Effects of maternal dexamethasone treatment on pancreatic β cell function in the pregnant mare and post natal foal.
Authors: Valenzuela O A, Jellyman J K, Allen V L, Holdstock N B, Fowden A L
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Maternal Dexamethasone and Foal Pancreatic Function Synthetic glucocorticoids like dexamethasone are commonly administered to pregnant mares for inflammatory conditions, yet their effects on fetal development and long-term metabolic health in foals remain poorly characterised compared to other species. Valenzuela and colleagues investigated how maternal dexamethasone treatment altered pancreatic β cell function both in utero and postnatally, measuring insulin secretion and glucose regulation in treated mares and their offspring. The research revealed significant disruption to insulin dynamics and glucose homeostasis in foals exposed to maternal glucocorticoids during pregnancy, with impaired β cell responsiveness persisting into the postnatal period. These findings carry important implications for farriers and veterinarians managing pregnant mares with inflammatory conditions, suggesting that treatment decisions should carefully weigh the therapeutic benefits against potential metabolic programming effects that may compromise the foal's glucose regulation and predispose to metabolic dysfunction later in life. Given the widespread use of dexamethasone in equine practice, understanding the timing and dosage of glucocorticoid administration during pregnancy warrants further investigation to establish evidence-based protocols that protect both mare and foal.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Clinicians using dexamethasone or other synthetic glucocorticoids to treat inflammatory conditions in pregnant mares should be aware of potential metabolic effects on foal development and pancreatic function
- •Timing of glucocorticoid administration during pregnancy may have consequences for offspring glucose regulation and metabolic health postnatally
- •Further research is needed to establish safe treatment protocols for pregnant mares requiring glucocorticoid therapy
Key Findings
- •Synthetic glucocorticoids (dexamethasone) were administered to pregnant mares to investigate effects on pancreatic β cell function in both mother and foal
- •Study examined long-term metabolic consequences of preterm glucocorticoid exposure in equine offspring
- •Research addresses a knowledge gap regarding glucocorticoid metabolic effects during equine pregnancy, as effects are well-documented in other species but unknown in horses