Effect of exogenous ACTH on serum corticosterone and cortisol concentrations in the Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)
Walsh, M.T.; Beldegreen, R.A.; Clubb, S.L.; Chen, C.L.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 46(7): 1584-1588
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 2992330 Document Number: 266896
The effects of exogenous ACTH on the serum corticosterone and cortisol concentrations were determined in 28 mature Moluccan cockatoos (C. moluccensis), a representative of the psittacine species. Birds were randomly assigned to 4 groups (2 ACTH-treated groups and 2 saline-treated controls). Group I (10 cockatoos [5 males 5 females]) was given 15 IU of ACTH after blood samples (base line) were taken at 1000 h. Blood samples were taken again at 30 min and 2.5 h after ACTH administration. Group II (10 cockatoos) was given similar treatment, but blood samples were taken at 1 and 4 h after ACTH was administered. Groups III and IV (each of 4 birds) were given salien solution injections as controls. Blood samples were taken at 30 min ad 2.5 h after injection (group III) and at 1 and 4 h after injection (group IV). All serum samples were analyzed for cortisol and corticosterone. Serum corticosterone concentration increased significantly (P < 0.01) from base-line levels (26 ng/ml) to 108 ng/ml within 30 min after ACTH was administered. The high values were maintained for 3 h and then decreased to 40 ng/ml at the end of 4 h. Male birds seemed to respond to the ACTH treatment quickly and maintained increased concentration for a shorter period when compared with the responses seen in female birds. Serum cortisol values remained low throughout the experimental period. These results indicate that serum corticosterone was responsive to ACTH administration, but cortisol was not. In addition, there may be a difference in the responses between male and female members of the species.