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Short Road Transport and Slaughter Stress Affects the Expression Profile of Serotonin Receptors, Adrenocortical, and Hematochemical Responses in Horses.
Abstract: Horse transport is considered a cause of stress in animals and is known to affect the 5-HT concentrations in both the brain and other tissues. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of horse transportation and slaughter stress on plasma serotonin's concentration and the expression levels of the related 5-HT1B and 5-HT2A receptors in PBMCs. Furthermore, the IL-12 levels and a variety of blood parameters, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, were also considered. This research was carried out on 32 horses submitted to short road transport of 40 km to slaughter. Blood samples were collected in baseline conditions (T0) and 24 h later, after they were slaughtered (T1). The results showed a significantly increased expression of 5-HT1B and 5-HT2A receptors and a significantly decreased expression of IL-12 in PBMCs at T1 vs. T0. Furthermore, a significant increase in cortisol and glucose concentrations, and LDH activity was observed at T1. In contrast, a significantly lower circulating 5-HT concentration was observed at T1 vs. T0. These results indicate that the stress induced by transport and slaughter stimuli led to the serotoninergic system's activation, suggesting that the expression of serotonin receptors could be used as a pivotal marker of stress, with potential applications for the improvement of elective protocols to observe the guidelines relating to transported horses.
Publication Date: 2024-03-03 PubMed ID: 38535847DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11030113Google 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.
- Journal Article
Summary
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The research investigates how short road transport and slaughter stress impacts the serotonin-related response in horses. The study shows that these forms of stress trigger changes in serotonin receptors and other physiological parameters, potentially providing essential markers to enhance stress management in transported horses.
Research Methodology
- The study was conducted with 32 horses that were taken on a short road transport journey of 40 kilometers before being slaughtered.
- Blood samples were collected under baseline conditions (T0) and 24 hours after the animals were slaughtered (T1). These samples were analyzed to evaluate the resulting changes in serotonin and other physiological parameters due to transportation and slaughter stress.
Key Findings
- The research findings indicated a significant increase in the expression of 5-HT1B and 5-HT2A receptors, which are closely linked to serotonin, at T1 versus T0.
- There was a notable decrease in the expression of IL-12 in PBMCs at T1 compared to T0.
- Concurrently, there was a significant increase in cortisol and glucose concentrations, as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity seen at T1.
- Interestingly, the circulating 5-HT (serotonin) concentration was found to be significantly lower at T1 than T0.
Interpretation and Implications
- The study results indicate that the stress caused by transportation and slaughter leads to an activation of the serotoninergic system in horses.
- The variations observed in serotonin receptors and other physiological parameters could serve as crucial stress indicators in horses subjected to transport and slaughter conditions.
- The study suggests the potential for improving stress management strategies in such scenarios, particularly with a focus on observation and adherence to guidelines relating to the transport of horses.
- This has potential far-reaching implications for animal welfare and could significantly contribute towards minimising the negative effects of stress on horses due to transportation, leading to more humane practices.
Cite This Article
APA
Bruschetta G, Zanghì G, Giunta RP, Ferlazzo AM, Satué K, D'Ascola A, Fazio E.
(2024).
Short Road Transport and Slaughter Stress Affects the Expression Profile of Serotonin Receptors, Adrenocortical, and Hematochemical Responses in Horses.
Vet Sci, 11(3), 113.
https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11030113 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
- Department of Catania, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily, Via Passo Gravina 195, 95125 Catania, Italy.
- Department of Catania, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily, Via Passo Gravina 195, 95125 Catania, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, Tirant lo Blanc 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Universitario, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
Citations
This article has been cited 8 times.- Raidal SL, Freccero F, Carstens A, Weaver S, Padalino B. Road transportation is associated with decreased intestinal motility in horses. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1647236.
- Dai F, Toson M, Bertotto D, Dalla Costa A, Heinzl EUL, Lega F, Minero M, Padalino B, Stefani AL, Trestini S, Maietti F, Zonta G, Di Martino G. Transportation to the Slaughterhouse: Can Training Reduce the Stress Response in Horses?. Vet Sci 2025 Jun 3;12(6).
- Van den Branden E, Salamone M, Broothaers K, Peere S, Polfliet E, Dewulf M, Van Steenkiste G, van Loon G, Smits K, Govaere J. Physiological and behavioral parameters of pain and stress in mares during and after transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1574351.
- Costa GL, Tabbì M, Bruschetta G, Spadola F, Leonardi F, Bruno F, Iannelli NM, Licata P, Macrì F, Passino ES, Macrì D, Interlandi C. Analgesic efficacy of tapentadol in chronic joint disorders in horses: plasma serotonin concentration and adrenocortical response as biomarkers of pain-induced stress. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1505398.
- Papatsiros VG, Maragkakis G, Papakonstantinou GI. Stress Biomarkers in Pigs: Current Insights and Clinical Application. Vet Sci 2024 Dec 10;11(12).
- Bruschetta G, Bionda A, Giunta RP, Costa GL, Fazio E, Licata P, Bruno F. Can Productive Aptitude and Age Affect Circulating Serotonin, Total Thyroid Hormones, and Cortisol Patterns in Cows?. Vet Sci 2024 Oct 2;11(10).
- Bruschetta G, Leonardi F, Licata P, Iannelli NM, Fernàndez-Parra R, Bruno F, Messina L, Costa GL. Oxidative stress in relation to serotonin under general anaesthesia in dogs undergoing ovariectomy. Vet Q 2024 Dec;44(1):1-8.
- Aragona F, Rizzo M, Arfuso F, Acri G, Fazio F, Piccione G, Giannetto C. Eye Temperature Measured with Infrared Thermography to Assess Stress Responses to Road Transport in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 26;14(13).
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