Canine plasma cortisol (hydrocortisone) measured by radioimmunoassay: clinical absence of diurnal variation and results of ACTH stimulation and dexamethasone suppression tests.

A radioimmunoassay for plasma cortisol (hydrocortisone) was developed and validated for sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and parallelism. Steroids were extracted with ethyl ether, and cortisol was purified by gel column chromatography prior to assay. [1,2-3H] cortisol and a commercially available sheep antibody to cortisol-21-hemisuccinate were used. Free steriods were separated from bound steroids by centrifugation after adsorption to dextran-coated charcoal. Plasma cortisol was measured by this technique in 6 normal dogs. Circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion was not detected in samples obtained by venipuncture at 8 different hours on 3 separate days, suggesting that adrenal function tests may be started in clinical patients at any time of day. Resting plasma cortisol concentrations averaged 19.4+/-3.0 (SD) ng/ml and ranged from nondetectable (less than 3 ng/ml) to 77.5 ng/ml. Of 144 canine plasma samples, 95% contained less than 50 ng of cortisol/ml. Intramuscular injection of 2.2 units of adrenocorticotropic hormone/kg of body weight caused detectable increase in plasma cortisol concentrations; maximum response (68.3 to 111.6 ng/ml) occurred 1 to 2 hours after injection. Oral administration of dexamethasone suppressed plasma cortisol to nondetectable concentrations for 32 hours in all 6 dogs.     

Plasma endogenous ACTH concentrations and plasma cortisol responses to synthetic ACTH and dexamethasone sodium phosphate in healthy cats

Plasma cortisol responses of 19 healthy cats to synthetic ACTH and dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) were evaluated. After administration of 0.125 mg (n = 5) or 0.25 mg (n = 6) of synthetic ACTH, IM, mean plasma cortisol concentrations increased significantly (P less than 0.05) at 15 minutes, reached a peak at 30 minutes, and decreased progressively to base-line values by 120 minutes. There was no significant difference (P greater than 0.05) between responses resulting from the 2 dosage rates. After administration of 1 mg of DSP/kg of body weight, IV (n = 7), mean plasma cortisol concentrations decreased at postadministration hour (PAH) 1, and were significantly lower than control cortisol concentrations at PAH 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 (P less than 0.01). Administration of 0.1 mg of DSP/kg, IV (n = 8) or 0.01 mg of DSP/kg, IV (n = 14) induced results that were similar, but less consistent than those after the 1 mg of DSP/kg dosage. Mean plasma cortisol concentrations returned to base-line values by PAH 24. There was not a significant difference between the 3 doses (P greater than 0.05) at most times. Measurement of endogenous ACTH in 16 healthy cats revealed plasma ACTH of less than 20 to 61 pg/ml. Seemingly, administration of synthetic ACTH consistently induced a significant (P less than 0.05) adrenocortical response in healthy cats. On the basis of time-response studies, post-ACTH stimulation cortisol samples should be collected at 30 minutes after ACTH administration to ensure detection of peak adrenocortical response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evaluation of adrenal function in psittacine birds, using the ACTH stimulation test

The effect of ACTH (16 units) on plasma cortisol and corticosterone concentrations in healthy psittacine birds was evaluated. Plasma corticosterone significantly increased (P less than 0.01) from a mean (+/- SD) basal concentration of 3.25 +/ 3.6 ng/ml to 26.47 +/- 9.25 (one hour after ACTH administration) and 25.69 +/- 13.23 ng/ml (2 hours after ACTH administration). For maximal increase in plasma corticosterone as measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA), heat denaturation was necessary to release corticosteroids from steroid-binding proteins. As measured by RIA, plasma cortisol concentrations did not increase, whether or not the heat denaturation step was included. Addition of cortisol to avian plasma did not prevent accurate quantification of cortisol as measured by RIA. Plasma corticosterone concentrations in cockatoos, macaws, Amazon parrots, conures, and lorikeets before and after ACTH administration indicated that the ACTH stimulation test could be used to evaluate adrenal secretory capacity in psittacine birds.     

Adrenocortical function testing in dairy cows and its effect on milk yield.

Administration of 6IU synthetic ACTH1-24 intravenously to six Holstein-Friesian cows resulted in a cortisol peak concentration after 1 hour of 148 +/- 34.2 ng/ml. Basal plasma cortisol concentration (4.84 +/- 0.83 ng/ml) was reached 5 hours after ACTH injection. Until 7 days after ACTH administration no effect on milk yield was recorded. So it is concluded that a dose of 6 IU ACTH1-24 is sufficient for a conspicuous release of cortisol without any alteration in milk production. This dose can be used as a standard test for the evaluation of adrenocortical function in lactating cows when administered intravenously at 9 a.m. and when plasma samples for cortisol assay are collected just prior to administration and at 10 a.m.     

Effects of single intravenous doses of dexamethasone on baseline plasma cortisol concentrations and responses to synthetic ACTH in healthy dogs

The duration of adrenocortical suppression resulting from a single IV dose of dexamethasone or dexamethasone sodium phosphate was determined in dogs. At 0800 hours, 5 groups of dogs (n = 4/group) were treated with 0.01 or 0.1 mg of either agent/kg of body weight or saline solution (controls). Plasma cortisol concentrations were significantly (P less than 0.01) depressed in dogs given either dose of dexamethasone or dexamethasone sodium phosphate by posttreatment hour (PTH) 2 and concentrations remained suppressed for at least 16 hours. However, by PTH 24, plasma cortisol concentrations in all dogs, except those given 0.1 mg of dexamethasone/kg, returned to control values. Adrenocortical suppression was evident in dogs given 0.1 mg of dexamethasone/kg for up to 32 hours. The effect of dexamethasone pretreatment on the adrenocortical response to ACTH was studied in the same dogs 2 weeks later. Two groups of dogs (n = 10/group) were tested with 1 microgram of synthetic ACTH/kg given at 1000 hours or 1400 hours. One week later, half of the dogs in each group were given 0.01 mg of dexamethasone/kg at 0600 hours, whereas the remaining dogs were given 0.1 mg of dexamethasone/kg. The ACTH response test was then repeated so that the interval between dexamethasone treatment and ACTH injection was 4 hours (ACTH given at 1000 hours) or 8 hours (ACTH given at 1400 hours). Base-line plasma cortisol concentrations were reduced in all dogs given dexamethasone 4 or 8 hours previously.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of exogenous ACTH on serum corticosterone and cortisol concentrations in the Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)

The effects of exogenous adrenocorticortrophic hormone (ACTH) on the serum corticosterone and cortisol concentrations were determined in 28 mature Moluccan cockatoos (Cacatua moluccensis), a representative of the psittacine species. Birds were randomly assigned to 4 groups (2 ACTH-treated groups and 2 saline-treated controls). Group I (10 cockatoos [5 males and 5 females] ) was given 15 IU of ACTH after blood samples (base line) were taken at 10:00 AM. Blood samples were taken again at 30 minutes and 2.5 hours after ACTH administration. Group II (10 cockatoos) was given similar treatment, but blood samples were taken at 1 and 4 hours after ACTH was administered. Groups III and IV (each of 4 birds) were given saline solution injections as controls. Blood samples were taken at 30 minutes and 2.5 hours after injection (group III) and at 1 and 4 hours after injection (group IV). All serum samples were analyzed for cortisol and corticosterone. Serum corticosterone concentration increased significantly (P less than 0.01) from base-line levels (26 ng/ml) to 108 ng/ml within 30 minutes after ACTH was administered. The high values were maintained for 3 hours and then decreased to 40 ng/ml at the end of 4 hours. Male birds seemed to respond to the ACTH treatment quickly and maintained increased concentration for a shorter period when compared with the responses seen in female birds. Serum cortisol values remained low throughout the experimental period. These results indicate that serum corticosterone was responsive to ACTH administration, but cortisol was not. In addition, there may be a difference in the responses between male and female members of the species.     

Plasma cortisol and progesterone responses to low doses of adrenocorticotropic hormone in ovariectmized lactating cows

The objective of this study was to describe the responses of the plasma progesterone and cortisol concentrations in ovariectomized lactating cows to low doses of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The estrous cycles in 3 lactating cows were synchronized, and the cows were ovariectomized in the luteal phase. ACTH challenge tests were conducted at doses of 3, 6, 12 and 25 IU. Blood samples were collected at 30 min intervals, and the plasma progesterone and cortisol concentrations were analyzed by EIA. A concomitant rise in plasma progesterone and plasma cortisol was observed in cows treated with 12 IU or higher doses of ACTH. Significant increments in the plasma cortisol concentrations were observed at all doses of ACTH. The means (+/- SE) of the peak plasma progesterone concentrations after the 3, 6, 12 and 25 IU ACTH challenge tests were 0.6 +/- 0.1, 1.3 +/- 0.4, 1.5 +/- 0.3 and 2.4 +/- 0.3 ng/ml, respectively. The means of the peak plasma cortisol concentrations in the 3 cows after the ACTH challenge were 14.0 +/- 1.5, 17.0 +/- 2.5, 23.3 +/- 3.0, and 33.3 +/- 7.0 ng/ml, respectively. The effects of the doses, time after treatment, and their interaction on the plasma progesterone concentrations after the ACTH challenge were significant (P<0.01). Likewise, the effects of the doses, time after treatment, and their interaction on the plasma cortisol concentrations after the ACTH challenge were significant (P<0.01). The mean AUC values for the plasma progesterone and cortisol concentrations after the ACTH treatments were also significantly affected by the dose of ACTH (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). A significantly positive correlation was obtained between the peak plasma progesterone and cortisol concentrations after different doses of ACTH (r=0.7, P<0.05). The results suggest that lactating dairy cows are capable of secreting a significant amount of adrenal progesterone, reaching up to the minimal concentration necessary to cause suppression of estrus in response to 12 IU ACTH (P<0.01). The concomitant plasma cortisol concentration was 23.3 ng/ml.     

Effects of etomidate on adrenocortical function in canine surgical patients

Adrenocortical function in canine surgical patients given etomidate at 1 of 2 dosages (1.5 mg/kg of body weight or 3 mg/kg, IV) was evaluated and compared with that of dogs given thiopental (12 mg/kg, IV). The adrenocortical function was evaluated by use of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests and determination of plasma cortisol concentrations at 0 minute (base line) and 60 minutes after ACTH administration. At 24 hours before administration of either drug (ie, induction of anesthesia), each dog had an increase in plasma cortisol concentration when given ACTH. The ACTH stimulation tests were repeated 2 hours after induction of anesthesia. Dogs given thiopental had base-line plasma cortisol concentrations greater than preinduction base-line values, but did not increase plasma cortisol in response to ACTH stimulation. Postinduction ACTH stimulation tests in dogs given etomidate at either dose indicated base-line and 60-minute plasma cortisol concentrations that were not different from preinduction base-line values. Therefore, adrenocortical function was suppressed 2 and 3 hours after the administration of etomidate in canine surgical patients.     

Regulation of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone secretion from the pars intermedia of domestic cats

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors regulating secretion of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) from the pars intermedia (PI) of the pituitary gland of cats. ANIMALS: 28 healthy adult cats. PROCEDURE: Indwelling catheters were placed in 1 jugular vein of each of 7 to 10 cats, depending on treatment group. Sixteen hours later, 3 blood samples were collected for determination of baseline plasma hormone concentrations, and saline solution or a test substance (haloperidol, corticotropin-releasing hormone, bromocriptine, isoproterenol, insulin, or dexamethasone) was administered via the catheter. Subsequent blood samples were collected at regular intervals for up to 240 minutes after injection. Concentrations of ACTH, cortisol, and alpha-MSH were measured in plasma by use of specific radioimmunoassays. Cats were rested for at least 3 weeks between experiments. RESULTS: Administration of haloperidol and isoproterenol resulted in increased, and bromocriptine and insulin in decreased, circulating concentrations of alpha-MSH from baseline. ACTH and plasma cortisol concentrations increased after administration of all test substances except dexamethasone. Dexamethasone injection resulted in decreased plasma concentrations of ACTH and cortisol. CONCLUSIONS: Secretion of alpha-MSH from the PI of cats appears to be inhibited by dopaminergic activity and stimulated by beta-adrenergic influences. Activation of secretion of alpha-MSH from the PI can be dissociated from activation of secretion of other pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides, such as ACTH, arising from the pars distalis. Regulation of secretory activity of the PI of cats resembles that of rats.     

Effects of phenylbutazone and anabolic steroids on adrenal and thyroid gland function tests in healthy horses

Adrenal and/or thyroid gland function tests were evaluated in horses at various times during short-term therapy with phenylbutazone, stanozolol, and boldenone undecylenate. There were no significant treatment or time effects on mean basal plasma cortisol concentrations in horses during treatment with the following: phenylbutazone, given twice daily (4 to 5 mg/kg, IV) for 5 days; stanozolol, given twice weekly (0.55 mg/kg, IM) for 12 days; boldenone undecylenate, given twice weekly (1.1 mg/kg, IM) for 12 days; or nothing. There was no significant effect of phenylbutazone treatment on the changes in plasma cortisol concentration during the combined dexamethasone-suppression adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-stimulation test. Plasma cortisol concentration was significantly decreased from base line at 3 hours after dexamethasone administration and was significantly increased from base line at 2 hours after ACTH in all horses (P less than 0.05). Likewise, the stimulation of basal plasma cortisol concentrations at 2 hours after administration of ACTH (P less than 0.05) was not affected by treatment with stanozolol or boldenone undecylenate. There were no significant treatment effects on mean basal plasma concentrations of thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) among horses during the following treatments: stanozolol, given twice weekly (0.55 mg/kg, IM) for 12 days; boldenone undecylenate, given twice weekly (1.1 mg/kg, IM) for 12 days; or nothing. There was a significant time effect on overall mean basal plasma T4 and T3 concentrations (P less than 0.05): plasma T4 was lower on day 8 than on days 1, 10, and 12; plasma T3 was higher on day 8 than on days 4 and 12.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Assessment of adrenocortical activity by non-invasive measurement of faecal cortisol metabolites in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The aim of this study was to determine whether glucocorticoid production could be monitored non-invasively in dromedary camels by measuring faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs). Five Sudanese dromedaries, two males and three females, were injected with a synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) analogue. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-ACTH injection. Faeces were sampled after spontaneous defecation for five consecutive days (2 days before and 3 days after ACTH injection). Baseline plasma cortisol values ranged from 0.6 to 10.8 ng/ml in males and from 1.1 to 16.6 ng/ml in females, while peak values after ACTH injection were 10.9–41.9 in males and 10–42.2 ng/ml in females. Peak blood cortisol values were reached between 1.5 and 2.0 h after ACTH injection. The concentration of FCMs increased after ACTH injection in the faeces of both sexes, although steroid levels peaked earlier in males [24 h; (286.7–2,559.7 ng/g faeces)] than in females [36–48 h; (1,182.6–5,169.1 ng/g faeces)], reflecting increases of 3.1–8.3- and 4.3–8-fold above baseline levels. To detect chromatographic patterns of immunoreactive FCMs, faecal samples with high FCM concentrations from both sexes were pooled and subjected to reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). RP-HPLC analysis revealed sex differences in the polarity of FCMs, with females showing more polar FCMs than males. We concluded that stimulation of adrenocortical activity by ACTH injection resulted in a measurable increase in blood cortisol that was reliably paralleled by increases in FCM levels. Thus, measurement of FCMs is a powerful tool for monitoring the adrenocortical responses of dromedaries to stressors in field conditions.     

A role for the adrenal cortex in the onset of cystic ovarian follicles in the sow.

The corticotrophin (ACTH)-adrenal cortical axis has previously been implicated in the onset of cystic ovaries in the sow. In view of the role of the ACTH-adrenal cortical axis in stress, two sows were subjected to an elevated environmental temperature of 32 degrees C for three hours daily during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle. Plasma concentrations of glucocorticosteroids and progesterone fluctuated markedly in one sow that developed cystic ovaries. Concentrations of these hormones did not vary greatly in the other sow that did not develop cystic follicles. Exposure to an environmental temperature of 32 degrees C for three hours or injection of 1 IU/kg bodyweight of ACTH for each of two ovariectomized sows resulted in an elevation in progesterone values to 5-7 ng/ml plasma from basal levels of 1-2 ng/ml and a rise in total glucocorticosteroids from basal levels of 1 or 2 microgram/100 ml plasma to 4-10 microgram/100 ml. Injection of 2 mg/kg bodyweight of progesterone and 4 mg/kg bodyweight of cortisol into the ovariectomized sows was found to approximate these elevations in plasma steroid values. When either progesterone or cortisol was injected daily during the follicular phase into two intact sows in two successive experiments at these dosage levels, similarly elevated plasma steroid concentrations were seen and cystic ovarian follicles resulted. The results suggest that glucocorticosteroids and progesterone of adrenal origin may be involved in the onset of cystic ovaries in the sow.     

Pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime in the domestic cat

Cefotaxime was administered as single IV or IM dose for the purpose of examining its pharmacokinetics in healthy cats. The mean predicted plasma concentration of cefotaxime in 6 cats at 0 time after a single IV dosage of 10 mg/kg of body weight was 88.9 micrograms/ml. The mean plasma concentrations decreased to 10.8 micrograms/ml at 2 hours, 3.7 micrograms/ml at 3 hours, and 0.5 microgram/ml at 6 hours. The half-life was 0.98 +/- 0.25 hour (mean +/- SD), and the total body clearance was determined to be 2.76 +/- 1.25 ml/min/kg. After a single IM injection of 10 mg/kg of body weight, the mean maximum observed plasma concentration was 36.2 micrograms/ml at 0.75 hour. The mean absorption half-life was 0.24 hour. In 2 animals, the bioavailability of an IM injection was 98.2% and 93.0%.     

Cortisol and luteinizing hormone after adrenocorticotropic hormone administration to postpartum beef cows

Cortisol and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured in serum after the administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to suckled (S) and nonsuckled (NS) beef cows. Blood was sampled on 2 consecutive days every 2 weeks for four bleeding periods starting 14 days after calving. Cows were injected with 200 IU ACTH or saline in a 2-day switchback design. Serum was collected before ACTH or saline injection and at 30-min intervals thereafter for 8 hours. Average cortisol concentrations in serum were similar in S and NS cows (6.4 +/- .6 and 6.1 +/- .8 ng/ml, respectively) after saline. Average cortisol concentrations in serum collected during an 8-hr period after ACTH on days 14, 28, 42 and 56 postpartum were 24.7 +/- 2.4, 31.8 +/- 3.5, 36.4 +/- 4.2 and 40.7 +/- .5 ng/ml, respectively, for S cows, and 31.1 +/- 2.9, 44.7 +/- 5.2, 45.0 +/- 5.7 and 46.0 +/- 5.4 ng/ml, respectively, for NS cows. Cortisol response to ACTH, measured as area under the response curve, was greater (P less than .05) in NS than in S cows. Amount of cortisol released by 200 IU ACTH was maximal by days 28 to 29 postpartum in NS cows, but the response increased gradually between days 14 to 15 and days 56 to 57 in S cows. overall, LH in serum averaged .55 +/- .08 ng/ml for S cows and .92 +/- .06 ng/ml for NS cows after saline, and .49 +/- .07 ng/ml for S cows and .94 +/- .06 ng/ml for NS cows after ACth. Although mean and peak serum LH concentrations did not differ between cows given ACTH and those given saline, the number of LH peaks and the number of cows having LH after saline. Mean serum LH concentrations were lower (P less than. 05) in S than in NS cows at 28 days postpartum. The number of LH peaks was lower (P less than .05) and the magnitude of the largest LH peak tended to be lower (P less than .06) in S cows at all sampling periods.     

Duration of etomidate-induced adrenocortical suppression during surgery in dogs

Plasma cortisol concentrations were compared in canine surgical patients given etomidate (2 mg/kg of body weight, IV) or thiopental sodium (12 mg/kg, IV) for anesthetic induction. Blood samples to determine plasma concentrations of etomidate were obtained at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after induction. Adrenocortical function was evaluated before surgery by use of adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation tests. Dogs in both induction groups had high plasma cortisol concentrations after induction. Dogs given thiopental had a significant increase (P less than 0.05) in plasma cortisol concentration from baseline at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12 hours after induction. Dogs given etomidate had a significant increase (P less than 0.05) in plasma cortisol concentration from baseline at 5, 6, and 8 hours after induction. A comparison of plasma cortisol concentrations determined at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours after induction with thiopental or etomidate revealed a higher (P less than 0.05) concentration in dogs given thiopental. The disposition of etomidate was best described by a 2-compartment model, with a redistribution half-life of 0.12 +/- 0.04 minute and a terminal half-life of 1.70 +/- 0.27 minute. Plasma cortisol concentrations did not correlate with plasma etomidate concentrations. We conclude that, compared with thiopental, a single bolus injection of etomidate reduces the adrenocortical response to anesthesia and surgery from 2 to 6 hours after induction. Because cortisol concentrations were significantly higher than baseline, and because cardiopulmonary function is maintained after a single bolus injection of etomidate, it can be considered a safe induction agent in dogs.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the adrenal gland and evaluation of the hypophyseal-adrenal axis in 20 cats

The adrenal glands of 20 healthy, non-sedated cats were examined ultrasonographically; visualisation and assessment was possible in all cases. In comparison with the surrounding tissue, the adrenal glands were hypoechoic and two distinct zones could be differentiated in six of the cats. The length and width of the adrenal glands varied from 0.45 to 1.37 cm and 0.29 to 0.53 cm, respectively, and both dimensions could be reliably reproduced. The adrenal glands did not differ between male and female cats, and, in comparison to dogs, those of cats are more easily visualised ultrasonographically. The basal cortisol value ranged from 2.0 to 79 micrograms/litre. Values 30 and 60 minutes after administration of ACTH (0.125 mg/cat intramuscularly) varied from 36 to 126 micrograms/litre. The basal value of aldosterone ranged from 4 to 618 pg/ml. Values 30 and 60 minutes after administration of ACTH varied from 100 to 832 pg/ml. In all cats, suppression of the cortisol value below the level of detection (< 2.0 micrograms/litre) occurred four and eight hours after the administration of dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg intravenously).     

Effects of metyrapone and ACTH on intestinal absorption of immunoreactive bovine IgG in cesarean-derived pigs.

Newborn cesarean-derived pigs were injected with 5.0 mg of metyrapone/kg, or 1 USP U of ACTH/kg, or the vehicle 1.0 ml of 44 mM sodium tartrate and 88 mM NaCl soon after delivery (0 hour) and again 4, 8, and 12 hours later. Beginning at 2 hours, each pig in the 3 groups was given 40 ml of pooled bovine colostrum/kg by stomach tube every 8 hours for the duration of the experiment. Four hours after each feeding, pigs were killed; plasma and serum were collected and assayed for cortisol and bovine immunoglobulin (IgG), respectively. Some nonfed, nontreated pigs were killed at 0 hour also. Metyrapone significantly decreased plasma cortisol (hydrocortisone) concentrations at all times tested, whereas ACTH-treated pigs demonstrated a biphasic increase of plasma cortisol. Immunoreactive serum bovine IgG was not detected in nonfed, nontreated pigs. In vehicle-injected control pigs, bovine IgG was present in the serum at 6 hours; the concentration increases consistently to 22 hours, but not significantly thereafter. The concentration of bovine IgG in the serum of metyrapone-treated pigs also increased steadily before plateauing at 22 hours, but the values were significantly less than those of the controls at 14, 22, 30, and 38 hours. The concentration of bovine IgG in the serum of ACTH-treated pigs did not differ significantly from the control values at any of the times tested.     

Effects of low dosages of intravenous dexamethasone on serum cortisol concentrations in the normal cat

The suppressive effects of three different low dosages of dexamethasone (5, 10 and 15 micrograms kg-1) on serum cortisol concentrations were evaluated in 10 normal cats. On four different days, serum was collected before and at two, four, six and eight hours after the intravenous administration of saline or dexamethasone. Following the administration of saline, no significant difference in mean serum cortisol concentrations was noted between the basal or postinjection values. In contrast, mean serum cortisol concentrations decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) by two hours and remained significantly below mean basal values eight hours after injection of all three dosages of dexamethasone. The degree of cortisol suppression became progressively greater as the dosages of dexamethasone were increased. After administration of the highest dose of dexamethasone (15 micrograms kg-1), serum cortisol decreased to below 5 ng ml-1 by two to four hours and remained suppressed (under 5 ng ml-1) eight hours after injection in all cats. In contrast, two of the 10 cats showed a slight escape from cortisol suppression by eight hours after injection of dexamethasone at the dosage of 10 micrograms kg-1, whereas a dosage of 5 micrograms kg-1 failed to suppress cortisol concentrations below 10 ng ml-1 at any of the sampling times in one cat and was associated with increasing serum cortisol concentrations at eight hours after injection in three cats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cortisol-induced inhibition of ACTH secretion in adult sheep

Previous results from this laboratory have demonstrated that in preterm fetal sheep (117-131 days gestation), stimulated ACTH secretion is highly sensitive and that in term fetal sheep (129-143 days), stimulated ACTH secretion is insensitive to the negative feedback effects of cortisol. The purpose of this study was to quantitate cortisol negative feedback inhibition of stimulated ACTH secretion in adult sheep. Adult, conscious, nonpregnant ewes, chronically prepared with carotid arterial loops, were infused intravenously with vehicle or cortisol at 4 different rates (denoted Groups I, II, III, and IV) for 5 hours. These infusions increased total and unbound plasma cortisol concentrations within the range observed after stimulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. One hour after termination of the cortisol or vehicle infusions, ACTH secretion was stimulated by intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside for 10 min at a rate of 20 micrograms/kg.min. Cortisol infusions suppressed ACTH responses to nitroprusside in a dose-related manner. After vehicle infusion, nitroprusside increased plasma ACTH to 735 +/- 229 pg/ml. After cortisol infusions, nitroprusside increased plasma ACTH to 292 +/- 63, 101 +/- 30, 73 +/- 12, and 67 +/- 24 in Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Overall, there was a significant negative exponential relationship between plateau plasma cortisol concentration during the cortisol or vehicle infusion and the peak plasma ACTH concentration during the response to nitroprusside infusion (r = -0.81). The highest rate of cortisol infusion increased total and unbound plasma cortisol concentrations to 40.1 +/- 5.7 and 19.5 +/- 5.9 ng/ml and completely suppressed the subsequent ACTH response to nitroprusside.     

Effect of administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone on plasma concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and cortisol in stallions

In boars and rabbits, administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) results in a testis-dependent, short-term increase in concentrations of testosterone in peripheral plasma. This experiment was designed to assess the short-term effects of a single ACTH injection on plasma concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and cortisol in stallions. Eight light horse and two pony stallions were paired by age and weight and then one of each pair was randomly assigned to the treatment (ACTH, .2 IU/kg of body weight) or control (vehicle) group. Injection of ACTH increased (P<.01) plasma concentrations of cortisol by approximately twofold in the first 60 minutes; control stallions showed no change (P>.10) in concentrations of cortisol during the blood sampling period. Control stallions exhibited a midday increase (P>.05) in concentrations of testosterone similar to that reported previously; ACTH treatment prevented or delayed this increase such that concentrations of testosterone in treated stallions were lower (P<.05) than in controls 4 to 5 hours after injection of ACTH. Treatment with ACTH had no effect (P<.10) on plasma concentrations of LH or FSH up to 12 hours after injection.