Cortisol in pregnancy toxaemia of sheep.
Of 31 pregnant ewes with clinical signs of pregnancy toxaemia, 24 had hypoglycaemia and hyperketonaemia at the time that a single blood sample was obtained. Twenty-five of these had a plasma cortisol concentration in excess of 10 ng/ml and six had a value below this. All the seven animals which did not show both hypoglycaemia and hyperketonaemia had a plasma cortisol concentration in excess of 10 ng/ml. Taking all the sheep together, 80% had a high plasma cortisol concentration. This could be the consequence of increased adrenal output or reduced excretion by the liver.
Ford
E J
EJ
Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Cheshire.
Evans
J
J
Robinson
I
I
D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates / Q000097:blood; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood / Q000662:veterinary*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000097:blood*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates; D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid; D006854:Hydrocortisone