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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J Suppl / Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and renin-angiotensin-al...
Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2011; (38); 83-90; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00211.x

Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-vasopressin axis in successful and unsuccessful endurance horses.

Abstract: Limited information exists concerning the defence of homeostasis during endurance competitions and the relationship with performance. Objective: This research analysed renin (REN), angiotensin II (ANG), aldosterone (ALD) and vasopressin (AVP) in horses covering different distances, assesses differences between successful and eliminated horses and evaluates correlations between hydration status, renal function, electrolytes, REN, ANG, ALD and AVP. Methods: Packed cell volume (PCV), velocity and serum concentrations of REN, ANG, ALD, AVP, Na, K, Cl, Ca, Mg, P, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total proteins (TSP), albumin (ALB), serum uric nitrogen (SUN), creatinine (CREAT) and lactate were analysed in both successful horses (SH) and in horses eliminated due to metabolic problems (MH). Two types of competition were studied: 91 km in one day (Competition A: 20 SH, 9 MH) and 166 km in 2 days, 83 km/day (Competition B: 10 SH and 5 MH). Results: Research analysed renin was not affected by exercise, whereas ANG, ALD and AVP increased. In the SH group, resting ALD and AVP concentrations at the beginning of the second day of Competition B were higher than preride values. Vasopressin did not change during the second day of Competition B, whereas ALD progressively increased. Metabolic problems of both groups showed more evident dehydration (higher PCV, TSP, ALB, SUN and CREAT) and electrolyte alterations (more intense decreases of Na and Cl) than SH at the different sampling times. Metabolic problems presented higher ALD and AVP concentrations. Angiotensin II was higher at certain sampling times in the horses. Conclusions: Endurance horses with dehydration and electrolyte disturbances showed a more intense activation of the REN-ANG-ALD-AVP axis. Conclusions: The study of the response of the REN-ANG-ALD-AVP axis during prolonged exercise in horses with different performance will aid to minimise the risk of metabolic diseases during competitions.
© 2010 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2011-05-27 PubMed ID: 21058987DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00211.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research analyses the impact of prolonged exercise on homeostasis in endurance horses and the link this has with their performance. The study reveals that horses with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances show more intense activation of their renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-vasopressin (REN-ANG-ALD-AVP) axis.

Understanding Homeostasis and the REN-ANG-ALD-AVP Axis

  • The REN-ANG-ALD-AVP axis is a hormonal system in the body that helps regulate blood pressure, body fluid and sodium balance. It includes four key hormones: renin, angiotensin II, aldosterone, and vasopressin.
  • Endurance competitions require sustained high-level performance which can disrupt homeostasis, the state of equilibrium within the body. Specifically, prolonged exercises can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, triggering the REN-ANG-ALD-AVP axis as a defense mechanism.

Research Methodology

  • This study analysed various blood parameters in horses participating in two types of endurance competitions – ones covering 91 km in one day (Competition A), and the other covering 166 km across two days (Competition B).
  • For each competition, the horses were divided into two groups: successful horses (SH) that managed to finish the race, and horses eliminated due to metabolic problems (MH).
  • Key measurements included: serum concentrations of the four key hormones (REN, ANG, ALD, AVP), serum concentrations of electrolytes like Na, K, Cl, Ca, Mg, P, as well as other markers like creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and total proteins.

Findings of the Study

  • Exercise did not affect renin, but increased levels of ANG, ALD, and AVP. Specifically, resting ALD and AVP concentrations were higher in SH at the start of day two in Competition B.
  • Horses with metabolic problems showed higher dehydration and electrolyte alterations – they had higher levels of ALD, AVP, as well as certain parameters indicating dehydration (higher PCV, TSP, ALB, SUN and CREAT).
  • Dehydrated horses and those with electrolyte imbalances showed a more intense activation of the REN-ANG-ALD-AVP axis, suggesting the body’s defence mechanism was struggling to maintain homeostasis.

Conclusions of the Study

  • Monitoring the response of the REN-ANG-ALD-AVP axis during prolonged exercise in endurance horses can help to minimise the risk of metabolic diseases during competitions.
  • Following the body’s efforts to maintain homeostasis during endurance competitions explains the potential performance variations and health risks for horses in these events.

Cite This Article

APA
Muñoz A, Riber C, Trigo P, Castejón-Riber C, Castejón FM. (2011). Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-vasopressin axis in successful and unsuccessful endurance horses. Equine Vet J Suppl(38), 83-90. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00211.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 38
Pages: 83-90

Researcher Affiliations

Muñoz, A
  • Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain. pv1mujua@uco.es
Riber, C
    Trigo, P
      Castejón-Riber, C
        Castejón, F M

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Dehydration / blood
          • Dehydration / veterinary
          • Electrolytes / blood
          • Horse Diseases / blood
          • Horse Diseases / metabolism
          • Horses
          • Physical Endurance
          • Renin-Angiotensin System / physiology
          • Sports
          • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / blood
          • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / veterinary

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