FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / J Vet Med Sci / Evaluation of the effect of glucocorticoid treatment on adre...
The Journal of veterinary medical science2023; 85(6); 647-652; doi: 10.1292/jvms.23-0011

Evaluation of the effect of glucocorticoid treatment on adrenocortical functions by monitoring endogenous hydrocortisone in horses.

Abstract: Glucocorticoid preparations have anti-inflammatory effects, and are commonly used in the equine clinical setting; however, such treatments can cause a number of side effects. Adrenal insufficiency is an adverse effect induced by the suppression of adrenal function following drug administration. This study aimed to investigate the influence of two glucocorticoid preparations, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone, on adrenocortical function in horses. The usual doses of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone preparations in equine practice were administered intramuscularly to six horses, and peripheral blood was collected at different time points. Concentrations of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone in the plasma, before and after drug administration, were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Considering circadian rhythms in endogenous hydrocortisone levels, hormone concentrations, before and after drug administration, were compared at the same time of the day. Plasma dexamethasone concentrations were below the limit of quantification at 72 hr post-administration. Plasma hydrocortisone concentrations were significantly lower from 1 to 72 hr after administration. After hydrocortisone preparation administration, plasma hydrocortisone levels were significantly higher until 9 hr, and significantly lower at 24 and 48 hr. The suppression rate of endogenous hydrocortisone ranged over 2.2-5.3% with dexamethasone treatment and 17.5-45.7% with hydrocortisone treatment. The study clearly indicated the effects of glucocorticoids on adrenocortical function in horses and provided basic knowledge about the selection and prescription of glucocorticoid preparations and setting the withdrawal times in equine clinical setting.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2023-05-08 PubMed ID: 37150610PubMed Central: PMC10315556DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0011Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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.

This research focused on the adverse effects of glucocorticoid treatments, specifically dexamethasone and hydrocortisone, on adrenocortical functions in horses. The study measured hormone concentrations in the plasma before and after drug administration to ascertain the extent of adrenal suppression caused by these treatments.

Research Methodology

  • The research involved six horses who were administered typical doses of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone intramuscularly.
  • Peripheral blood was collected from the horses at various intervals.
  • The research team utilized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to measure plasma concentrations of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone before and after drug administration.
  • To account for changes in endogenous hydrocortisone levels linked to circadian rhythms, the team compared hormone concentrations at the same time of day before and after drug delivery.

Key Findings

  • At 72 hours post-administration, plasma dexamethasone concentrations were found to be below the limit of quantification.
  • Plasma hydrocortisone concentrations proved significantly lower anywhere from 1 to 72 hours after administration.
  • Plasma hydrocortisone levels were found significantly higher up to 9 hours following hydrocortisone preparation administration, they however were significantly lower at 24 and 48 hours.
  • The suppression rate of endogenous hydrocortisone ranged between 2.2-5.3% with dexamethasone treatment and 17.5-45.7% with hydrocortisone treatment.

Implications of the Study

  • The study offers clear insight into the impact of glucocorticoids on the functionality of the horse’s adrenocortical gland.
  • Another important Layer of understanding provided by these findings is the baseline knowledge they afford regarding the selection and prescription of glucocorticoid preparations in an equine clinical setting.
  • This research can be important in setting withdrawal times in equine clinical treatment, improving health care protocols for horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Kikuchi M, Nagata SI, Ishige T, Minamijima Y, Hirota KI, Tozaki T, Kakoi H, Kizaki K. (2023). Evaluation of the effect of glucocorticoid treatment on adrenocortical functions by monitoring endogenous hydrocortisone in horses. J Vet Med Sci, 85(6), 647-652. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.23-0011

Publication

The Journal of veterinary medical science
ISSN: 1347-7439
NlmUniqueID: 9105360
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 85
Issue: 6
Pages: 647-652

Researcher Affiliations

Kikuchi, Mio
  • Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi, Japan.
  • Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Iwate University, Iwate, Japan.
Nagata, Shun-Ichi
  • Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi, Japan.
Ishige, Taichiro
  • Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi, Japan.
Minamijima, Yohei
  • Drug Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi, Japan.
Hirota, Kei-Ichi
  • Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi, Japan.
Tozaki, Teruaki
  • Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi, Japan.
Kakoi, Hironaga
  • Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi, Japan.
Kizaki, Keiichiro
  • Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Iwate University, Iwate, Japan.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Glucocorticoids / pharmacology
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Dexamethasone / pharmacology
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / drug therapy
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
  • Horse Diseases / chemically induced

Conflict of Interest Statement

There is no competing interest, including patents, products in development, or marketed products, to declare in relation to this study.

References

This article includes 38 references
  1. Aurich J, Wulf M, Ille N, Erber R, von Lewinski M, Palme R, Aurich C. Effects of season, age, sex, and housing on salivary cortisol concentrations in horses.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2015 Jul;52:11-6.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2015.01.003pubmed: 25700267google scholar: lookup
  2. Baid SK, Nieman LK. Therapeutic doses of glucocorticoids: implications for oral medicine.. Oral Dis 2006 Sep;12(5):436-42.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1601-0825.2006.01290.xpubmed: 16910913google scholar: lookup
  3. Blackburn-Munro G, Blackburn-Munro R. Pain in the brain: are hormones to blame?. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2003 Jan;14(1):20-7.
    doi: 10.1016/S1043-2760(02)00004-8pubmed: 12475608google scholar: lookup
  4. Bohák Z, Szabó F, Beckers JF, Melo de Sousa N, Kutasi O, Nagy K, Szenci O. Monitoring the circadian rhythm of serum and salivary cortisol concentrations in the horse.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2013 Jul;45(1):38-42.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2013.04.001pubmed: 23688596google scholar: lookup
  5. Charmandari E, Nicolaides NC, Chrousos GP. Adrenal insufficiency.. Lancet 2014 Jun 21;383(9935):2152-67.
    doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61684-0pubmed: 24503135google scholar: lookup
  6. Dinsen S, Baslund B, Klose M, Rasmussen AK, Friis-Hansen L, Hilsted L, Feldt-Rasmussen U. Why glucocorticoid withdrawal may sometimes be as dangerous as the treatment itself.. Eur J Intern Med 2013 Dec;24(8):714-20.
    doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2013.05.014pubmed: 23806261google scholar: lookup
  7. Ekstrand C, Bondesson U, Gabrielsson J, Hedeland M, Kallings P, Olsén L, Ingvast-Larsson C. Plasma concentration-dependent suppression of endogenous hydrocortisone in the horse after intramuscular administration of dexamethasone-21-isonicotinate.. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2015 Jun;38(3):235-42.
    doi: 10.1111/jvp.12175pubmed: 25366540google scholar: lookup
  8. Ferris RA, McCue PM. The effects of dexamethasone and prednisolone on pituitary and ovarian function in the mare.. Equine Vet J 2010 Jul;42(5):438-43.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00034.xpubmed: 20636781google scholar: lookup
  9. Foreman JH, Ferlazzo A. Physiological responses to stress in the horse. Pferdeheilkunde Equine Medicine 12: 401–404.
    doi: 10.21836/PEM19960405google scholar: lookup
  10. Gold JR, Divers TJ, Barton MH, Lamb SV, Place NJ, Mohammed HO, Bain FT. Plasma adrenocorticotropin, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropin/cortisol ratios in septic and normal-term foals.. J Vet Intern Med 2007 Jul-Aug;21(4):791-6.
    pubmed: 17708401doi: 10.1892/0891-6640(2007)21[791:pacacr]2.0.co;2google scholar: lookup
  11. Goodman LS, Gilman A, Gilman AG, Rall TW, Nies AS, Taylor P. 1990. Adrenocorticotropic hormon: adrenocortical steroids and the synthetic analogs: inhibitors of the synthesis and action of adrenocortical hormons. pp. 1442–1447. In: Goodman and Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 8th ed. (Haynes RC ed.), Pergamon Press, Oxford.
  12. Grady JA, Davis EG, Kukanich B, Sherck AB. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexamethasone after oral administration in apparently healthy horses.. Am J Vet Res 2010 Jul;71(7):831-9.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.71.7.831pubmed: 20594087google scholar: lookup
  13. Hart KA, Barton MH. Adrenocortical insufficiency in horses and foals.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2011 Apr;27(1):19-34.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.12.005pmc: PMC3073730pubmed: 21392651google scholar: lookup
  14. Hart KA, Dirikolu L, Ferguson DC, Norton NA, Barton MH. Daily endogenous cortisol production and hydrocortisone pharmacokinetics in adult horses and neonatal foals.. Am J Vet Res 2012 Jan;73(1):68-75.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.73.1.68pubmed: 22204290google scholar: lookup
  15. Holst JP, Soldin SJ, Tractenberg RE, Guo T, Kundra P, Verbalis JG, Jonklaas J. Use of steroid profiles in determining the cause of adrenal insufficiency.. Steroids 2007 Jan;72(1):71-84.
    doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2006.11.001pmc: PMC1952234pubmed: 17157339google scholar: lookup
  16. Jankord R, Herman JP. Limbic regulation of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical function during acute and chronic stress.. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008 Dec;1148:64-73.
    doi: 10.1196/annals.1410.012pmc: PMC2637449pubmed: 19120092google scholar: lookup
  17. Keller-Wood M, Leeman E, Shinsako J, Dallman MF. Steroid inhibition of canine ACTH: in vivo evidence for feedback at the corticotrope.. Am J Physiol 1988 Sep;255(3 Pt 1):E241-6.
    pubmed: 2844095doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.1988.255.3.e241google scholar: lookup
  18. Knych HK, Weiner D, Arthur RM, Baden R, McKemie DS, Kass PH. Serum concentrations, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling, and effects of dexamethasone on inflammatory mediators following intravenous and oral administration to exercised horses.. Drug Test Anal 2020 Aug;12(8):1087-1101.
    doi: 10.1002/dta.2862pubmed: 32436346google scholar: lookup
  19. Larsson M, Edqvist LE, Ekman L, Persson S. Plasma cortisol in the horse, diurnal rhythm and effects of exogenous ACTH.. Acta Vet Scand 1979;20(1):16-24.
    doi: 10.1186/BF03546625pmc: PMC8322868pubmed: 220863google scholar: lookup
  20. Leclere M. Corticosteroids and Immune Suppressive Therapies in Horses.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2017 Apr;33(1):17-27.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2016.11.008pubmed: 28325178google scholar: lookup
  21. Ling S, Jamali F. Effect of cannulation surgery and restraint stress on the plasma corticosterone concentration in the rat: application of an improved corticosterone HPLC assay.. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2003 May-Aug;6(2):246-51.
    pubmed: 12935437
  22. Mainguy-Seers S, Lavoie JP. Glucocorticoid treatment in horses with asthma: A narrative review.. J Vet Intern Med 2021 Jul;35(4):2045-2057.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim.16189pmc: PMC8295667pubmed: 34085342google scholar: lookup
  23. Monk CS, Hart KA, Berghaus RD, Norton NA, Moore PA, Myrna KE. Detection of endogenous cortisol in equine tears and blood at rest and after simulated stress.. Vet Ophthalmol 2014 Jul;17 Suppl 1:53-60.
    doi: 10.1111/vop.12128pubmed: 24329958google scholar: lookup
  24. Negro S, Bartolomé E, Molina A, Solé M, Gómez MD, Valera M. Stress level effects on sport performance during trotting races in Spanish Trotter Horses.. Res Vet Sci 2018 Jun;118:86-90.
    doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.01.017pubmed: 29421489google scholar: lookup
  25. Pazderska A, Pearce SH. Adrenal insufficiency - recognition and management.. Clin Med (Lond) 2017 Jun;17(3):258-262.
    doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.17-3-258pmc: PMC6297573pubmed: 28572228google scholar: lookup
  26. Picandet V, Léguillette R, Lavoie JP. Comparison of efficacy and tolerability of isoflupredone and dexamethasone in the treatment of horses affected with recurrent airway obstruction ('heaves').. Equine Vet J 2003 Jun;35(4):419-24.
    doi: 10.2746/042516403776014208pubmed: 12880012google scholar: lookup
  27. Rush BR, Trevino IC, Matson CJ, Hakala JE. Serum cortisol concentrations in response to incremental doses of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate.. Equine Vet J 1999 May;31(3):258-61.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03183.xpubmed: 10402142google scholar: lookup
  28. Rush BR, Worster AA, Flaminio MJ, Matson CJ, Hakala JE. Alteration in adrenocortical function in horses with recurrent airway obstruction after aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone, respectively.. Am J Vet Res 1998 Aug;59(8):1044-7.
    pubmed: 9706211
  29. Sauer FJ, Gerber V, Frei S, Bruckmaier RM, Groessl M. Salivary cortisol measurement in horses: immunoassay or LC-MS/MS?. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020 Jul;72:106445.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106445pubmed: 32247992google scholar: lookup
  30. Schmidt A, Biau S, Möstl E, Becker-Birck M, Morillon B, Aurich J, Faure JM, Aurich C. Changes in cortisol release and heart rate variability in sport horses during long-distance road transport.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2010 Apr;38(3):179-89.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2009.10.002pubmed: 19962266google scholar: lookup
  31. Soma LR, Uboh CE, Luo Y, Guan F, Moate PJ, Boston RC. Pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model of the effect of dexamethasone on endogenous hydrocortisone and cortisone in the horse.. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2005 Feb;28(1):71-80.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2004.00632.xpubmed: 15720518google scholar: lookup
  32. Soma LR, Uboh CE, Luo Y, Guan F, Moate PJ, Boston RC. Pharmacokinetics of methylprednisolone acetate after intra-articular administration and its effect on endogenous hydrocortisone and cortisone secretion in horses.. Am J Vet Res 2006 Apr;67(4):654-62.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.67.4.654pubmed: 16579759google scholar: lookup
  33. Soma LR, Uboh CE, Liu Y, Li X, Robinson MA, Boston RC, Colahan PT. Pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone following intra-articular, intravenous, intramuscular, and oral administration in horses and its effects on endogenous hydrocortisone.. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2013 Apr;36(2):181-91.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2012.01412.xpubmed: 22632064google scholar: lookup
  34. Spiga F, Walker JJ, Terry JR, Lightman SL. HPA axis-rhythms.. Compr Physiol 2014 Jul;4(3):1273-98.
    doi: 10.1002/cphy.c140003pubmed: 24944037google scholar: lookup
  35. Timmermans S, Souffriau J, Libert C. A General Introduction to Glucocorticoid Biology.. Front Immunol 2019;10:1545.
    doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01545pmc: PMC6621919pubmed: 31333672google scholar: lookup
  36. Toutain PL, Laurentie M, Autefage A, Alvinerie M. Hydrocortisone secretion: production rate and pulse characterization by numerical deconvolution.. Am J Physiol 1988 Nov;255(5 Pt 1):E688-95.
    pubmed: 3189538doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.1988.255.5.e688google scholar: lookup
  37. Witkowska-Piłaszewicz O, Grzędzicka J, Seń J, Czopowicz M, Żmigrodzka M, Winnicka A, Cywińska A, Carter C. Stress response after race and endurance training sessions and competitions in Arabian horses.. Prev Vet Med 2021 Mar;188:105265.
    doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105265pubmed: 33497894google scholar: lookup
  38. Younes N, Bourdeau I, Lacroix A. Latent Adrenal Insufficiency: From Concept to Diagnosis.. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021;12:720769.
    doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.720769pmc: PMC8429826pubmed: 34512551google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Kikuchi M, Ishige T, Minamijima Y, Hirota KI, Nagata SI, Tozaki T, Kakoi H, Ishiguro-Oonuma T, Kizaki K. Identification of Potential miRNA Biomarkers to Detect Hydrocortisone Administration in Horses. Int J Mol Sci 2023 Sep 25;24(19).
    doi: 10.3390/ijms241914515pubmed: 37833961google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.