A theory has been circulating for several years that says laminitis is caused by insulin stimulating IGF-1 receptors. IGF stands for insulin-like growth hormone. The laminar cells have very few insulin receptors and don't require insulin to take up glucose so attention turned to the more numerous IGF-1 receptors which help control cell division. Problem is that insulin binding to those receptors is very weak, at least 100X weaker than IGF-1 itself.

A new study tested the ability of an anti-IGF-1 receptor to prevent the development of laminitis. They gave it by isolated limb perfusion to one hoof only before starting an insulin infusion.  Long story short:

"Balanced against some compelling data that mAb11attenuated the effects of insulin on certain histological variables, is the practical clinical observation that the treatment did not eliminate, attenuate or delay the signs of lameness. "

Even if it had been effective, having to administer it before the threat of laminitis would make it of little use.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0239261
--
Eleanor in PA

www.drkellon.com 
EC Owner 2001

This and the information about Pergolide is very interesting. I forwarded the information on Pergolide to the barn owner [and barn butler!] to help them understand the importance of a PPID horse not missing doses. Thanks!
--
Lynn
Beavercreek, Ohio
March 2018
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