Oxytocin Concentration in Septicemia and Maladjustment Foal Syndrome

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2015-03-25

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Abstract

Sepsis, the leading cause of foal mortality, is a condition where bacteria multiply in the blood and set up widespread infection throughout the body. Septic foals have varying levels of survival depending on severity and duration of infection. In response to stress, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland release multiple hormones, including oxytocin which is typically associated with delivery and mammary gland development. The role of oxytocin in response to sepsis associated stress and neurological function is well documented in critically ill human neonates, but limited information exists in newborn foals. Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (NMS) occurs in foals during or shortly after parturition and is often associated with septicemia. The syndrome is characterized by abnormal neurologic behavior, loss of suckle reflex, depression, and seizures. The exact cause of NMS has not yet been determined; therefore association between hormone concentration and neurological abnormalities remains to be evaluated. Objectives of this project were to investigate concentration of oxytocin in critically ill foals and examine associations with septicemia, NMS, and likelihood of survival. Hormone concentrations of three groups of septic, sick non-septic (SNS) and healthy foals were measured from foal blood samples using an Oxytocin Enzyme Immunoassay Kit. Results showed significantly lower concentration of oxytocin in septic foals and higher concentration in foals with NMS compared to SNS and healthy foals. Currently, information regarding endocrine response to critical illness in foals is extremely limited. With a more comprehensive understanding of oxytocin concentration, more effective treatment options could be developed. Findings could potentially prevent substantial monetary losses to the US equine industry through increased survival rate.

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Agriculture/Environmental Science (The Ohio State University Denman Undergraduate Research Forum)

Keywords

oxytocin, foal, septicemia, neurologic, hormone

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