Open AccessBlood glucose and insulin concentrations after alpha‐2‐agonists administration in horses with and without insulin dysregulation
Author(s) -
Kritchevsky Janice E.,
Muir Genevieve S.,
Leschke Dakota H. Z.,
Hodgson Jack K.,
Hess Emily K.,
Bertin FrancoisRene
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/jvim.15747
Subject(s) - detomidine , hyperinsulinemia , insulin , medicine , xylazine , endocrinology , insulin resistance , crossover study , glucose uptake , anesthesia , placebo , ketamine , alternative medicine , pathology
Background In metabolically stable horses, alpha‐2‐agonists suppress insulin secretion with transient hyperglycemia and rebound hyperinsulinemia. In horses with insulin dysregulation (ID), the effect of alpha‐2‐agonists has not been investigated; however, both the alpha‐2‐agonist‐induced suppression of insulin secretion and rebound hyperinsulinemia could have clinical relevance. Hypothesis/Objectives In horses with ID, alpha‐2‐agonists will alter insulin and glucose dynamics. Animals Seven horses with ID and 7 control horses. Methods In this randomized crossover study, xylazine hydrochloride (1.1 mg/kg) or detomidine hydrochloride (30 μg/kg) were administered IV, and blood was collected for glucose and insulin concentrations at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 300 minutes after administration. Horses received each drug in a random order with a 24‐hour washout period between drugs. Percent change in glucose and insulin concentrations was compared between groups, drugs, and over time with P < .05 considered significant. Results A significant time‐dependent effect of both alpha‐2‐agonists on glucose and insulin concentrations in control and ID horses was identified ( P = .01 for all comparisons). There was no significant effect of sedative selection and endocrine status on blood glucose concentration in either group; however, in ID horses, xylazine administration resulted in severe rebound hyperinsulinemia whereas detomidine administration did not ( P = .02). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Alpha‐2‐agonists have a significant effect on glucose and insulin concentrations in horses. In ID horses, detomidine could minimize hyperinsulinemia when compared to xylazine.