Temporal relationships of GH, IGF-I and fructosamine concentrations in pregnant Spanish Purebred mares: A substantial contribution from the hormonal standpoint.

The research looks at the interrelationships between Growth Hormone (GH), Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-I) and Fructosamine (FRUCT) in pregnant Spanish Purebred horses throughout their 11 months of gestation. The study implies that factors other than GH and IGF-I might influence the glycaemic metabolism in gestating mares.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

• The main aim of the research is to understand how GH, IGF-I, and FRUCT interact in pregnant Spanish Purebred mares. GH and IGF-1 are hormones crucial for maintaining suitable metabolic activity for proper placental and fetal development. On the other hand, FRUCT is a clinical marker used to gauge the glucose state of a patient.
• The authors analyzed data from 30 healthy Spanish Purebred mares, whose ages ranged between 9.33 and 3.31 years, throughout their 11-month gestation period.
• The researchers analyzed serum concentrations of GH, IGF-I, and FRUCT using Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA), Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and spectrophotometry, respectively.

Findings of the Study

• GH displayed a biphasic pattern, i.e., it showed two distinct phases of elevation during the course of gestation; the first was during the 4th and 5th months and the second, which was higher than the first, observed during the 7th, 8th, and 9th months.
• IGF-I’s concentration initially increased in the 2nd month, dipped in the 3rd and 4th, and then rose to the highest average value by the 5th month. Post subtle changes in concentration between the 6th and 8th months, there was an increase in the 9th month, followed by a decrease until the end of gestation.
• Fructosamine levels exhibited a steady and significant increase after the 6th month, peaking in the final month of gestation.

Conclusion from the Results

• The study concludes by suggesting that other factors, aside from GH and IGF-I, could play a part in regulating the glycaemic metabolism of pregnant horses. This is on the basis of the observed pattern of their concentrations and FRUCT’s marked rise during the final stage of gestation.