Temporal relationships between plasma cortisol, corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), and the free cortisol index (FCI) in pigs in response to adrenal stimulation or suppression

The objective of this study was to document changes in plasma concentrations of total cortisol, porcine corticosteroid-binding globulin (pCBG), and the free cortisol index (FCI) in pigs over a 6-h period in response to adrenal stimulation or suppression. Twenty-four 8-week old pigs allotted in equal numbers were administered ACTH, dexamethasone or saline, and blood samples were collected every 15 min via an indwelling jugular catheter for 1 h prior to and 5 h following treatment. Total plasma cortisol increased in ACTH-treated pigs and decreased in dexamethasone-treated pigs within 0.25 and 0.5 h, respectively. In contrast, pCBG concentration was altered in an inverse fashion subsequent to the changes exhibited in total cortisol. FCI reflected the changes observed in total cortisol. These results further document the negative relationship that exists between circulating concentrations of plasma cortisol and pCBG, and illustrate that this association exists under conditions of acute stress in the pig.