Influence of pregnancy on diurnal and seasonal changes in cortisol, T3 and T4 levels in the mare blood serum.

1. The diurnal changes in the level of total protein, cortisol, T3 and T4 were studied in four barren and four pregnant standard-bred mares, kept and examined under the same conditions. 2. Blood samples were taken every 4 hr. for one day each month, throughout one year. 3. In barren mares, a diurnal rhythm in cortisol level (acrophase at 0530 hr in summer and at 0830 hr in winter) and in T3 level (acrophase at 1330 hr in summer and at 1800 hr in winter) was found. 4. In pregnant mares, a diurnal rhythm in cortisol level only till 5th month of pregnancy was observed. 5. A diurnal rhythm in T3 level was found throughout the pregnancy, with acrophase always at 1400 hr. 6. No diurnal rhythm in the total protein content and in the T4 level was observed. 7. In both groups of mares the seasonal cyclicity in T3 and T4 levels were found. A seasonal cyclicity in cortisol level was found only in pregnant mares. 8. Pregnancy abolished seasonal cyclicity in total protein and showed it in cortisol level. 9. Pregnancy in mares modifies diurnal rhythms as well as seasonal cycles in secretion and metabolism of the hormones studied.