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Equine veterinary journal2011; 44(4); 440-443; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00444.x

Circannual variation in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations in the UK in normal horses and ponies, and those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.

Abstract: Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a common endocrinopathy, frequently diagnosed via plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations. Seasonal variation in plasma ACTH concentrations has been described in normal horses prompting caution in diagnosing PPID at certain times of the year. The aims of this study were to determine appropriate reference intervals for equine plasma ACTH throughout the year; and to examine the circannual variation of plasma ACTH concentrations in PPID cases. Objective: Plasma ACTH can be used as a test for PPID throughout the year with the use of appropriate reference intervals. Methods: Data for reference interval calculations were obtained from samples collected from inpatients of Liphook Equine Hospital (non-PPID group, n=156). Data from PPID cases (n=941) were obtained from samples submitted to the Liphook Equine Hospital Laboratory from horses with a clinical suspicion of PPID found to have plasma ACTH concentrations greater than our upper reference interval for that time of year. Results: Upper limits for reference interval of plasma ACTH were 29 pg/ml between November and July and 47 pg/ml between August and October. Circannual variation in plasma ACTH occurred in both non-PPID and PPID horses with the highest ACTH concentrations found between August and October in both groups (P<0.0001). The greatest difference between the 2 populations also occurred between August and October. Conclusions: Plasma ACTH can be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of PPID throughout the year with the use of appropriate reference intervals. These findings demonstrate an increase in pituitary gland secretory activity during the late summer and autumn in both normal and PPID cases.
© 2011 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2011-08-18 PubMed ID: 21848531DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00444.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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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 research article focuses on the study of Plasma Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ACTH levels in normal horses and ponies and those diagnosed with a common endocrinopathy, Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID). The objective was to establish reference intervals for equine plasma ACTH throughout the year and observe its circannual variation in PPID cases. The study found that ACTH can be used as a diagnostic tool for PPID all year round with varying reference intervals, and a noted increase in pituitary gland secretory activity was observed during late summer and autumn in both normal and PPID cases.

Objective and Methodology

  • The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the usability of plasma ACTH as a testing method for PPID throughout the year and determine the yearly reference intervals for this hormone in horses.
  • The research method involved collecting and analyzing samples from inpatients at Liphook Equine Hospital. This involved a non-PPID group consisting of 156 cases and 941 cases that had a clinical suspicion of PPID.

Results of the Study

  • The results derived showed the upper limits for the plasma ACTH reference interval was 29 pg/ml between November and July and 47 pg/ml between August and October. Thus, revealing a yearly cyclical variation in ACTH levels.
  • The highest ACTH concentrations were found between August and October in both non-PPID and PPID groups showing a significant increase in pituitary gland secretory activity during the late summer and autumn.
  • The biggest difference between the two populations, non-PPID and PPID, was also observed between August and October.

Conclusions Drawn

  • The conclusions made from this research show that plasma ACTH can be effectively used for the diagnosis and monitoring of PPID all year round when appropriate reference intervals are applied.
  • The findings also showcase an increased activity of the pituitary gland in both normal horses and those with PPID during the late summer and autumn.

Cite This Article

APA
Copas VE, Durham AE. (2011). Circannual variation in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations in the UK in normal horses and ponies, and those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Equine Vet J, 44(4), 440-443. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00444.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 44
Issue: 4
Pages: 440-443

Researcher Affiliations

Copas, V E N
  • The Liphook Equine Hospital, Hampshire, UK. v.copas@theleh.co.uk
Durham, A E

    MeSH Terms

    • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
    • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism
    • Animals
    • Female
    • Horse Diseases / blood
    • Horses
    • Male
    • Pituitary Diseases / blood
    • Pituitary Diseases / metabolism
    • Pituitary Diseases / veterinary
    • Pituitary Gland, Intermediate / metabolism
    • Seasons
    • Time Factors

    Citations

    This article has been cited 26 times.
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