CERTAIN DIAGNOSTIC AND PATHOLOGICAL ASPEC TS OF THE FUNCTION OF ADRENAL-CORTEX IN CATTLE

Based on the available litereature data, the authors have summarized t he species characteristics of glycocorticoid (cortisol) secretion of a drenal cortex (AC) in cattle, as well as the factors influencing the a ctual blood level of cortisol. It has been pointed out the necessity t o carry out the ACTH stimulation test, suitable for the functional inv estigation of AC (first of all to demonstrate the decrease in the func tional capacity - hypocorticism), under uniform conditions. Basic prin ciples of the method have also been summarized (intravenous applicatio n of a preparation containing 60 IU = 60 mu g(1-24) ACTH, blood sampli ng 60 Min. later to demonstrate the increase of the stimulated cortiso l level; the test should be carried out in the morning, at least 60 Mi n. after milking). Mentioning also the possibility of hypercorticism, the authors have detailed the influence of decreased AC functional cap acity - observed by many investigators - at the puerperal period on th e pathogenesis and process of certain endotoxin mediated puerperal dis eases (putrid endometritis, as well as E. coli/coliform mastitis) and metabolic disorders (ketosis) and outlined which correlation led to th e cumulation of certain ovarial dysfunction.