Patterns of Plasma Cortisol, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF 1) Concentrations in Clenbuterol Treated Veal Calves

Abstract

The possible influence of a β-adrenergic agonist, Clenbuterol, on GH, IGF–1, LH and cortisol secretion was investigated in young female calves. Clenbuterol (5 Ug/kg liveweight) was fed twice daily for 3 weeks. Blood sampleswere taken twice daily; on days–5, 1, 3 and 5 of treatment, series of frequent samplings (10 h, 30 minintervals) were conducted to evaluate GH, LH and cortisol secretion. IGF–1 plasma concentrations were measured in the daily samples throughout the experiment. To register metabolic changes, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were also recorded. In contrast to cortisol and LH secretion, that were not affected by Clenbuterol treatment, GH secretion was suppressed during the first day of treatment. On days 3 and 7 the differences between control and treated animals diminished. In the Clenbuterol treated calves, the age related increase of IGF–1 plasma concentrations slowed down during days 6-15 of treatment. Then this divergence leveled off. Postprandial NEFA concentrations were increased in the treated calves (P<0.05). These results do not support an indirect mode of action of Clenbuterol through the somatotropic axis since the observed changes were not persistent and rather related to direct metabolic changes induced by Clenbuterol. © 1993, THE SOCIETY FOR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT. All rights reserved.