
%0 Journal Article
%A Klein, R 
%A Robertson, DM 
%A Clarke, IJ 
%T Studies in sheep examining plasma follistatin elevations due to frequent blood sampling or surgery
%J Reproduction, Fertility and Development
%D 1996/03/01
%V 8
%N 2
%P 273-277
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/RD9960273
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/RD9960273 
%X This study examined the effects of the anticoagulant heparin on plasma follistatin (FS) concentrations used during blood sampling in Corriedale ewes. Plasma FS concentrations increased acutely (P < 0.01) following a bolus intravenous injection of heparin (3200 U). To determine whether frequent sampling per se can also increase plasma FS concentrations, ewes were sampled using a substitute anticoagulant, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. Frequent sampling had no effect on plasma FS concentrations. alpha-2 Macroglobulin concentrations were measured before and after bilateral ovariectomy and sham ovariectomy to determine whether this agent causes an increase in plasma FS concentrations 10-12 h after laparotomy. No differences in plasma alpha-2 macroglobulin concentrations were observed at the time of the observed increase in plasma FS concentrations. In conclusion: (1) heparin caused acute elevations in plasma FS concentrations probably by binding to FS, thereby reducing its plasma clearance; (2) rapid blood sampling per se did not elevate plasma FS concentrations; (3) alpha-2 macroglobulin concentrations were not elevated at the same time as plasma FS concentrations 10-12 h after surgery; and (4) the small increase in alpha-2 macroglobulin concentrations before surgery was attributable to a stress-induced response as seen in other species. 
