Blood levels of cyclic AMP, thyroxine, uric acid, certain metabolites and electrolytes under heat-stress and dehydration in the pigeon.

The effect of heat stress and dehydration on certain blood parameters were studied in the pigeon. Pigeons exposed to heat-stress and dehydration showed higher haematocrit values. Serum cyclic AMP levels, both with and without corrections made for difference in haematocrit, showed a more than two-fold increase in heat-stressed and dehydrated pigeons. Serum triglyceride level (before and after correction for haematocrit difference) in the experimental birds dropped to less than half that in the control birds. Total serum thyroxine (T4) did not show significant change in the experimentals (either with or without correction for haematocrit), although bound T4 and T3 index showed a statistically significant drop in the experimental group, after the correction for haematocrit. Total serum protein and albumin values after correction for haematocrit difference showed significant decreases in experimental birds. In pigeons exposed to heat-stress and dehydration, serum sodium increased while potassium dropped (with and without haematocrit correction). Heat stress and dehydration did not have any significant effect on serum levels of total cholesterol, uric acid, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.