Effects of stress produced by adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) on ECG and some blood parameters in vitamin C treated and non-treated chickens

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of vitamin C on ECG and some blood parameters in chickens stressed by ACTH. Sixty Leghorn chickens were randomly allotted to control and experimental groups. Prior to the experimental period ECG’s were recorded and blood samples were taken from both groups of chickens; some blood parameters were also determined. In the control group, isotonic sodium chloride solution was administered at a dose of 2.5 mL per chicken per day for a period of 5 days. In the experimental group, vitamin C (Redoxon Amp, Roche) was administered intramuscularly at the same dose (containing 250 mg vitamin C) and period of time. On the 5th day of the experiment chickens in both groups received 50 IU ACTH intramuscularly. Three hours following this application ECGs were recorded and blood samples were taken from both groups of chickens; some blood parameters were also determined. In conclusion, sinusoidal tachycardia was observed and an increase was determined (P<0.05) in the level of corticosterone and heterophil/lymphocytes (H/L) ratio after ACTH application in the control group.