SERUM MUSCULAR ENZYMES (CPK AST) AND PLASMA PROGESTERONE IN THOROUGHBRED MARES IN-TRAINING/

Blood samples were analysed in 111 Thoroughbred mares in training, to study the relationship between CPK, AST (GOT) and progesterone. The en zymes were measured spectrophotometrically and the progesterone by RIA . The following effects were studied: 1. - Stud to which the animal be longs. 2. - Training stage. 3. - Period between the last hard exercise and the enzyme measurement. 4. - Animal's age. Two different groups w ere considered: group A: mares with progesterone levels less than 1 ng /ml; group B: mares with progesterone levels higher than or equal to 1 ng/ml. In group A, effects 1, 2 and 3 were significant (p<0.05) for C PK enzyme. Effects 1 and 2 were significant for AST(GOT) enzyme. Where as in group B, for both enzymes (CPK and AST), none of the factors had a significant effect (p<0.05).