PPID & EMS

PPID & EMS Overview

• Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)

• Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)

Neuroendocrine Regulation

• Hypothalamus: Produces key neurotransmitters.
    - Dopamine: Inhibits the production of certain hormones.
    - Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH): Stimulates anterior pituitary hormone secretion.
    - Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH): Involved in stress responses.

• Pituitary Gland: Front part of the endocrine system, includes:
    - Pars Intermedia: Contains melanotropes that produce ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone).
    - Pars Distalis: Produces other important hormones.
    - Pars Tuberalis: Less is known about its functions.
    - Pars Nervosa: Contains nerve endings and stores hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin.

• Adrenal Glands: Located adjacent to kidneys, responsible for producing:
    - Cortisol: A steroid hormone that regulates various functions including metabolism and immune response.

Pathophysiology of PPID

• Dopamine's Role:
    - Normally inhibits melanotropes in the pars intermedia.

• In PPID:
    - Hypothalamus degenerates leading to decreased dopamine.
    - Resulting in increased production of ACTH.
    - Elevated ACTH leads to increased cortisol production.

• Symptomatology:
    - Increased cortisol can lead to a variety of symptoms affecting the horse's health.