Effect of glucocorticoids on serum osteocalcin concentration in horses.

The research focuses on the impact of glucocorticoids specifically dexamethasone and methylprednisolone acetate, on the concentration of osteocalcin and cortisol in the blood serum of horses. The study observed a significant decrease in these concentrations following intravenous, oral and intramuscular treatments with dexamethasone, while no changes were noted when methylprednisolone was administered intra-articularly.

Study Design

• Researchers examined the effects of two types of glucocorticoids, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone acetate, on the concentrations of osteocalcin and cortisol in horse serum.
• The glucocorticoid dexamethasone was administered in different ways including intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), and orally (PO) at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg of body weight.
• Methylprednisolone acetate at a dose of 120 mg was given intra-articularly.
• The study was carried out on 6 horses and blood serum concentrations of osteocalcin and cortisol were closely monitored after each treatment.

Results

• A noticeable decrease in serum osteocalcin and cortisol concentrations was observed from 12 to 24 hours and 2 to 48 hours respectively, after IV and IM dexamethasone administrations.
• Following oral administration of dexamethasone, osteocalcin and cortisol levels significantly reduced from 6 to 48 and 3 to 72 hours respectively.
• In contrast, changes in osteocalcin levels were not observed after the intra-articular administration of methylprednisolone acetate.
• The research determined that administration of 0.2 mg of dexamethasone/kg via oral, intravenous, or intramuscular methods leads to a decrease in serum osteocalcin concentration in horses.

Interpretation

• The research concludes that dexamethasone, when administered either orally, via injection into a vein or muscle, significantly reduces the concentration of osteocalcin and cortisol in horse serum.
• However, the intra-articular administration of methylprednisolone acetate showed no significant effect on these parameters.