Plasma glutamine status in the equine at rest, during exercise and following viral challenge.
Abstract: The variation over 24 h of plasma glutamine concentration in nonexercising horses was studied in 3 Thoroughbreds (TB) fed at 1600 h and 0700 h. This indicated a small but regular change associated with feeding. Starting at a mean of 482 mumol/l at 1600 h the concentration increased to 522 mumol/l at 2000 h, falling to 476 mumol/l at 1600 h and increasing again to 525 mumol/l at 2000 h. 'Normal' values were established in 19 part-bred TB horses, lacking clinical signs or remarkable pathology and in light training, by sampling weekly at 1000 h over a 10 week period. The mean concentration was 491 mumol/l. Values were normally distributed with 95% confidence range between horses of 469-512 mumol/l. The s.d. of values within-horse was 28 mumol/l. The acute effect of exercise was investigated in 5 TB horses during i) an exercise simulating the road and tracks phase of a 3-day-event and ii) a sustained high-intensity exercise test (115% VO2max until the pace was no longer maintained). In both tests a transient increase was produced as a direct result of exercise, followed by a decline to a nadir at approximately 3 h post exercise. Pre-exercise resting concentrations, following either test, were approaching pre-values by 24 h recovery. The effect of viral challenge was studied in 6 TB horses exposed to an aerosol of equine influenza virus, subtype H3N8 (A/equine-2 subtype) which caused mild clinical signs. A significant fall in the 1000 h plasma glutamine concentration from a mean of 463 to 342 mumol/l by the 6th day was seen in 5 horses. A more gradual decline was observed in the 6th horse. These findings indicate a similar response to viral challenge in the horse to that in man.
Publication Date: 2000-02-05 PubMed ID: 10659329DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05295.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The study examines the changes in the plasma glutamine concentration in horses during rest, exercise, and viral attacks, highlighting that feeding, physical activity, and viral illnesses can influence these levels.
Study Overview
- The research was conducted on Thoroughbred horses, with several different tests carried out to investigate changes in plasma glutamine concentration under various conditions.
- The scenarios considered include rest, feeding, different levels of exercise, and exposure to a viral attack (specifically equine influenza).
- Measurements were made over various periods, from 24 hours to ten weeks, to effectively observe short-term and long-term changes.
Plasma Glutamine Levels at Rest and During Feeding
- The researchers observed a minimal, yet consistent fluctuation in plasma glutamine levels in horses at rest, with an association noted with feeding times.
- The study identified the ‘normal’ plasma glutamine level in healthy horses during light training as 491 micromol/l, with a 95% confidence range across different horses from 469 to 512 micromol/l.
Changes in Plasma Glutamine Levels During Exercise
- An increase in plasma glutamine concentration was observed during two different exercise regimes – one simulating the road and track phase of a three-day event, and the other involving high-intensity exercise.
- In both tests, the concentration initially rose due to the exertion, then fell to a low point around three hours post-exercise.
- However, these levels were seen to return close to pre-exercise values after a 24-hour recovery period.
Impact of Viral Challenge on Plasma Glutamine Levels
- In order to measure the effects of viral infection, horses were exposed to an aerosol of equine influenza virus (subtype H3N8).
- Following exposure, a decline in plasma glutamine concentration was noted in all horses by the sixth day, falling from an average of 463 micromol/l to 342 micromol/l.
- This drop in plasma glutamine levels in response to a viral infection mirrors the response observed in humans.
Conclusions
- The findings of this study confirm variations in the plasma glutamine levels of horses during rest, feeding, different forms of exercise, and viral challenges.
- Such knowledge contributes to an improved understanding of horses’ nutritional and exercise needs, infection response, and overall health management.
Cite This Article
APA
Routledge NB, Harris RC, Harris PA, Naylor JR, Roberts CA.
(2000).
Plasma glutamine status in the equine at rest, during exercise and following viral challenge.
Equine Vet J Suppl(30), 612-616.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05295.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Exercise Research Group (E.R.G.), Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Herts, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Exercise Test / veterinary
- Female
- Glutamine / blood
- Horse Diseases / virology
- Horses / blood
- Horses / virology
- Influenza A virus
- Male
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections / veterinary
- Oxygen Consumption
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Postprandial Period
- Respiratory Function Tests / veterinary
Citations
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