Adenylate Nucleotides and 2,3-Biphosphoglycerate Concentration in Erythrocytes of Growing Wielkopolska Stallions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the concentrations of adenylate nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP), total nucleotide pool (TAN), adenylate energy charge (AEC) and 2,3-biphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) in the erythrocytes of young horses in the period of their rapid growth and development. The studies were conducted on 10 young Wielkopolska breed stallions for two years; Group A: 1-month-old, Group B: 3-month-old, Group C: 6-month-old, Group D: 1-year-old, and Group E: 2-year-old. ATP, ADP and AMP concentrations in the erythrocytes were determined by HPLC. 2,3-BPG was determined using the Calbiochem USA kit. We observed that erythrocyte ATP, ADP, AMP and TAN concentrations significantly decreased with age (p < 0.001), while 2,3-BPG concentration and AEC values significantly increased with age. A significant correlation between the ATP and TAN concentrations was found within all the examined groups (p < 0.05). A significant correlation was also found between ATP concentration and AEC values (except 12 month-old stallions). Moreover, an age-dependent negative correlation between ATP and 2,3-BPG (r = -0.81) was found. The conclusion is that the adenylate energy charge and erythrocyte 2,3-BPG variables in the Wielkopolska stallions mainly depend on age, thus warranting the use of specific age-related reference values for this breed's foals.