Effects of Dehydration and Blockade of Angiotensin II AT1 Receptor on Stress Hormones and Anti-Oxidants in the one-humped camel

Our objectives were to document and compare plasma levels of Catecholamines, Cortisol,Glutathione and Malondialdehyde in camels after long term dehydration (20 days) in the presenceor absence of angiotensin II AT1 receptor blocker (Losartan) versus levels in non-dehydratedcamels; and to record the effects on glutathione and malondialdehyde activity in liver and kidneyhomogenate in the one-humped camel. Eighteen male camels were used in this study, sixcontrols, six dehydrated and treated with losartan (5mg/kg daily) and six were dehydrated withouttreatment. Our results revealed significant decrease (P<0.05) in plasma epinephrine level in bothtreated and dehydrated camels; while, Plasma norepinephrine showed significant increase in bothdehydrated groups (P< 0.01). Levels of plasma dopamine were also significantly increased (P<0.01) in both dehydrated groups compared to control camels.Plasma levels of cortisol increased significantly across dehydration with or without losartanadministration (P<0.01) compared with time-matched levels in control camels. Losartan had nosignificant modulating effect on the cortisol response to dehydration.Plasma, liver and kidney homogenates revealed significant increase (P<0.05) in glutathione levelsin both dehydrated groups compared to control.Plasma, liver and kidney homogenates for malondialdehyde levels in both treated and dehydratedcamels also showed significant increase (P<0.05 & P<0.01) compared to controls.In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the effect of dehydration with or without losartaninduced oxidative stress in these camels, leading to significant changes in plasma catecholaminesand cortisol levels, together with significant increments in glutathione and malondialdehydeactivities in plasma, liver and kidney homogenate to counter act the damaging effect of the freeradicals in the dehydrated camels