Comparative evaluation of the effects of dexamethasone on serum proteins and biochemical parameters in gravid yankasa sheep and Sahel goats

Abstract

Dexamethasone is traditionally used for the suppression of inflammation. However, it is now also used in treatments and management of metabolic diseases. Although glucose is an insensitive measure of energy status, effects of dexamethasone on glucose metabolism have been extensively studied while its effects on proteins in pregnant yankasa sheep and Sahel goats have not been investigated. Twenty two animals, comprising 10 does, 1 buck, 10 ewes and 1 ram were used in this study. Repeated dexamethasone injections were given at 0.25 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected biweekly for analysis of total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin creatinine and urea. In pregnant Sahel goats, dexamethasone influenced significant (P<0.05 decrease in albumin and albumin/globulin ratio. Urea concentration significantly increased in dexamethasone-treated groups of both species compared to their respective controls. In pregnant yankasa sheep, dexamethasone treatments had no significant (p>0.05) effects on all the parameters except urea. Dexamethasone did not influence total protein concentrations in both species, but decreased albumin level in Sahel goats. The total protein level was stabilized by increased globulin concentration in goats. The mechanism of albumin decrease in Sahel goats is attributed to dilutional effects caused by plasma volume expansion. The positive influence of dexamethasone on ureagenesis in both species might be beneficial as urea can contribute important source of amino acids to synthesize protein. However, urea may increase the osmolar load to the kidneys. Therefore pregnant subjects undergoing dexamethasone treatment should be provided with adequate drinking water.