493pubmed: 40431586google scholar: lookup
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