Abstract: The study was conducted to investigate variations in the immunophysiological responses to exercise-induced stress in Jeju and Thoroughbred horses. Methods: Blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of adult Jeju (n = 5) and Thoroughbred (n = 5) horses before and after 30 min of exercise. The hematological, biochemical, and immunological profiles of the blood samples were analyzed. Blood smears were stained and observed under a microscope. The concentration of cell-free (cf) DNA in the plasma was determined using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear cells were separated using Polymorphprep, and the expression of various stress-related and chemokine receptor genes was measured using reverse transcriptase (RT) and real-time PCR. Results: After exercise, Jeju and Thoroughbred horses displayed stress responses with significantly increased rectal temperatures, cortisol levels, and muscle catabolism-associated metabolites. Red blood cell indices were significantly higher in Thoroughbred horses than in Jeju horses after exercise. In addition, exercise-induced stress triggered the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and reduced platelet counts in Jeju horses but not in Thoroughbred horses. Heat shock protein 72 and heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 6 expression is rapidly modulated in response to exercise-induced stress in the PBMCs of Jeju horses. The expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 in PBMCs was higher in Thoroughbred horses than in Jeju horses after exercise. Conclusions: In summary, the different immunophysiological responses of Jeju and Thoroughbred horses explain the differences in the physiological and anatomical properties of the two breeds. The physiology of Thoroughbred horses makes them suitable for racing as they are less sensitive to exercise-induced stress compared to that of Jeju horses. This study provides a basis for investigating the link between exercise-induced stresses and the physiological alteration of horses. Hence, our findings show that some of assessed parameters could be used to determine the endurance performance of horses.
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This research examines how stress from exercise affects the health and function of two different horse breeds, Jeju and Thoroughbred. The study observed differences in how these breeds handle stress, with Thoroughbred horses being less susceptible to stress from exercise than Jeju horses.
Methodology
The researchers collected blood from the animals, five Jeju horses and five Thoroughbred horses, and analyzed it both before and after they exercised for 30 minutes. Sample analysis focused on various hematological, biochemical, and immunological factors.
Blood smears were created for microscopic examination.
The content of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique for amplifying small amounts of DNA.
Specific types of immune cells, namely peripheral blood mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear cells, were isolated through a procedure called Polymorphprep, and the expression of several stress-response and chemokine receptor genes was measured.
Results
Both breeds showed signs of stress following exercise in the form of raised rectal temperatures, cortisol levels, and muscle catabolism-associated metabolites.
After exercising, Thoroughbred horses had increased red blood cell indices when compared to Jeju horses.
Exercise-induced stress led to the formation of structures known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and a reduction in platelet counts in Jeju horses, but not in Thoroughbred horses.
After exercise, Jeju horses showed quick changes in expression of the genes for heat shock protein 72 and heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 6 in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
The expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was higher in Thoroughbred horses than Jeju horses post-exercise.
Conclusions
The different reactions of Jeju and Thoroughbred horses to exercise-induced stress are believed to be linked with the physiological and anatomical differences between the two breeds.
Thoroughbred horses are better suited for racing, as they show lower sensitivity to exercise-induced stress compared to Jeju horses.
The findings offer a solid foundation for further research to explore the connection between exercise-induced stress and physiological changes in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Khummuang S, Lee HG, Joo SS, Park JW, Choi JY, Oh JH, Kim KH, Youn HH, Kim M, Cho BW.
(2019).
Comparison for immunophysiological responses of Jeju and Thoroughbred horses after exercise.
Asian-Australas J Anim Sci, 33(3), 424-435.
https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.19.0260
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