Vet Clinics | THE VETERINARY CLINICS Equine Practice |
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Vet Clin Equine 18 (2002) 355-369 Equine anhidrosis. Jeremy D. Hubert, BVSc, MRCVS, MSa,*, Ralph E. Beadle, DVM, PhDa, Gary Norwood, DVMb School of Veterinary Medicine. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Equine Health Studies Program, Louisiana State University. Baton Rouge. LA 70803. Equine anhidrosis, dry coat, and nonsweating are all terms used to describe the disease in horses characterized by the inability to sweat effectively in response to appropriate stimuli. Although the epidemiology and clinical signs of the disease have largely been elucidated, anhidrosis is still widely prevalent, and methods of prevention and treatment are being sought. Initial reports date back to the 1920s, when Thoroughbreds from Australia developed this condition after being transported to Malaysia [1]. Later it was reported that such horses improved once they were removed from the tropical environment and maintained 10 to 30 days in a cooler and drier climate. [2]. This article reviews the epidemiology, proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment. Epidemiology of anhidrosisThe disease commonly occurs in countries with hot, humid climates including the American Gulf Coast states. The precise prevalence of the disease is unknown; however, it has been estimated that up to 20°/c) of horses in the Miami area of Florida may be affected [3,4]. Anhidrosis was originally assumed to be associated with an acclimatization stress [2], but a survey conducted in Florida in 1982 showed that more native horses were affected than imported horses [4]. Horses involved in strenuous activities were originally reported to be the most prone to develop anhidrosis [2], but this does not correlate with a study where only 7 out of 24 affected horses were performance horses [4]. Another study found that the frequency is higher in horses in training and lower in adolescent horses [3]. There is no coat color, age, sex, or breed predilection. A link between anhidrosis and high protein diets has been reported [5], but this finding was not corroborated in another study [4]. Nonpregnant mares were reported in one study to have a statistically significant higher incidence of anhidrosis [3]. Clinical signs of anhidrosisHorses with normal thermoregulatory abilities will be able to reduce their body temperature to within normal limits in approximately 30 minutes after exercise, and the inability to cool out to normal temperatures within this time is indicative that a horse may be suffering from anhidrosis. The predominant' sign of impending anhidrosis is usually tachypnea [3]. Affected horses will have increased respiratory rates at rest, while body temperature and pulse rate are variably increased when compared with those of control horses under identical conditions [2-5]. Horses showing evidence of respiratory distress will have respiratory rates between 60 and 120 breaths per minute [3]. Partially anhidrotic horses will breath rapidly for extended periods of time after being thermally challenged [3]. Horses with acute onset anhidrosis may demonstrate a partial or complete absence of sweating when exposed to appropriate stimuli. A decrease in the rate of sweating also indicates the possibility of anhidrosis. The sweating rate will, however, depend on the intensity of exercise, duration of exercise, and ambient temperature [6]. Horses with long-standing anhidrosis may reveal dry, flaky skin, alopecia, lethargy, anorexia, and a decreased water intake. Areas on the body that may retain the ability to sweat include those under the mane, in the saddle . and halter areas, and in the axillary, inguinal, and perineal regions [2-5]. Thermoregulation in horsesThermoregulation is attained by two main mechanisms in terrestrial mammals; namely panting and sweating [7]. Heat dispersed via the respiratory tract in exercising horses may account for 15% to 25% of total heat loss, whereas evaporation of sweat accounts for up to 65% of their heat loss [6]. In this regard, it has been calculated that evaporation of 1 liter of sweat can dissipate the amount of heat generated in I to 2 minutes of high-intensity exercise by horses [8]. During exercise there is an initial rise in temperature, which may be advantageous for performance because it increases the rate of aerobic energy production, thereby minimizing the necessity for anaerobic energy production [9]. As work effort increases, heat production in skeletal muscle can increase more than 50 times [I 0]. This heat is derived from the conver. SiOll of chemical energy into mechanical work. Only 25°/r, of the metabolic energy is converted to mechanical work, with the remainder generating body heat, which must be dissipated during or after exercise [11]. A number of factors can influence the rate at which horses lose heat by the evaporation of sweat. First, the rate at which heat can be dissipated by evaporation depends upon the rate of air movement across the skin and the water vapor pressure difference between the skin and the environment [8]. Thus, when the ambient humidity is high, there is a reduction in the rate at which sweat is evaporated. Second, horses have a large body volume-to skin surface ratio, which results in a relatively small surface area from which evaporation can occur [6]. Finally, it has been shown in humans that there is competition for cardiac output between the skin and muscle during exercise whereby maintenance of cardiovascular function takes precedence over thermoregulatory function [12]. This results in less blood flow to the skin, and ultimately a slower rate of heat loss than would occur if skin blood flow were maintained during exercise [9]. It has recently been shown that nonspecific inhibition of nitric oxide synthase reduces the sweating response and increases the body temperature of exercising horses [13]. These findings suggest that nitric oxide may modulate the sweating response to exercise in horses. It was not determined whether this modulation was acting centrally or peripherally. Histology of equine sweat glandsHistological evaluation of the horse sweat gland has been performed [14].They are classified as apocrine, and in normal horses are tubular, with thesecretory portion being coiled and _mbedded within the dermis. A straightand unbranched duct opens into a hair follicle adjacent to the skin surface(Fig. 1).Evans et al [14] described the secretory tubules of equine sweat glands ashaving two layers: an inner layer of cuboidal secretory epithelial cells, andan enveloping layer of myoepithelium. These myoepithelial cells are restingon a basal lamina [15] and surrounded by a layer of connective tissue and an outer sheath of fibrocytes [16]. Within this fibrocytic sheath are small blood vessels and nerve fibers [17]. Histochemical staining reveals the presence ofmonoamine oxidase in the nerve fibers suggesting adrenergic fiber innervation [17]. The secretory cells have cytoplasmic protusions that extend intothe lumen of the duct [16] suggesting an apocrine mode of secretion. Theapocrine mechanism of secretion is further supported by the observationthat the secretory cells do not contain glycogen [18]. Physiology of sweating in horses Physiologic control of sweating ill horses is unique compared with other species. Horses have two mechanisms of control; humoral control via Fig. I. Dual physiologic control of sweating in horses.adrenergic agonists secreted from the adrenal medulla into the circulation, and nervous control via autonomic adrenergic nerves [6]. Work in donkeys indicated that the main component of equid sweat control is neural, with the humoral component becoming active during exercise. [19] (Fig. I). Initial studies suggested both cholinergic and adrenergic agonists induced sweating in horses [20], but later studies have concluded that equine sweat glands are insensitive to carbamylcholine and controlled only by adrenergic neurotransmitters [21]. It has been demonstrated that stimulation of equine sweat glands occurs through P2-adrenergic receptor stimulation [22,23].Investigations with individual equine sweat glands in vitro demonstrated that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) acts as a principal secondmessenger when Pradrenoreceptors are stimulated [24]. Subsequent studies with equine sweat gland epithelial cell cultures have conclusively established that sweating in horses is regulated by P2-adrenoreceptors and mediated by cAMP and possibly intracellular free Ca that mediate the effects of _ragonists involve occupation of the receptor bythe agonist, resulting in a conformational change in the ex-subunit of thestimulatory G protein. This protein is involved in the activation of adenylatecyclase, which catalyzes the formation of cAMP. Protein kinase A is thenformed and produces the subsequent phosphorylation of cellular proteinand altered cellular response [26] (Fig. 2). The autocrine role played by pyrimidine and purine nucleotide receptor stimulation in the control of sweating in horses remains to be determined [27].Potential mechanisms of anhidrosisAt present, the mechanisms of anhidrosis are unknown. Potential pathologic mechanisms can be classified as either a decreased stimulation of thesweat gland or a lack of response of the gland to stimulation.Central nervous system and nervous control The Central nervous system (CNS), via the hypothalamus, provides control over both the humoral and neural mechanisms of anhidrosis [28]. Heatstroke is a real possibility in thermally stressed animals; temps of above108°F have been shown to cause CNS dysfunction in dogs [29]. Muscle temperatures of up to 111°F have been recorded after intense exercise in horses, thereby illustrating the potential risk for CNS damage in these animals [7] Receptor exposure to agonist. 0 G protein uncoupling and activation 01 adenylc He cyclase CD Formation 01 cAMP and protein kinase A catalysed by i'lcfenylilW cyclase and subsequent phosphorylation of cellular proteins.
However, despite the possibility of CNS dysfunction occuring when bodylemperat_res are severely elevated, it is unlikely that this is a factor in anhidrosis as the syndrome is reversible [2], and horses develop the conditionwithout having developed such high temperatures.Although it has been shown that equine sweat glands are innervated! 14, 16], denervated horse skin retains the ability to produce sweat duringexercise via humoral stimulation [30]. Additionally, sweat gland innervation of anhidrotic horses has been reported to be normal. with no evidence ofaxonal degeneration [14]. These findings, coupled with the reversible natureof anhidrosis, make denervation an unlikely cause of anhidrosis. gland [32]. As such, duct obstruction is not considered to be a likely cause of anhidrosis [14,32]. The sweat glands of anhidrotic horses have been examined histologically after having undergone a period of thermal stress, and then again after 6 weeks in a controlled, cool environment [32]. Glandular profiles after thermal stress were characterized by the degree of thinning or flattening and damage to the secretory cells. This may provide a means to predict the severity of anhidrosis and the prognosis for recovery, and to provide criteria for future management [32]. It can be concluded that cellular degeneration is a result, and not a cause, of anhidrosis [14,32]. Adrenal functionIt has been hypothesized that decreased production of epinephrine by the adrenal medulla may be a cause of anhidrosis [20]. However, it has been reported that anhidrotic horses have higher circulating concentrations of epinephrine when compared with healthy horses [31]. Also, adrenomedullary denervated donkeys retain the ability to sweat in response to thermal stimulation [19]. Therefore, decreased production of epinephrine by the adrenal glands is an unlikely cause of anhidrosis. Desensitization or downregulation of receptors.
Heat stress may result in higher than normal concentrations of circulating epinephrine. Plasma taken from horses at rest showed significantly higher levels of epinephrine in anhidrotic horses compared with unaffected horses [31]. Catecholamines participate as _ragonists in both humoral and neural stimulation of sweating, and could potentially overstimulate _r receptors. Langley and Bennett described a decreased sensitivity to adrenaline that occurred when they injected horses with adrenaline and then exercised them several hours later [33]. A corroborative study by Evans et al indicated that as a result of intravenous epinephrine administration, partially anhidrotic horses ceased sweating for 2 weeks [2]. A similar phenomenon, described as "persistent desensitization" of _2-adrenoreceptors, has been produced by incubating cultured equine sweat gland epithelial cells in a solution containing adrenaline [34]. This decreased sensitivity of _radrenoreceptors had an early and a late phase and resensitization of the Pr adrenoreceptors occurred slowly (t1/2 = 6.3 hours). The cause of this decreased sensitivity to adrenaline was not fully determined. However, it was shown that increased phosphodiesterase activity may have been contributing to the late phase desensitivity. Both the in vivo and in vitro phenomena described above document the fact that P2-adrenoreceptors in horse sweat glands are subject to decreased sensitivity following intense stimulation. Further studies will be needed to determine the molecular basis for this "persistent desensitization" of P2-adrenoreceptors in equine sweat glands.In other species, overstimulation of _rreceptors can cause a diminished function of the receptors [35]. This can result in a marked reduction in the response of the receptors to further stimulation with a variable period of unresponsiveness. Historically, this phenomenon was described as desensitization or downregulation, but recent studies have shown that desensitization is a separate entity from downregulation [36].Desensitization is a phosphorylation-dependant rapid uncoupling of the _rreceptor from the G protein. For resensitization to occur, sequestration of the receptor away from the normal site on the cell surface to another site within the cell must take place. Resensitization of the receptor is a slower Sweat gland perfusionAn adequate vascular supply is important for umoral stimulation ofsweating. Electron microscopic examinations of blood vessels from anhidrotic horses demonstrated these structures to be normal [16]. Therefore,a structural vascular impairment does not appear to be a contributing factor. However, a dynamic impaired dermal perfusion can occur during intense exercise when fluid loss and maintenance of cardiovascular function results in less blood flow to the skin [12]. Sweat gland histopathology The ultrastructure of sweat glands from anhidrotic horses housed in hothumid conditions has been reported to be abnormal [16]. Reported abnormalities included thickened basal lamina, evidence of poor myoepithelialcontraction, fibrocytes with dilated endoplasmic reticulum and vacuolation,and thickened connective tissues. The secretory cells had a marked reductionof vesicles with increased numbers of mitochondria and less rough endoplasmic reticulum. The luminal microvilli were often absent, and the cells hadbecome flattened; in some cases, secretory granules were replaced by myoepithelium. Cellular debris was often present within the lumen of the duct,and in some cases the lumen was fully obstructed [I 4J. Duct obstruction hasbeen speculated to be a response to prolonged stress and failure of secretion,, and may provide a mechanism of defense. against microbes invading the process than the uncoupling mechanism of desensitization [36], and may be part of the normal mechanism of receptor turnover within cells. Downregulation is an actual decrease in the total number of receptors in the cellular pool of receptors or a lower receptor density [36]. This is a slow process, and is a long-term mechanism that may involve altered receptor protein synthesis or altered receptor protein degradation. Downregulation has been shown to be accompanied by a decrease in _-adrenergic receptor messenger RNA concentrations [36]. Thyroid hormonesThyroid hormones are known to have modulating effects on adrenergic receptors [35]. Tissues are more responsive to _-adrenergic catecholamines when thyroid hormone concentrations are elevated, and conversely, when hypothyroidism occurs, they are less responsive [37]. In himans, symptoms of hyperthyroidism suggest increased sympathetic drive or increased plasma concentrations of catecholamines [35]. It has also been shown that there is a decreased density of _-adrenergic receptors in hypothyroid animals, decreased receptor coupling to the adenylate cyclase system, and ultimately receptor function is minimized [38]. The role played by thyroid hormones in the pathophysiology of anhidrosis is equivocal. In horses, some of the secondary clinical signs of decreased thyroid function are similar to those of anhidrosis [5]; however, it has been reported that thyroidectomized horses appear to sweat normally [39]. It has also been reported that there is no statistical difference in T 3 and T 4 plasma concentrations between normal and anhidrotic horses [3]. However, therapy with iodinated casein, a thyroid hormone precursor, has some reports of success [40]. This latter finding allows postulation that there may be a role played by thyroid hormones. Electrolyte abnormalities |