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Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition2020; 104(2); 679-689; doi: 10.1111/jpn.13279

Diagnostic orientation values for ACTH and other parameters for clinically healthy donkeys and mules (insulin, triglycerides, glucose, fructosamines, and ɣ-GT).

Abstract: Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction is the most prevalent endocrine disease in horses. Although donkeys and mules may also be affected, only a few data have been published. Reference values for diagnostic parameters, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), are especially scarce or even lacking. Therefore, in the present study, available data from the literature have been verified and completed to facilitate a reliable diagnosis. Clinical inspections and haematological and biochemical examinations were carried out four times in a three-month interval (February to November) in 44 donkeys and 31 mules. Data from clinically healthy animals were used as an orientation. Plasma ACTH concentrations showed seasonal changes in both animal groups. However, it was generally higher in donkeys than mules. Although blood glucose (EDTA plasma) showed no difference between groups, serum insulin concentrations were consistently higher in donkeys. Serum fructosamine levels were slightly higher in mules, whereas, in some cases, serum triglyceride levels were considerably higher in donkeys. Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase showed a striking peak in mules in August, whereas the remaining gamma-glutamyltransferase values were lower compared to donkeys. By comparing donkeys and mules, the present work reveals differences in various blood parameters which should be considered for diagnoses and future studies.
© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition published by Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2020-01-03 PubMed ID: 31900994DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13279Google 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 study aims to establish diagnostic reference values for different health-related parameters like adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), insulin, blood glucose, etc., in donkeys and mules, which are currently lacking. The results show differences in these parameters between donkeys and mules, highlighting the need for their consideration in disease diagnosis and future health-related studies.

Research Context and Methodology

  • The research study was initiated to fill the knowledge gap concerning diagnostic parameters of endocrine disease, particularly Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, in donkeys and mules. Although this is a common disorder in horses, data for donkeys and mules are sparse. The study embarked on verifying and completing available data from past sources to set dependable standards for diagnosis.
  • As part of the study, clinical checks along with haematological and biochemical examinations were conducted four times in three months on 44 donkeys and 31 mules. Data collected from clinically healthy animals were used as a benchmark for interpretation.

Study Findings

  • The study reported observable seasonal variations in plasma ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) concentrations in both animal groups. However, the levels were generally higher in donkeys than mules. ACTH is a hormone that regulates the levels of the steroid hormone cortisol, which is released from the adrenal gland.
  • There was no significant difference in blood glucose levels between donkeys and mules, yet serum insulin concentrations were consistently higher in donkeys. This finding implies that comparative insulin resistance could be higher in donkeys, which may have implications for the management and diagnosis of metabolic diseases.
  • Serum fructosamine levels, which reflect blood glucose concentrations over a period of two to three weeks, were slightly higher in mules. On the other hand, serum triglyceride levels were notably higher in donkeys in some cases. This could indicate underlying metabolic disorders or nutritional issues.
  • For serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), an enzyme indicating liver disease, there was an unexpected peak in mules in August. Despite this, the remaining GGT values came out lower when compared to donkeys.

Implications of the Study

  • This study elucidates variable difference in crucial blood parameters between donkeys and mules. These findings have crucial implications for clinical diagnosis and assessments of health status in these animals.
  • The established reference values will aid in the early detection and management of different health disorders in these animals, an area earlier challenged by lack of specific diagnostic parameters.
  • The study necessitates considering species differences in future research studies to avoid biased outcomes and help plan individualised care.

Cite This Article

APA
Gehlen H, Twickel S, Stöckle S, Weber C, Bartmann CP. (2020). Diagnostic orientation values for ACTH and other parameters for clinically healthy donkeys and mules (insulin, triglycerides, glucose, fructosamines, and ɣ-GT). J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl), 104(2), 679-689. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13279

Publication

Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition
ISSN: 1439-0396
NlmUniqueID: 101126979
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 104
Issue: 2
Pages: 679-689

Researcher Affiliations

Gehlen, Heidrun
  • Equine Clinic, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Twickel, Sophie
  • Equine Clinic, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
  • Equine Praxis Dr. Rieland, Warburg, Germany.
Stöckle, Sabita
  • Equine Clinic, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Weber, Corinna
  • LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, Bad Kissingen, Germany.
Bartmann, Claus P
  • Pack Animal Company of the German Armed Forces 230, Bad Reichenhall, Germany.

MeSH Terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose
  • Equidae / blood
  • Fructosamine / analogs & derivatives
  • Fructosamine / blood
  • Insulin / blood
  • Reference Values
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase / blood

Grant Funding

  • Boehringer Ingelheim

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
  1. Goodrich EL, Llanos-Soto SG, Ivanek R, Pinn-Woodcock T, Frye E, Wells A, Purdy SR, Berryhill E, Place NJ. Both Season and Equid Type Affect Endogenous Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Concentrations in Healthy Donkeys, Mules and Hinnies in the United States. Animals (Basel) 2026 Jan 16;16(2).
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