Assessment of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis function using a vasopressin stimulation test in neonatal foals

Abstract Background Bacterial sepsis is the leading cause of death in foals and is associated with hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis (HPAA) dysfunction. HPAA function can be evaluated by an arginine‐vasopressin (AVP) stimulation test. Hypotheses/Objectives Administration of AVP will stimulate a dose‐dependent rise in systemic adrenocorticotropin‐releasing hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in neonatal foals. There will be no response seen in corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) and baseline AVP will be within reference interval. Animals Twelve neonatal foals, <72 hours old. Methods HPAA function was assessed in foals utilizing 3 doses of AVP (2.5, 5, and 7.5 IU), administered between 24 and 48 hours of age in this randomized cross‐over study. Cortisol, ACTH, CRH and AVP were measured at 0 (baseline), 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes after AVP administration with immunoassays. The fold increase in cortisol and ACTH was calculated at 15 and 30 minutes compared to baseline. Results All doses of AVP resulted in a significant increase in cortisol concentration over time, and a dose‐dependent increase in ACTH concentration over time. ACTH and cortisol were significantly increased at 15 and 30 minutes, respectively after all 3 doses of AVP compared to baseline (P < .01). There was no change in endogenous CRH after stimulation with AVP. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Administration of AVP is safe and results in a significant rise in ACTH and cortisol in neonatal foals. A stimulation test with AVP (5 IU) can be considered for HPAA assessment in septic foals.