Haematology and serum biochemistry of captive wild sheep (Ovis orientalis esphahanica) in Iran

The haematology and biochemistry of wild sheep Ovis orientalis esphahanica in the Fars province of Iran were studied, and the means of various parameters were determined for gender and age groups. Blood sampling was conducted on 12 (five female, seven male) captured; clinically normal wild sheep aged between 10 months and 10 years. For total samples, the mean ± standard error of haematological parameters were: red blood cells (RBCs), 8.2±0.6 (×10¹²/l); haematocrit [packed cell volume(PCV)], 0.42±0.01 (l/l); haemoglobin (Hb), 143.6±6.5 (g/l); mean corpuscular volume (MCV), 28.2±2.41 (fl); mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), 9.45±0.89 (pg); mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), 382.8±11.2 (g/l); white blood cells (WBCs) 3.2±0.22 (×10⁹/l); neutrophils, 3.2±0.22 (×10⁹/l); lymphocytes, 3.66±0.3 (×10⁹/l); monocytes 0.22±0.02 (×10⁹/l), eosinophils, 0.53±0.15 (×10⁹/l) and platelets, 348.5±62 (×10⁹/l). No gender difference was noted in measured haematological parameters. No significant differences were found between various haematological values in wild sheep over and under 2 years. For total samples of each parameters, the following results were obtained for serum biochemistry: serum glucose 8.33±0.77 mmol/l; total protein 77±1.6 g/l; albumin 32.5±2.9 g/l; uric acid 104.68±10.9 (mol/l); triglyceride 0.172±0.04 mmol/l; blood urea nitrogen 10.34±1 mmol/l; total bilirubin 1.71±0.51(mol/l); cholesterol 0.91±0.11 mmol/l; creatinine 177.68±71.52 (mol/l); aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 163.71±12.12 U/l; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 29.15±3.2 U/l; alkaline phosphatase (AP) 64.6±10.97 U/l; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 1533.8±127.09 U/l; calcium (Ca) 2.22±0.11 mmol/l and phosphorus (P) 2.39±0.2 mmol/l. No significant differences were observed between male and female wild sheep with respect to the measured biochemical indices. Significant difference was seen for glucose between age groups, with a higher mean level in wild sheep less than 2 years (P=0.05).The authors declare that the experiments comply with the current laws of the Iran Department of Environment     

Evaluation of haematological and serum biochemical parameters in Iranian camels (Camelus dromedarius) infected with haemotrophic Mycoplasma (Eperythrozoon) spp

Blood samples were collected from 67 adult Iranian dromedary camels naturally infected with Mycoplasma spp, and a control group comprised 20 healthy dromedary camels. Haematological and serum biochemical parameters were measured using standard techniques. In Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears, Mycoplasma appears attached to the surface of erythrocytes. In infected camels, the number of red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit (packed cell volume) significantly decreased (P < 0.05).With regard to the values of mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, a normocytic and normochromic anaemia was observed in infected camels. In infected camels, the concentration of serum glucose was significantly lower as compared with controls (P < 0.05).     

Metastatic cholangiocellular carcinoma and renal adenocarcinoma in a golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

A 33-year-old captive male golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) was presented for necropsy with a history of emaciation and depression. The liver was severely distorted by numerous, coalescent, poorly demarcated, white firm nodules. Upon microscopic examination, these masses were found to be infiltrative and were composed of anastomosing tubular structures lined by signet-ring cells piling up in a disorderly fashion. Ultrastructurally, neoplastic cells were characterized by abundant microvilli at their apical pole and by numerous junctional complexes on lateral cell membranes. Based on morphological criteria, this tumour was classified as a poorly differentiated cholangiocellular carcinoma. Metastases were found in kidneys, testes, lungs, air sacs, pericardium, pancreas, adrenals and meninges. Additionally, two (11 and 2 mm) beige nodules were found in the cranial portion of the left kidney. Histological examination revealed locally infiltrative compact masses composed of well-differentiated tubules lined by a tall columnar epithelium without microvilli. These tumours were diagnosed as renal tubular adenocarcinomas. This is believed to be the first case of two simultaneous malignancies reported in a bird of prey.     

Serum biochemistry of ostrich (Striothio camelus) in Iran

Serum biochemistry (Striothio camelus), was determined in 75 clinically normal ostrich (42 females and 33 males, 39 under 2 years of age and 36 over 2 years). The following results were obtained: total protein 3.35±0.61 g/dl; prealbumin 0.1±0.01 g/dl; albumin 1.49±0.25 g/dl; α1 globulin 0.24±0.08 g/dl; α2 globulin 0.71±0.19 g/dl; β globulin 0.42±0.18 g/dl; γ globulin 0.63±0.21 g/dl; glucose 163±17 mg/dl; cholesterol 65±15 mg/dl; creatinin 0.26±0.05 mg/dl; triglyceride 151±56 mg/dl; urea 8.68±0.77 mg/dl; uric acid 11.87±3.56 mg/dl; aspartate amino transferase 357±95 U/l; alanin amino transferase activity 14.24±2.7 U/l; alkaline phosphatase 490±241 U/l; and lactate dehydrogenase 1124±31 0U/l.     

Haematology and serum biochemistry of the Carpentarian Rock-rat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Zyzomys palatalis</Emphasis>)

Haematology and serum biochemistry was analysed on samples collected from four endangered Carpentarian Rock-rats (Zyzomys palatalis) maintained in a captive colony at the Territory Wildlife Park, Northern Territory. As these animals are endangered, only small sample numbers were able to be analysed. Most haematological and serum biochemical parameters were similar to those for other native Australian murids, with the exception of alkaline phosphatase and creatinine. The study provides preliminary haematology and serum biochemistry information for the Carpentarian Rock-rat and will assist managers of this species to assess the health of the captive and wild populations.     

Haematology, cytochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of blood cells in leopard (Panthera pardus)

The leopard (Panthera pandus) is an endangered Asian big cat found in Thailand and also listed in the CITES, Appendix 1. Blood samples from 17 leopards (six males and 11 females) were collected from the cephalic vein for haematology, cytochemical and ultrastructural studies. Red blood cells (RBCs) were slightly anisocytosis, ranged 5–6.5 μm with 5.6 μm mean diameter. They were easy to form rouleaux, blunt end crenation and some RBCs contained Heinz bodies. The male leopards had a significantly higher packed cell volume (39.3 ± 7.5%) values and absolute eosinophil number (1.658 ± 1.483 × 10⁹/l) than the females (30.7 ± 3.2%; 0.965 ± 0.611 × 10⁹/l). The cytochemical results were: sudanophilia and myeloperoxidase in neutrophils and some monocytes; nonspecific esterase (alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase, ANAE) in the granules of eosinophils, some lymphocytes, some monocytes and platelets; beta-glucuronidase (βG) in granules of basophils, monocytes and some lymphocytes. The ANAE and βG reaction were detected inter-granular of eosinophils. More detailed morphological aspects of all blood cells were observed by means of scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The many round granules and homogeneous content under TEM were characteristics of leopard eosinophils. The engulfed RBCs by neutrophils were detected under TEM in one male leopard. This study provides a guide for the haematology, identification of the morphology, cytochemistry and ultrastructure of blood cells in leopards that is useful for zoological veterinarians in leopard conservation.     

Evaluation of haematological, serum biochemical and cerebrospinal fluid parameters in experimental bacterial meningoencephalitis in the dog

To evaluate the effects of bacterial meningoencephalitis on blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters, an experiment was conducted with eight Iranian crossbred dogs. Blood and CSF samples were collected once before the administration of bacteria for obtaining control values. Following the injection of Escherichia coli k₁₂ into the CSF from the atlantooccipital space, samples were collected, and clinical signs of meningoencephalitis were observed. Blood and CSF samples were obtained from the meningoencephalitis group at 2, 4 and 6 days post-infection. Following the induction of meningoencephalitis, the number of white blood cells and the percent and absolute number of neutrophils significantly increased (P<0.05). However, the percent and absolute numbers of lymphocyte and eosinophil significantly decreased (P<0.05). Moreover, the number of platelet, monocyte, red blood cells, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration had no significant change (P>0.05). The concentrations of glucose and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) in serum significantly increased (P<0.05). Cell numbers and the concentrations of total protein, cholesterol and inorganic phosphorus and the activities of AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), LDH and CK in CSF increased significantly (P<0.05). In contrast, the concentration of glucose in CSF decreased significantly (P<0.05). Furthermore, the concentration of CSF calcium did not change significantly (P>0.05). This study showed that bacterial meningoencephalitis could have profound effects on blood and CSF parameters that enable robust diagnosis to be reached.     

Haematological and biochemical parameters and the serum concentrations of phosphorus, lead, cadmium and chromium in flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) and black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) in Iran

Blood samples of nine flamingos and 12 black-headed gulls from Fars province of Iran were used to determine the haematological and biochemical factors and the concentrations of phosphorus, lead, chromium and cadmium in serum. Haematological parameters in flamingo—packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) number, white blood cell (WBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), heterophiles, lymphocytes and thrombocytes—were found to be 35.21±1.6 (%), 117.8±59 (g/l), 2.27±0.29 (×10¹²/l), 5.93±1.25 (×10⁹/l), 201.84±86 (fl), 62.54±5.73 (pg), 329±1.6 (g/l), 64.71±4.47 (%), 35.14±2.1 (%) and 76.4±9.2 (10⁹/l), respectively. Haematological parameters in black-headed gull—PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, heterophiles, lymphocytes and thrombocytes—were found to be 39±2.52 (%), 123±13.3 (g/l), 2.89±0.45 (×10¹²/l), 2.25±0.42 (×10⁹/l), 184±17.32 (fl), 60.33±6.74 (pg), 327.6±3.8 (g/l), 57.33±12.2 (%), 42.66±4.7 (%) and 61.44±8.25 (10⁹/l), respectively. The results of blood serum biochemistry in flamingo indicated that the concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), phosphorus, cadmium, lead and chromium were 8.45±1.65 (mmol/l), 10.4±0.01 (mmol/l), 55±4.7 (g/l), 17.1±2.7 (g/l), 528.99±172.4 (μmol/l), 70.83±19.77 (IU/l), 4.2±0.2 (IU/l), 19.78±5.38 (IU/l), 197.16±57.45 (IU/l), 2.01±0.4 (mmol/l), 2.55±0.98 (μmol/l), 11.14±3.95 (μmol/l) and 4.08±1.41 (μmol/l), respectively. The results of blood biochemistry in black-headed gull indicated that the serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, AST, ALT, ALP, CPK, phosphorus, cadmium, lead and chromium were 10.78±1.39 (mmol/l), 7.37±0.63 (mmol/l), 51±8.1 (g/l), 18.3±2 (g/l), 707.8±210.55 (μmol/l), 92.66±17.14 (IU/l), 9.21±1.2 (IU/l), 27.73±5.37 (IU/l), 164.33±48.81 (IU/l), 2.09±0.59 (mmol/l), 3.26±1.1 (μmol/l), 10.32±2.49 (μmol/l) and 5.91±1.25 (μmol/l), respectively. The results showed high concentrations of heavy metals in both species, which could be an indication of environmental pollution.     

Haematology and red cell enzymes of the Australian orange-bellied parrot, Neophema chrysogaster

The haematology, red cell enzymes, and haemoglobin electrophoresis of twelve captive bred Australian orange-bellied parrots (Neophema chrysogaster) were studied. The means of the haematological parameters were: haemoglobin 15.3 g/dl, PCV 54%, red cell count 3.4 × 10¹²/l, MCV 138.0 fl, MCH 44.7 pg, leucocyte count 7.2 × 10⁹/l, heterophils 61%, lymphocytes 24%, monocytes 6.3%, eosinophils 0.7% and basophils 6.8%. The basophil count is higher than that recorded in other parrot species. The red cell enzyme activity is lower than those found in human red cells and similar to those recorded in the limited amount of data available for other avian species. Haemoglobin electrophoresis showed a typical avian pattern.     

Haematological reference intervals of the south american rattlesnake ( Crotalus durissus terrificus , Laurenti, 1768) in captivity

Blood samples were taken from 180 healthy specimens of South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) kept in captivity. The red blood cell count (RBC), haematocrit value, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) obtained were within the normal values reported for other Crotalid, Viperid and Elapid species. Total leucocyte (WBC) counts were within the range described in other ophidian species. No significant changes were observed as a function of sex and age. The period of the year (seasonal variation) was the only factor which had a significant influence on the haematological parameters. RBC counts, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, MCV, MCH and MCHC were 17–30% higher during winter-time (p<0.01), whereas the WBC and thrombocyte counts were 15–20% higher (p<0.01) during the summer.     

Haematology and serum biochemistry of three Australian desert murids: the Plains rat (Pseudomys australis), the Spinifex hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis) and the Central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus)

Haematological and serum biochemical data have been collected from a total of 19 captive-bred Australian native murids (Plains rat, Spinifex hopping-mouse and Central rock-rat). These animals were maintained in a captive population at Alice Springs Desert Park (NT, Australia) and are all central desert inhabitants of Australia. They are currently listed as common, threatened and critically endangered, respectively. Given the status and size of these animals, only small sample numbers and volumes were analysed. The study, however, provides some basic haematology and serum biochemistry information for these three species and will serve as an effective management tool for assessing and monitoring the health status of individuals, particularly those in captivity.     

Haematology, red cell enzymes, and red cell metabolic intermediates of 20 wild southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) from Macquarie Island

Blood was collected for haematological, red cell enzyme and red cell metabolic intermediate studies from 20 Southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina. Mean haematological values were: haemoglobin (Hb) 22.4 ± 1.4 g/dl, packed cell volume (PCV) 54.2 ± 3.8%, mean cell volume (MCV) 213.0 ± 5.0 fl and red cell count (RCC) 2.5 × 10¹²/l. Red cell morphology was unremarkable. Most of the red cell enzymes showed low activity in comparison with human red cells. Haemoglobin electrophoresis showed a typical pinniped pattern, i.e. two major components. Total leucocyte counts, platelet counts, and coagulation studies were within expected mammalian limits. Eosinophil counts varied from 0.5 × 10⁹/l to 7.7 × 10⁹/l(5%–49%), and there was a very wide variation in erythrocyte sedimentation rates, from 3 to 60 mm/h.     

Haematology and clinical chemistry in rats: Comparison of different blood collection sites

Blood samples from male and female rats were collected from four different sampling sites by the same technicians and analysed by the same procedures. The sampling sites were the abdominal aorta, orbital venous plexus, dorsal anastomotic orbital vein and sublingual vein. Values obtained in blood samples collected from peripheral sites were compared to those from the abdominal aorta, a sampling site which is normally unaffected by the sampling technique.There were significant differences in haematological parameters, particularly in leucocyte counts which were higher in samples collected from the peripheral sites than in those withdrawn from the central one. No significant changes were observed in coagulation parameters. A significant increase in clinical chemistry parameters related to soft tissue damage, namely creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase, was seen in samples collected from both orbital sites.From this study it can be concluded that haematological and biochemical values obtained from rats in toxicological studies using different sampling sites are reliable both in males and females, provided that they are compared to values obtained from the same site in untreated controls. Sampling from the orbital plexus proved to be the least invasive method.     

Proliferative activity of the developing seminiferous epithelium during prespermatogenesis in the golden hamster testis measured by bromodeoxyuridine labeling

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeling was used to study the cell kinetics of the developing seminiferous epithelium in the testes of golden hamsters aged 10.5 to 27.5 days post conception (dpc), i.e., during a period beginning one developmental day before testicular differentiation (11.5 dpc) and extending to the appearance of the first mature spermatogonia. Supporting (Sertoli) cells continuously proliferate throughout the period studied. Labeling indices amount to about 30% between the 10.5th and 16.5th dpc, and subsequently decrease to levels below 10% on the 26.5th and 27.5th dpc. Germ cells (prespermatogonia) proliferate between the 10.5th and 15.5th dpc and again, after a period of mitotic quiescence, from the 24.5th dpc onwards. This pattern of prespermatogonial proliferation substantiates and further specifies the successive appearance of M-prespermatogonia (10.5th to 15.5th dpc: proliferating), T ₁-prespermatogonia (16.5th to 23.5th dpc: quiescent), and T ₂-prespermatogonia (24.5th to 27.5th dpc: proliferating). Thus, the M-prespermatogonial phase of germ cell proliferation is shown to commence at least 24 h before testicular differentiation. Transitions from M- to T ₁-phase and from T ₁-to T ₂-phase are rather abrupt. Both the latter observation and the comparison with oogonial development in the female at the corresponding time (onset of meiosis) indicate the presence of an underlying control mechanism operative during prespermatogenic development. Due to different nuclear staining patterns, the BrdU-labeling method allows temporal subdivision of the S-phase, thus opening up prospects of more detailed cell-kinetic analyses of the seminiferous epithelium.     

Clinical haematology of the southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus)

Haematological assessment may contribute in monitoring the health of wild animals. However, species-specific reference intervals are required for maximal information to be gained from any haematological assessment. The purpose of this study was to assess the haematological characteristics for a population of southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus), a small marsupial common, across southern Australia. Animals from a wild population (n=65) were sampled between March 2004 and February 2005. Blood from these animals was assessed by microscopy, manual techniques (packed cell volume, total solids, and fibrinogen) and using an automated haematology analyser. Southern brown bandicoots were found to have similar leukocytes and erythrocytes to those previously described for other species of bandicoots, and the measured values for the haematological analytes were similar to those previously published for the species. For most analytes there were no statistically significant differences observed between males and females, and lactating and non-lactating animals. The observed values for each of the analytes in the current study may be used to aid in the detection of disease and monitoring of health in wild and captive populations of bandicoots.     

Haematological and blood chemical values from Bothrops ammodytoides (ophidia-crotalidae) in captivity

In order to establish reference haematological and blood chemistry parameters, blood samples were obtained from 50 healthy specimens ofBothrops ammodytoides kept in captivity. The haematological parameters determined were: red blood cell count (RBC); total leucocyte (WBC) and differential leucocyte cell count; thrombocyte count; haematocrit (PCV); haemoglobin concentration; mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Blood chemistry parameters measured were: total protein; albumin; globulins; glucose; urea; uric acid; triglycerides; cholesterol; calcium; phosphorus; magnesium; sodium; potassium and chloride concentrations and the activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT). Compared to the values published for other ophidian species, RBC count, PCV and WBC count inBothrops ammodytoides are lower than in most of the crotalids. Total protein and glucose concentrations are lower, whereas uric acid concentration, AST and ALT levels are higher than the values reported for other species.     

Enzyme immunoassay of lipoprotein(a)

Sheep polyclonal antibodies to human lipoprotein(a) were used for the development of sandwich enzyme immunoassay. These antibodies virtually do not interact with human plasminogen, apoB-100, or fibrinogen in this assay. The method permits measurements of lipoprotein(a) in a wide range of concentrations: from 2 to 500 mg/dl. The variability of analyses within the range of 5 to 180 mg/dl is approximately 4.5% in a plate and 10.5% in different tests. Correlation analysis of the results of the enzyme immunoassay modification developed in our laboratory and of its foreign analogs showed a high similarity of the methods, the correlation coefficient being 95%. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 10, pp. 398–401, October, 1995 Presented by V. N. Smirnov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Transplacental action of benzo(a)pyrene and pyrene

The transplacental and direct action of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) on mice of strains A and C57BL and of their progeny was studied. BP was found to represent a carcinogenic risk for the progeny. The greatest carcinogenic effect in progeny of strain A mice was exhibited by BP in a dose of 6 mg: The frequency of development of lung tumors was 76.8% compared with 12.3% in the control (P<0.001). Liver tumors were found in the progeny of the C57BL mice (chiefly in males). Their frequency after a dose of 12 mg of BP was 31.6% in males and 9.1% in females, compared with only 1.2% in males in the control. No tumors of the liver were observed in females in the control. Pyrene, the noncarcinogenic analog of BP, had no carcinogenic effect.Department of Carcinogenic Agents, Oncologic Scientific Center, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR L. M. Shabad.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 84, No. 7, pp. 88–91, July, 1977.     

Determination of background serum alpha-fetoprotein level in blood donors by combined electrophoresis and precipitation in polyacrylamide gel

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was detected by combined electrophoresis and precipitation in polyacrylamide gel (EPAG) in the sera of healthy blood donors. AFP was found in about half of the sera in concentrations of not more than 3 ng/ml. AFP could not be reliably determined in the other cases, the results being at the limit of sensitivity of the method. EPAG thus gives results fully comparable in sensitivity with the radioimmunological test and it fully retains the resolving power of double diffusion in gel. EPAG can be used to verify the specificity of the results of the radioimmunological test.Laboratory of Immunochemistry and Diagnosis of Tumors, N. F. Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR O. V. Baroyan.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 81, No. 3, pp. 354–355, March, 1976.