Ga. Bubenik et al., The effect of ACTH on the GnRH-induced release of LH and testosterone in male white-tailed deer, COMP BIOC C, 122(2), 1999, pp. 173-179
Citations number
31
Categorie Soggetti
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Journal title
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-PHARMACOLOGY TOXICOLOGY & ENDOCRINOLOGY
In order to investigate the possible link between stress and the impairment
of the reproductive system, 12 yearling white-tailed bucks, born to mother
s captured wild in southern Texas, were immobilized every 6 weeks over the
period of 1 year. In half of experiments deer were injected i.m. with 20 IU
of ACTH; in the second half, we used saline only. Simultaneously, in each
experiment we also injected all deer i.m. with 100 mu g of GnRH. Three bloo
d samples were taken before and seven after treatment and plasma levels of
cortisol, LH and testosterone (T) were later measured by RIA. Half of our y
earlings were born to mothers which were fed high-protein-high-energy (HP-H
E) diet during their pregnancy; the other half was fed high-protein-low-ene
rgy diet (HP-LE). ACTH increased cortisol levels in both nutritional regime
s. Cortisol levels in controls decreased with time but a more pronounced re
duction was observed in HP-HE bucks as compared to HP-LE deer. GnRH signifi
cantly increased LH and T levels. However, only in summer, LH levels were h
igher in HP-LE fed deer than those fed HP-HE; in other seasons they were eq
ual. Conversely, only in winter T levels were elevated in HP-HE fed deer as
compared with HP-LE deer. We concluded that the pronounced suppression of
reproductive hormones by ACTH or cortisol reported previously in domestic u
ngulates does not occur in white-tailed deer yearlings. Conversely, the low
level of energy provided in food to mothers during their pregnancies signi
ficantly reduced peak levels of testosterone in their male offspring. This
study further proved that white-tailed deer is a highly adaptable cervid sp
ecies resistant to environmental stress. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All
rights reserved.