Table 1.
Role of endocrine hormones in protein metabolism and summary of potential methods for assessing stress.
| Hormones | Protein Synthesis | Proteolysis |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin | Stimulated | Inhibited |
| Glucagon | Inhibited | Stimulated |
| Epinephrine | Inhibited | Stimulated |
| Glucocorticoids: ACTH *, CS, and Cortisol | Inhibited | Stimulated (gluconeogenesis) |
| Thyroid hormones T4 and T3 | Accelerated skeletal muscle protein turnover and heat production under the hot conditions | |
| Growth hormone | Stimulated | Inhibited |
| Potential Methods for Assessing Stress | ||
| Behavioral/Physiological | Endocrine | Metabolic Systems |
| Activity/sleep patterns | Catecholamines | Immune function |
| Posture/stereotypes | ACTH/CRH, glucocorticoids | Disease state |
| Feed and water intake | Gonadotrophin/sex steroids | Growth performance |
| Heart rate and blood pressure | Endorphin (β), renin and prolactin | Reproductive performance |