Influence of sulpiride treatment on the level of prolactin and immunoglobulins in the peripheral blood of mares during the postpartum period.

The research investigated the impact of heightened prolactin levels on immunoglobulin concentration in equine blood, colostrum, and milk, specifically during the postpartum period. However, the study did not find any significant evidence to suggest that the lactogenic hormone prolactin plays a role in transfer of immunoglobulins into the colostrum in horses.

Research Methodology

• The study was conducted on 12 Polish Pony mares, with 6 in the control group and 6 in the experimental group.
• The experimental group mares were treated with 750mg of sulpiride orally once a day to induce hyperprolactinaemia (excess prolactin).
• The initial prolactin concentration was measured in both groups, with around 52.22 ng/ml in the control group and 49.39 ng/ml in the experimental group.
• Subsequent days saw the prolactin concentration dynamically changing.
• Immunoglobulin concentrations in blood plasma were measured throughout the study period.

Results and Findings

• Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the prolactin levels between the control and experimental groups, indicating the sulpiride treatment was effective in inducing hyperprolactinaemia.
• There were also highly significant differences found between the groups in their blood plasma immunoglobulin levels.
• The highest immunoglobulin concentration in both groups was observed within 12 hours after parturition (23.49 mg/ml and 26.94 mg/ml for control and experimental groups respectively).
• Interestingly, the lowest immunoglobulin value was recorded on day 7 postpartum in the control group (14.30 mg/ml) and on day 12 postpartum in the experimental group (10.15 mg/ml).

Conclusion

• This research failed to establish a clear link between the lactogenic hormone prolactin and the transfer of immunoglobulins into the colostrum in horses.
• Despite observed changes in prolactin and immunoglobulin concentrations, there was no conclusive evidence to suggest a causal relationship between prolactin levels and immunoglobulin concentrations in blood, colostrum or milk of the mares.