Effects of weight loss in obese cats on biochemical analytes related to inflammation and glucose homeostasis

The aim of the current study was to measure circulating metabolic and inflammation-related biochemical analytes in obese cats before and after weight loss. Thirty-seven overweight neutered cats were studied, median body weight 6.85 kg (range, 4.70 to 10.30 kg), representing a range of ages and both sexes. An individualized weight-loss program was devised for each cat and monitored until completion. Body fat mass was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, whereas plasma concentrations of acute-phase proteins (APPs; eg, haptoglobin and serum amyloid A), hormones (eg, insulin, IGF-1, and adiponectin), and enzymes (eg, butyrylcholinesterase and paraoxonase type 1 [PON-1]) associated with inflammation and metabolic compounds (eg, glucose) were also measured. No significant changes were found in APPs after weight loss (P > 0.3), but significant increases in plasma adiponectin (P = 0.021) and IGF-1 (P = 0.036) were seen, whereas insulin (P < 0.001) and homeostasis model assessment (P = 0.005) decreased significantly. Plasma concentrations before weight loss of PON-1 (P = 0.004), adiponectin (P = 0.02), and IGF-1 (P = 0.048) were less in cats that failed to complete weight loss than cats that were successful, whereas glucose concentration was greater. Finally, multivariable linear regression analysis showed that lean tissue loss during weight management was associated with percentage weight loss (greater weight loss, greater lean tissue loss; R = 0.71, P < 0.001) and plasma adiponectin concentration before weight loss (lesser adiponectin, more lean tissue loss; R = -0.52, P = 0.023). In conclusion, various metabolic abnormalities occur in feline obesity, and these can be linked to outcomes of weight-loss programs. The changes that occur with weight loss suggest an improved metabolic status.     

Effects of orchidectomy in selective biochemical analytes in Beagle dogs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of orchidectomy and associate hormonal changes on circulating concentrations of acute-phase proteins (APPs) (CRP--C-reactive protein; Hp--haptoglobin; Cp--ceruloplasmin), adiponectin and IGF-1 in dogs. For this, a total of five adult Beagle dogs were subjected to orchidectomy. Blood samples were taken before neutering, during six consecutive days and on weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12 after surgery. Appropriate diet regime was maintained to keep stable body weight of the dogs. Concentrations of APPs significantly increased on days 2-3 for CRP and 2-7 for Hp and Cp. On days 3-4 after neutering, adiponectin levels were significantly lower than before surgery (p<0.05 and <0.01, respectively). After this initial change, adiponectin did not show any significant alteration during the 3 months. Serum IGF-1 concentrations were significantly decreased at days 2-5 after neutering. In addition, on weeks 8 and 12 serum IGF-1 levels were significantly lower (p<0.001 and <0.01 respectively) in comparison with those before surgery. In conclusion, orchidectomy induced a short-term inflammatory process that was associated with the increase in serum levels of APPs and decrease in IGF-1 and adiponectin levels. However, orchidectomy did not result in long-term changes of circulating concentrations of APPs or adiponectin. Although a decrease in IGF-1 levels was recorded 2 months after surgery, possibly as a consequence of associated decrease in androgen levels or food restriction.     

Validation of 2 commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for adiponectin determination in canine serum samples

The aim of this study was to validate 2 commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for adiponectin in dogs, 1 canine-specific and 1 originally designed for measurements in humans. Intra-assay and interassay precision was evaluated by multiple measurements in canine serum samples, and assay accuracy was indirectly determined by linearity under dilution. Interference caused by hemolysis and lipemia was also studied. Both assays were subsequently used for measuring adiponectin concentrations in clinically healthy dogs and those with different grades of obesity. The intra-assay and inter-assay precision was less than 7.5% and 13.5% in serum samples with low and high adiponectin concentrations, respectively. Lipemia and hemolysis did not affect the results of any of the assays. Both assays were able to differentiate lean dogs from those that were overweight or obese on the basis of the measured adiponectin concentrations. From these results it can be concluded that canine adiponectin concentrations can be measured reliably by means of the 2 ELISAs evaluated in this study.     

Oral and intravenous carbohydrate challenges decrease active ghrelin concentrations and alter hormones related to control of energy metabolism in horses

This study tested the hypothesis that grain and intravenous dextrose challenges would alter plasma concentrations of active ghrelin, adiponectin, leptin, glucose, insulin, and cortisol in Standardbred mares. To deliver 0.5 g of glucose (dextrose solution for the intravenous test)/kg of BW, mares received intravenous dextrose (50% solution) or oral grain administration in 2 trials. In response to the oral grain challenge, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations increased (P < 0.001) by 56 and 802%, respectively. Plasma ghrelin concentration initially decreased (P < 0.001) by 40%, then subsequently increased (P < 0.05) from its nadir by 259%. Plasma leptin concentration decreased (P = 0.002) 17% compared with baseline. There was no change (P = 0.34) in plasma adiponectin concentration in response to oral grain challenge; however, plasma cortisol concentrations decreased (P < 0.001) by 24%. In response to the intravenous dextrose challenge, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations increased (P < 0.001) by 432 and 395%, respectively. Plasma active ghrelin concentration initially decreased (P < 0.001) by 56%, then subsequently increased (P < 0.001) from its nadir by 314%. Plasma leptin concentration also increased (P < 0.001) by 33% compared with baseline. There was no change (P = 0.18) in plasma adiponectin concentration throughout the dextrose challenge. Plasma cortisol concentration increased (P = 0.027) by 20%. Hence, oral grain and intravenous nutrient challenges have the ability to alter variables potentially related to energy metabolism in mares, with acute changes in glucose and insulin possibly modulating changes in ghrelin and leptin.     

Preliminary results on between and within twin set variation in insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) and some relationships with performance traits in identical twin heifers

Blood samples were collected from eight sets of Simmental crossbred identical twin heifers at 291. 328, 254, 656 and 684 days of age and were assayed for serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The between twin set intraclass correlation for IGF-1 at these ages was −0.08±0.38, 0.25±0.35, 0.62±0.23, 0.68±0.21 and 0.54±0.27, respectively. Residual correlations of serum IGF-1 concentrations with weights taken at the same ages ranged from 0.29 (P > 0.10) to 0.74 (P < 0.01). Heifers with higher serum IGF-1 concentrations at 291, 354, 656 and 684 days of age tended to be taller at 291 and 656 days of age with correlations ranging from 0.25 (P > 0.10) to 0.61 (P < 0.05). Correlations of IGF-1 with weight gains were variable in sign and generally nonsignificant. Results indicate that serum concentrations of IGF-1 are positively related to body weight and hip height of beef heifers.     

Diurnal variation of ghrelin, leptin, and adiponectin in Standardbred mares

Twelve Standardbred mares underwent blood sampling for 24 h to test the hypothesis that there is diurnal variation of humoral mediators of peripheral energy balance including active ghrelin, adiponectin, leptin, glucose, insulin, and cortisol. The experiment was conducted under acclimated conditions. Grass hay and pelleted grain were provided at 0730 and 1530. Plasma concentrations of active ghrelin and leptin concentrations both peaked (47.3 +/- 6.5 pg/ mL and 5.9 +/- 1.1 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.05) at 1550, 20 min after feeding. Active ghrelin decreased (P < 0.05) to 28.9 +/- 4.5 pg/mL overnight. The nadir of leptin (4.6 +/- 0.9 ng/mL) occurred at 0650. Neither hormone showed variation (P > 0.05) after the morning feeding. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations increased (P < 0.05) in response to feeding; however, the morning responses (glucose = 96.9 +/- 2.6 mg/dL; insulin = 40.6 +/- 7.3 uIU/mL) were greater (P < 0.05) than the afternoon responses (glucose = 89.9 +/- 1.8 mg/dL; insulin = 23.2 +/- 4.3 uIU/mL at 180 and 60 min after feeding, respectively). Cortisol concentrations increased (P < 0.05) during the morning hours, but did not respond to feeding, whereas adiponectin concentrations remained stable throughout the study. Hence, active ghrelin and leptin may be entrained to meal feeding in horses, whereas adiponectin seems unaffected. We concluded that there seems to be a diurnal variation in glucose and insulin response to a meal in horses. Furthermore, elevated glucose and insulin concentrations resulting from the morning feeding may be responsible for the increase in leptin concentration in the afternoon.     

Effect of exercise, training, circadian rhythm, age, and sex on insulin-like growth factor-1 in the horse

Insulin-like growth factor-1 could be a useful marker in the horse for diagnostic, selection, or forensic purposes, provided its physiological regulation is well understood. The objective of this study was to investigate factors, such as acute exercise, fitness training, time of day, sex, and age, that may influence serum IGF-1 in normal, healthy horses. Throughout a 9-wk training program, 6 geldings maintained a mean (+/- SEM) IGF-1 concentration of 302 +/- 29 ng/mL. Moderate or high intensity exercise had no effect on IGF-1 concentrations, when pre- and postexercise values were compared. Over a 24-h period, there was some variation in IGF-1 concentrations but no clear diurnal rhythm. Concentrations of IGF-1 were measured in a large population of thoroughbred horses (1,880) on 3 continents. The population deviated slightly from a normal distribution (P < 0.001) because of large IGF-1 concentrations in 10 horses. The global mean IGF-1 concentration was 310 +/- 2.2 ng/mL, with a greater mean value (P < 0.001) in gonad-intact males (336 +/- 5.6 ng/mL) than in females (303 +/- 3.2 ng/mL) or geldings (302 +/- 3.2 ng/mL). However, the greatest IGF-1 concentrations observed for all stallions, mares, and geldings were 627, 676, and 709 ng/mL, respectively. In mares and geldings, IGF-1 concentrations showed a gradual decrease with advancing age (P < 0.001), but the effect was much less marked in stallions. This study confirms that IGF-1 concentrations are stable, compared with GH concentrations, in the horse and that a meaningful measure of IGF-1 status can be obtained from a daily serum sample.     

Effects of weaning on somatotrophic gene expression and circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-2 in pigs

The present study evaluated somatotrophic gene expression in liver, muscle and adipose tissue 4 d after weaning, a time point corresponding to greatly reduced serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-2 in pigs. Two-week-old barrows were either cross-fostered to a sow (SOW, N = 8) or weaned and fed a phase 1 diet containing either 0 or 7% spray-dried plasma (NP, N = 8 and SDP, N = 8; respectively). Piglets were allocated such that two size groups were equivalently represented in each experimental group (small, 3.5–4.3 kg and large, 4.6–5.7 kg). Animals were weighed daily and sacrificed 4 d after weaning for blood and tissue collection. Daily gains of the SOW piglets were significantly greater than those of the weaned pigs for the first 3 d of the experiment (P < 0.0001). Weight gains in the SOW and SDP pigs between d 3 and 4 were equivalently elevated relative to the NP pigs (P < 0.0001). Serum IGF-1 and IGF-2 concentrations were decreased in both NP and SDP compared to SOW (P < 0.0001). Serum IGF-2 levels were significantly lower in small piglets (P = 0.006). A Weaning Group X Size interaction was noted for liver IGF-2 mRNA (P < 0.03), reflecting a higher level of expression in large SOW piglets relative to small SOW piglets. Weaning did not affect IGF-1, IGF-2, or growth hormone (GH) receptor mRNA levels in liver, muscle, or fat (P > 0.05). Liver IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and acid-labile subunit (ALS) mRNA levels also were unaffected by weaning. Small pigs had lower levels of liver ALS (P = 0.0003), muscle IGF-2 (P = 0.02), and muscle GH receptor (P = 0.006) mRNAs. In contrast, adipose tissue IGF-1 and IGF-2 mRNA levels were greatest in the small piglets (P = 0.001 and 0.029, respectively).     

Adiponectin and IGF-1 are negative acute phase proteins in a dog model of acute endotoxaemia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of an experimentally induced acute inflammation on serum adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in the dog, and to compare their evolution with other well-established acute phase proteins (APPs) such as C-reactive protein (CRP), and haptoglobin (Hp). Therefore levels of adiponectin, IGF-1 and a profile of APPs were measured in healthy dogs after intravenous administration of E. coli LPS (0.02 mg/kg) and compared with dogs injected with saline solution (0.2 mL/kg). Adiponectin and IGF-1 were both decreased in response to endotoxins in the dog. Significant positive correlations were found between adiponectin and IGF-1 (r=0.31; p<0.05). Adiponectin had also a significant negative correlation with CRP (r=-0.39; p<0.05) and Hp (r=-0.27; p<0.05), whereas IGF-1 had significant negative correlation with CRP (r=-0.52; p<0.001). The results obtained in the present study indicate that adiponectin and IGF-1 behave as negative acute phase proteins after acute inflammatory stimulus in dogs.     

限饲和自由采食条件下色氨酸对断奶仔猪血清IGF-1浓度的影响

IGF-1是动物出生后生长调节的重要因子,试验采用2×3因子试验设计,研究了饲喂方式(自由采食和限饲)和日粮色氨酸水平(0.12%、0.19%或0.26%)对仔猪血清IGF-1水平的影响,旨在探讨色氨酸对仔猪生长的调节途径。试验选用48头28日龄断奶、初始体重为(8.6±0.13)kg的二元杂交(长白×大白)阉公猪,按照随机区组的原则分成6个处理,每个处理8个重复。试验第10天,仔猪空腹12h,采血,制备血清,测定IGF-1浓度。结果表明:色氨酸具有改善仔猪生长性能、促进血清IGF-1浓度上升(P<0.01)的作用,饲喂方式和日粮色氨酸水平对血清IGF-1有互作效应(P<0.01),这表明色氨酸促进仔猪生长可能与血液中IGF-1水平升高有关。     

Effects of exogenous ghrelin on feed intake, weight gain, behavior, and endocrine responses in weanling pigs

The objectives were to determine relative ADG, ADFI, behavior, and endocrine responses in weaned pigs receiving exogenous ghrelin. Twenty-four barrows weaned at 18 d of age (d 0 of the experiment) were catheterized via the jugular vein, weighed, and assigned to either a ghrelin (n = 12) or saline (control; n = 12) infusion group. Initial pig BW did not differ between treatments (7.87+/-0.39 vs. 7.92+/-0.35 kg for ghrelin and control treatments, respectively). Pig BW and feed intakes were measured once daily throughout the experiment. Starting on d 1, the ghrelin pigs were intravenously infused three times daily for 5 d with 2 microg/kg BW of human ghrelin, and the control pigs were similarly infused with saline. Activity observations and blood samples were taken at -15, 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 240, and 480 min relative to the first infusion and then three times daily (0800, 1600, and 2400) for 8 d. Weight gain during the 5-d infusion period was greater by the ghrelin than by control pigs (0.57+/-0.10 vs. 0.21+/-0.13 kg, respectively; P < 0.04); however, there was no increase in feed intake. During two behavioral observation periods, more pigs in the ghrelin treatment were observed eating compared with control pigs (P < 0.05). The initial infusion of exogenous ghrelin increased serum ghrelin, GH, insulin, and cortisol concentrations (P < 0.05). Endogenous serum ghrelin increased from d 1 to 8 of the experiment in control animals (P < 0.05). Serum IGF-I initially fell in both treatment groups from d 1 to 2 (P < 0.05) but then increased from d 5 to 8 (P < 0.05). Peripheral concentrations of glucose in the ghrelin pigs were greater on d 2, 3, 7, and 8 than on d 1 (P < or = 0.05). In both treatment groups, peripheral concentrations of leptin increased from d 7 to 8, and cortisol decreased from d 1 to 5 of the experiment. These observations provide evidence that ghrelin may positively influence weight gain and concomitantly increase GH, insulin, and cortisol secretion in weaned pigs.     

An immunoturbidimetric assay for rapid quantitative measurement of feline alpha-1-acid glycoprotein in serum and peritoneal fluid

BACKGROUND: Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) is an acute phase protein that increases in concentration in infectious and inflammatory conditions. The serum and peritoneal fluid concentrations of AGP may be useful in the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a lethal disease of cats. Currently AGP can be measured by radioimmunodiffusion (RID) assays, which are time consuming and difficult. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to develop a rapid immunoturbidimetric assay for measurement of AGP in feline serum and peritoneal fluid and to compare the results with those obtained by RID. METHODS: AGP was purified by perchloric acid precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography from a pool of peritoneal fluid obtained from cats with FIP, as determined by a panel of laboratory tests, including serum AGP concentration, albumin: globulin ratio, and total protein concentration, anti-coronavirus antibody titers, and effusion analysis. The purified AGP in a complete Freund's adjuvant and Tween 20 mixture was injected into a sheep and blood was collected at monthly intervals. Anti-AGP antiserum, as confirmed by ELISA and Western blot techniques, and a pool of peritoneal fluid from cats with FIP were used to prepare standards. Clinical samples of feline peritoneal fluid (n=55) and serum (n=59) were assayed for AGP and results from the immunoturbidimetric and RID methods were compared. RESULTS: Significant correlation (P < .001) was obtained between methods for both peritoneal fluid (R2=.9259) and serum (R2=.9448) samples. Coefficients of variation for the immunoturbidimetric method were <5%. CONCLUSIONS: This rapid immunoturbidimetric assay for measurement of feline AGP in serum and peritoneal fluid may be of value in the diagnosis of FIP and possibly other inflammatory diseases in cats.     

Insulin-like growth factor type-1 receptor down-regulation associated with dwarfism in Holstein calves

Perturbations in endocrine functions can impact normal growth. Endocrine traits were studied in three dwarf calves exhibiting retarded but proportionate growth and four phenotypically normal half-siblings, sired by the same bull, and four unrelated control calves. Plasma 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations in dwarfs and half-siblings were in the physiological range and responded normally to injected thyroid-releasing hormone. Plasma glucagon concentrations were different (dwarfs, controls>half-siblings; P<0.05). Plasma growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin concentrations in the three groups during an 8-h period were similar, but integrated GH concentrations (areas under concentration curves) were different (dwarfs>controls, P<0.02; half-siblings>controls, P=0.08). Responses of GH to xylazine and to a GH-releasing-factor analogue were similar in dwarfs and half-siblings. Relative gene expression of IGF-1, IGF-2, GH receptor (GHR), insulin receptor, IGF-1 type-1 and -2 receptors (IGF-1R, IGF-2R), and IGF binding proteins were measured in liver and anconeus muscle. GHR mRNA levels were different in liver (dwarfs相似文献   

Cereal type and heat processing of the cereal affect nutrient digestibility and dynamics of serum insulin and ghrelin in weanling pigs

The effects of feeding corn or rice, either raw or heat processed (HP), on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients and on insulin and ghrelin concentrations in the serum were studied in young pigs. Pigs were weaned at approximately 23 ± 3 d of age and weighed 7.4 ± 1.2 kg. Each of the 4 treatments was replicated 9 times, and the experimental unit was a pig individually housed. Pigs (5 males and 4 females/treatment) were fed their respective diets ad libitum from 23 to 47 d of age. At 37 d of age, the effects of dietary treatments on the fasting and postprandial concentrations of insulin and total and acylated ghrelin were studied. The ATTD of OM, GE, and ether extract were, respectively, 4.3, 5.4, and 3.6% greater (P < 0.05) for the rice than for the corn diets, but CP digestibility was not affected. Similar results were observed for AID. Heat processing of the cereal increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD by 2.1% for OM, 3.2% for GE, 7.1% for ether extract, and 2.2% for CP and tended to increase the AID of CP (P = 0.06) and starch (P = 0.09). The postprandial serum insulin response was greater and was more prolonged in pigs fed raw rice than in pigs fed raw corn (P < 0.05). In addition, the effects of HP on serum insulin response were more pronounced with corn than with rice (cereal × HP, P < 0.05). Total ghrelin concentration was not affected by treatment, but acylated ghrelin was greater (P < 0.05) at 6 h postprandially in pigs fed rice than in pigs fed raw corn. Feeding rice and HP corn increased nutrient digestibility and insulin response in the early postprandial period and increased the acylated ghrelin response in the late postprandial period compared with feeding raw corn.     

Exercise-induced alterations in plasma concentrations of ghrelin, adiponectin, leptin, glucose, insulin, and cortisol in horses

Six Standardbred (STB) mares (11+/-2 years, 521+/-77 kg; means+/-SD) performed an exercise trial (EX) where they underwent an incremental exercise test (GXT) as well as a parallel control trial (CON) to test the hypothesis that short-term, high intensity exercise would alter plasma concentrations of glucose, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, insulin and cortisol. Plasma samples were taken before (0 min), during (last 10s at 6, 8m/s, and the velocity eliciting VO(2max)), and after exercise (2, 10, 30, 60 min; 12 and 24h post-GXT). A second set of blood samples was collected before and after an afternoon meal given at 1515 h (at 1500, 1514, 1530, and 1545 h). Data were analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey's test. During the GXT, there were no changes (P>0.05) in the plasma concentrations of glucose, leptin, adiponectin or ghrelin. However, there was a 29% increase (P<0.05) in mean plasma cortisol concentration and a 35% decrease (P<0.05) in mean plasma insulin concentration. Substantial increases (P<0.05) in the mean plasma concentrations of glucose and cortisol of 36% and 102%, respectively, were seen in the EX trial during the first 60 min post-GXT. Plasma leptin concentration, measured at the 24h post-GXT time point, was 20% lower (P<0.05) during the EX trial compared with the parallel time point in the standing control (CON) trial. Plasma ghrelin concentration was 37% lower (P<0.05) in the EX trial compared with CON before and after the afternoon meal, but was 43% higher (P<0.05) 12h post-GXT. There were no differences between EX and CON for plasma concentrations of insulin or adiponectin during recovery. It was concluded that short-term high intensity exercise alters plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations in STB mares post-exercise, which may signal the exercised animals to alter energy intake.     

Circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 in dogs with naturally occurring mitral regurgitation

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which mediates most effects of growth hormone, has effects on cardiac mass and function, and plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone. In humans, an inverse relationship between degree of heart failure (HF) and circulating IGF-1 concentrations has been found in several studies. In dogs with HF, few studies have focused on IGF-1. We examined circulating IGF-1 concentrations in dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR) caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease. Study 1 included 88 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) with a broad range of asymptomatic MR (median serum IGF-1: 76.7 microg/L; 25-75 percentile, 59.8-104.9 microg/L). As expected, standard body weight and percentage under- or overweight correlated directly with IGF-1. MR (assessed in 4 different ways) did not correlate with IGF-1. In study 2, 28 dogs with severe MR and stable, treated congestive HF had similar serum IGF-1 concentrations (median, 100.8 g/L; 25-75 percentile, 74.9-156.5 microg/L) as 11 control dogs (79.6 microg/L; 25-75 percentile, 64.1-187.4 microg/L; P = .84). In study 3, the plasma IGF-1 concentration of 15 untreated CKCSs with severe MR was 16.4 +/- 24.2 microg/L lower (P = .02) at the examination when decompensated HF had developed (80.8 +/- 30.9 microg/L) than at a visit 1-12 months earlier (97.2 +/- 39.8 microg/L), possibly in part due to an altered state of nutrition. The studies document that circulating IGF-1 concentrations are not altered before development of congestive HF in dogs with naturally occurring MR, but decrease by approximately 20% with the development of untreated HE In treated HF, circulating IGF-1 concentrations apparently return to within the reference range.     

Determination of the temporal relationship between porcine growth hormone, serum IGF-1 and cortisol concentrations in pigs

We found previously that porcine growth hormone (pGH) causes an increase in growth rate with a concurrent improvement in carcass composition in pigs. The somatomedin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), is though to play a major role in mediating some of the anabolic actions of GH, while the glucocorticoid hormones are potential counter-regulators of these effects. The present study was conducted to determine the temporal and dose-response relationship between GH administration and serum IGF-1 and cortisol concentrations in pigs. Twelve Yorkshire barrows, fitted with femoral artery catheters, were injected (im) with either 0, 10, 100 or 1,000 micrograms/kg pGH. Blood sampling began 40 min prior to pGH injection and was continued for 37 h. Serum GH, IGF-1 and cortisol concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. In control animals, serum GH concentrations ranged from 1.6 to 5.7 ng/ml over 37 h. In the animals treated with increasing doses of pGH, peak serum GH concentrations reached 28, 112 and 286 ng/ml and levels remained elevated for 4, 12 and 24 h, respectively. Serum IGF-1 concentrations were elevated by pGH after a lag time of 4 to 6 h. When the IGF-1 concentrations were integrated over time, the response appeared to be dose-dependent, with an ED50 of 710 micrograms/kg body weight (BW). Data for serum cortisol concentrations showed a great deal of individual variation. A transient increase in cortisol was observed, but only in the group treated with 1,000 micrograms pGH/kg BW. Cortisol levels returned to baseline 2 h after pGH injection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

梅花鹿、马鹿血清IGF-1及GH浓度年周期变化规律研究

选用8只雄性成年梅花鹿,6只雄性成年东北马鹿,在我国传统饲养模式下,每月采集鹿血液样品,进行鹿血清胰岛素样生长因子(IGF-1)及生长激素(GH)浓度年周期变化规律研究。试验结果表明,①梅花鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度4月份上升较高,5月份略有下降,到6月份达到一年周期变化的最高值,7月份开始逐渐下降,7～10月份均保持在一个稳定的水平,从11月至翌年3月,梅花鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度为全年最低水平,从翌年4月开始,IGF-1水平又开始回升。梅花鹿血清GH质量浓度在夏季的4～7月份相对处于较高状态,2月份梅花鹿血清GH质量浓度为一年中的最低水平。梅花鹿血清GH质量浓度相对比IGF-1质量浓度水平高,且变化趋势具有同步性。②马鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度4月份较高,5月份略有下降,到6月份达到一年周期变化的最高值,7月份开始逐渐下降,7～10月份均保持在一个稳定的水平,11月份略有上升,从12月至翌年3月,马鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度为全年最低水平,从翌年4月开始,IGF-1水平又开始回升,5月份同上一年的变化规律,又有一个下降的水平。马鹿血清GH质量浓度全年均较为平稳,但在夏季的4～8月份相对处于较高状态。③梅花鹿与马鹿血清IGF-1及GH质量浓度变化同步,在一年的大部分时间点,梅花鹿血清IGF-1及GH水平均高于马鹿血清IGF-1和GH水平,梅花鹿IG     

Acyl Ghrelin and Metabolic Hormones in Pregnant and Lactating Sows

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor, is considered a pleiotropic regulator involved in a large array of functions, including control of energy balance, regulation of food intake and, more recently, modulation of the reproductive axis. The present study was aimed at determining the changes in plasma concentrations of acyl-ghrelin in pregnant and lactating sows, with special emphasis on the relationship with the levels of GH, leptin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture from 22 multiparous sow 30, 60 and 90 days after artificial insemination, 7 and 21 days after farrowing and at first oestrus post-weaning. Plasma concentrations of acyl-ghrelin, leptin, GH and IGF-1 were quantified by validated radioimmunoassay; NEFA were determined using a colorimetric procedure. Plasma acyl ghrelin levels were highest at 30 days of pregnancy and decreased thereafter and during lactation. At the beginning of lactation, GH, IGF-1 and NEFA concentrations significantly increased, while a significant reduction occurred in leptin. In conclusion, ghrelin concentrations in sow maternal circulation does not seem to play an important role in maintaining circulating GH levels during lactation; moreover, ghrelin is not associated with leptin, NEFA and IGF-1 levels.     

Effects of tryptophan supplementation on cashmere fiber characteristics, serum tryptophan, and related hormone concentrations in cashmere goats

This study was designed to investigate the effects of tryptophan (Trp) supplementation on cashmere fiber characteristics and on serum Trp, melatonin (MEL), prolactin (PRL), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), triiodothyronine (T(3)), and thyroxine (T(4)) concentrations in cashmere goats during the cashmere fast-growth period. Thirty-six Liaoning cashmere wether goats were stratified on the basis of body weight (28 ± 0.8 kg) and assigned randomly to 1 of the following 4 rumen-protected Trp treatments: 0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 g per goat per day. The experimental period lasted 137 d. Blood samples were collected monthly during the daytime (8:00 AM) and at night (8:00 PM). Tryptophan supplementation improved cashmere growth rates, cashmere weight, and body weight (P = 0.001) and increased serum Trp levels, nighttime MEL concentrations, IGF-1, and T(3) and T(4) concentrations (P < 0.05). Across the treatments and sampling months, a highly positive correlation between cashmere growth rate and nighttime serum MEL concentrations was observed (r = 0.879, P = 0.001). A moderately negative correlation between cashmere growth rates and serum PRL concentrations during the day and at night (r(day) = -0.645, P = 0.007; r(night) = -0.583, P = 0.018) was observed. A moderately positive correlation between the cashmere growth rate and the daytime serum IGF-1 concentration (r = 0.536, P = 0.032) was observed, and no correlation was found between the cashmere growth rate and the other serum hormone concentrations. These data indicate that changes in serum concentrations of MEL, IGF-1, and PRL are related to cashmere growth in Liaoning cashmere goats during the cashmere fast-growth period. Under the experimental conditions of the current trial, we suggest that Trp may promote cashmere growth by increasing daytime IGF-1 and nighttime MEL secretion.