ENDOCRINE AND REPRODUCTIVE CONSEQUENCES OF CERTAIN ENDOTOXIN-MEDIATEDDISEASES IN FARM MAMMALS - A REVIEW

After giving an overview of the general pathology of endotoxin-mediate d diseases, the authors summarise the endotoxin-induced endocrine chan ges and their clinical consequences, with particular regard to reprodu ction. The consequences of temporary activation of the cyclooxygenase- 2 and lipoxygenase enzyme systems resulting in elevated release of var ious prostanoids are discussed in cyclic and pregnant ruminants, sows and mares. The clinical failures attributable to increased glucocortic oid secretion as well as the endotoxin-induced changes in thyroid func tion and in peripheral level of some other hormones (prolactin, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1) are also reviewed.