Drugs affecting the hematologic system of the performance horse.

The study revolves around the significant impact of pharmacological changes in blood properties on the oxygen transportation during a horse’s exercise. It sheds light on erythropoiesis, the blood’s responses to training and exercise, and their effects on the horse’s performance. The research further discusses the effects of hematinics, stimulants promoting blood cell production, and alterations in blood rheology. It also touches upon the influences of exercise on blood clotting, fibrinolysis, platelet function, and the effects of drugs altering these components.

Erythropoiesis and its Influence on Exercise Performance

• The study explains the process of erythropoiesis, which is the production of red blood cells. It highlights how this process can be influenced by exercise and training, thereby affecting the performance of the horse.
• Understanding erythropoiesis is significant because red blood cells are responsible for the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to the working muscles of the horse during exercise. Any change in their number or functionality directly impacts the oxygen availability during physical exertion.

Effects of Hematinics and Hematopoietic Stimulants

• The research delves into the effects of different drugs on the horse’s blood and performance. Hematinics, drugs that increase the hemoglobin content or red blood cells in the blood, can possibly enhance the horse’s performance by improving oxygen delivery during exercise.
• Similarly, it discusses hematopoietic stimulants which invigorate the production of blood cells. This effect can also improve exercise efficiency as increased blood cells could lead to better oxygen transportation and nutrient supply to the working muscles.

Changes in Blood Rheology

• The study discusses how the rheology (flow property) of the horse’s blood changes with physical training and exercise, and how such changes can influence the exercise efficiency of the horse.
• Understanding these changes is critical because the blood’s ability to flow and transport oxygen efficiently plays a crucial role in exercising muscles.

The Role of Exercise in Blood Coagulation, Fibrinolysis and Platelet Function

• The research shows how exercise influences various blood properties, including coagulation (blood clotting), fibrinolysis (the breakdown of blood clots), and platelet function, which are necessary for preventing uncontrolled bleeding and promoting wound healing.
• It further analyzes the effects of drugs that alter these blood properties, providing insights into how they can influence the performance of the horse.