Effect of Adrenocorticotropin on Milk and Plasma Cortisol and Prolactin Concentrations

Abstract

Milk cortisol and prolactin [PRL] concentrations were measured in 12 lactating Holstein cows for 3 days (experiment 1). On day 3, cows were divided randomly into groups: IV1, IV4, IM and control. Group IV1 received 1 i.v. injection of 40 IU ACTH, group IV4 the same dosage 4 times at 2-h intervals, group IM 240 IU ACTH i.v., and control cows were injected with saline. Cortisol concentrations in blood plasma were increased in all groups following ACTH injection, while milk cortisol concentrations increased 4-fold in groups IV4 and IM and remained unchanged in group IV1. In experiment 2, infusion of 18% saline into the mammary gland of 3 cows increased the somatic cell count in the infused quarter but had no effect on PRL and cortisol of milk or plasma. In experiment 3, 6 cows each were assigned to treatment groups of saline controls, IV2-0 (40 IU ACTH i.v. at 0 and 2 h postmilking) or IV2-8 (40 IU ACTH i.v. at 8 and 10 h postmilking). Half udders of each cow were milked before treatment and 4 h later. Increases of cortisol in plasma increased cortisol concentrations of milk 4 h after each treatment (IV2-0 and IV2-8). By 12 h after treatment in IV2-0, cortisol concentrations of milk returned to normal. Increases in adrenal cortisol secretion are followed rapidly (within 4 h) by increased cortisol concentrations in milk. These decline rapidly in the absence of sustained increments in blood cortisol. Increased cortisol concentrations in milk most likely represent sustained elevations in plasma cortisol.