The mean red cell volume in long distance runners

Summary Red cell indices were determined in 6 well trained runners before and after a 100 km race, and Coulter Counter (CC) determinations compared with calculated values derived from centrifuged hematocrit (ctrf), red cell count (CC) and hemoglobin measurements. The following changes were observed immediately after the race, as compared to values 3 days before: MCV(ctrf) decreased by 4.9% (p<0.001), MCV(CC) increased by 1.9% (p<0.05), MCHC(ctrf) increased by 4% and MCHC(CC) decreased by 3%. The increase in MCV(CC) suggests that intraerythrocyte osmolality was increased, this probably leading to swelling of the cells induced by a shift of water from the diluting Coulter Counter solution into the red cells prior to the MCV measurement. The decrease in MCV(ctrf) immediately after the race was not correlated with the increase in plasma osmolality. This suggests that plasma osmolality alone was not the key factor for regulation of red cell volume. The changes in MCV(ctrf), which contributed to a surprising stability of the hematocrit value and plasma volume, might represent a physiological principle for the maintenance of a favourable blood viscosity.     

Effect of hemolysis and free hemoglobin on optical hematocrit measurements in the extracorporeal circulation

Clinically significant hemolysis is a rare but serious problem in dialysis. Because hemolysis affects red blood cell count and optical density of plasma it has been speculated whether techniques used for online blood volume monitoring would be useful to detect hemolysis. In this study the influence of free hemoglobin on hematocrit and relative blood volume changes measured by optical means (CritLine, HemaMetrics, Kaysville, UT) were examined using an in vitro model with bovine blood. Free hemoglobin solutions were added in steps to circulating whole blood at baseline hematocrits covering a range from 30% to 60% and at blood flows of approximately 200 and 400 ml/min. The free hemoglobin concentration reached was in the range of 2 to 3 g/dl. The presence of free hemoglobin led to a relative increase in hematocrit in the range of 0.3% per 0.1 g of free hemoglobin per dl (+3% dl/g). As an increase in hematocrit is interpreted as a decrease in blood volume, this change referred to an apparent decrease in relative blood volume in the same order of magnitude (-3% dl/g). Effects were more pronounced at low baseline hematocrit. Thus, although optical hematocrit readings are affected by the presence of free hemoglobin the changes at levels associated with clinical symptoms appear to be too small to be accurately detected in the in vivo situation where the hematocrit and the resulting optical signal is affected by various physiological processes and therefore much noisier.     

Hematological parameters of pike Esox lucius in relation to different ages and seasons

The purpose of this study was to assess of some hematological parameters of Esox lucius collected from Anzali wetland from fall 2010 to summer 2011. Variations in hematological parameters such as hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), erythrocyte (RBC) and leukocyte (WBC) counts, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils of fish were compared according to age and seasonal differences. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in values of white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), MCV, MCH, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils between ages. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in RBC and WBC between all seasons. However, there were no significant differences in Ht, Hb, MCHC, MCH, MCV, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils between all seasons. Results of current study may be helpful in establishing a hematological data bank for this species including standard values of blood parameters.     

Age-related hematology and plasma chemistry changes in captive Masai ostriches (Struthio camelus massaicus)

Blood samples were obtained from ostrich chicks every month during a complete calendar year to assess age-related hematology and plasma chemistry changes. Hematology analyses included total red blood cell count, hemoglobin estimation, packed cell volume, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, total white cell count, differential white blood cell count, and thrombocyte count. Most hematology variables studied showed significant age-related differences during the development of the ostrich chicks up to 12 months of age, with the exception of eosinophil and basophil counts. Plasma chemistry analyses included alkaline phosphatase, amylase, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, creatine kinase, gamma glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, iron, phosphate, total protein, and uric acid. All plasma chemistry variables studied showed significant age-related differences during the development of the ostrich chicks up to 12 months of age.     

Hematological reference intervals in argentine lizard <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tupinambis merianae</Emphasis> (Sauria—Teiidae)

In order to establish referential hematological parameters, blood samples were taken from 100 healthy specimens of the Argentine tegu lizard (Tupinambis merianae) by means of venipuncture of ventral coccigeal vein. The determination of red blood cells, leukocyte and thrombocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, hematometric index and differential leukocyte count were performed, and compared with other saurian species. No statistically significant changes were observed as function as sex and age (p > 0.01). During winter, high values of red blood cell counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin were observed (p < 0.01), while in summer significantly increased leukocyte and thrombocyte counts were observed (p < 0.01). The differential leukocyte counts were not affected by the studied factors.     

Effect of exercise and training on the blood of normal and splenectomized rats

Summary and Conclusion The immediate and chronic effects of exercise on hematocrit, hemoglobin and red cell fragility have been studied in splenectomized and sham-operated rats. The training program consisted of an initial 35 minute swim in water at 35 ° C. The duration of the swim was increased 5 minutes per day until reaching 60 minutes and continued for 42 days. Splenectomization had no effect on organ weights, hemoglobin content, hematocrit or red cell fragility. The adrenals and heart ventricles of the trained animals were heavier, whereas their livers and spleens were significantly smaller. Training had no effect on per cent hemoglobin or hematocrit, however, red cells from trained animals were less resistant to osmotic pressure. No differences in hemoglobin or hematocrits were found between splenectomized and sham-operated animals immediately after exercise. It is concluded that in the rat the spleen does not make a significant contribution to these components of blood during exercise.     

Postnatal regulation of oxygen delivery: hematologic parameters of postnatal dogs.

Hematologic parameters influencing tissue oxygen delivery in dogs during the first 4 mo of life have been investigated. The rapid growth and increase in body temperature during this period imply an increased metabolic rate and increased tissue oxygen demand. Hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit decrease during the 1st mo following birth. The total red cell mass does not decrease during this period. The observed hemodilution can be attributed to an increasing plasma volume in the growing animal. The blood oxygen affinity decreases during this same period, resulting in a more effective tissue oxygen delivery. Erythropoiesis, as estimated from the percent circulating reticulocytes, decreases following birth and does not increase until 1 mo of postnatal life. The increase of erythropoietic activity during the 2nd mo of postnatal life coincides with an increase in red cell mass, hematocrit, and hemoglobin concentration.     

Changes in hematologic parameters induced by thermal treatment of human blood

Abstract. To investigate the effects of high temperature on hematologic parameters of human blood, we assessed complete blood cell counts, red cell indices, and platelet aggregability in 72 adult blood samples after exposure to varying degrees of temperature. There were no significant differences in erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration, or mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) between pre- and post-treated groups when blood samples were treated at 50 degrees C for 5 min. Under the same conditions, however, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and hematocrit became significantly higher in the post-treated group (p <0.01). A dramatic increase was observed in the numbers of platelets and eosinophils measured by electronic counter: the mean numbers of platelets and eosinophils in the post-treated group (2,978.2 x 109/L and 5.58 x 10(9)/L) were significantly higher than those for the pre-treated group (246.6 x 10(9)/L and 0.15 x 10(9)/L, p < 0.01). Platelet clumps of varying size were seen in EDTA-anticoagulated blood after exposure to 46 degrees C for 90 sec; however, these clumps were not detected in citrate-, heparinized-, or washed EDTA-anticoagulated blood. Platelet aggregability to various agonists was profoundly decreased after treating the blood at 43 degrees C for 5 min. In summary, this study shows that critical changes of hematologic parameters occur when blood is exposed to 50 degrees C, and that the anticoagulating property of EDTA is altered upon exposure to high temperature.     

Changes in plasma volume and red cell formation after a marathon competition

Summary The purpose of this study was to investigate middle-term influences of a marathon race on plasma volume (PV) and red cell production. We performed the following measurements in the blood of 15 male athletes: haemoglobin ([Hb]), haematocrit (Hct), plasma protein concentration ([Prot]), plasma osmolality, sodium concentration ([Na⁺]), potassium concentration ([K⁺]), aldosterone concentration ([Aldo]), haptoglobin concentration ([Hpto]), and the reticulocyte count, as well as the calculation of relative changes in PV, 3 days before and on 3-consecutive days after a marathon race. By the 2nd day of recovery PV had increased by 16%. Plasma osmolality and [K⁺] remained constant, whereas [Na⁺] had decreased slightly 2 days after the competition and [Aldo] tended to be elevated 1 day after the competition. [Hpto] was low before and 1 day after the competition and increased on the following days. Reticulocyte count was unaffected 1 day after the race, but increased by 106% on the 2nd day and was still elevated after 3 days. The causes for higher post-marathon plasma volumes and reticulocyte counts could be in the complex variations in hormonal regulation, which have not yet been sufficiently investigated. A preliminary report was presented at the 64^th congress of the German Physiological Society in 1987     

Diurnal variations of protein and electrolyte concentrations and of acid-base status in plasma and red cells of normal man

Venous blood was sampled in 3-h intervals from 5 men and 4 women under conditions of normal daily activity during 24 h (Series I). Hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration in blood and red cells, sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride concentrations in plasma and red cells, protein, calcium and inorganic phosphate concentrations and standard bicarbonate in plasma, pH in blood and red cells, pCO₂ in blood were measured or calculated. Most concentration curves showed biphasic patterns with night minima which were significant for hemoglobin, hematocrit and pH in blood, protein, sodium, calcium and standard bicarbonate in plasma, potassium and pH in red cells. Inorganic phosphate in plasma alone exhibited a definite day minimum. A second series (6 subjects) with measurements made only between 06.00 and 12.00 showed changes similar to those in Series I with an additional small increase of red cell sodium concentration at noon. In a third series, where 6 subjects remained in a recumbent position up to midday, the morning increase of [Hb], Hct, pH and standard bicarbonate was clearly reproducible. The main cause of the similar behavior of the different quantities seems to be a water shift into plasma and red cells during the night.     

Transfusion de concentrés de globules rouges à Yaoundé, Cameroun : quelle qualité ?

As part of a quality assurance process in the transfusion service of a hospital blood bank of Yaoundé, Cameroon, a selection of units of red cell concentrates (RCC) were evaluated for volume, haemoglobin, and haematocrit levels as well as blood cell content. Blood samples were all collected into standard double blood bags containing an anticoagulant, citrate-phosphate-dextrose and adenine. During a three-month period, 35 bags intended for the preparation of the RCC were analysed. After relevant screening for transfusion transmissible infections ,and ABO and rhesus (RH1) blood grouping, the bags were centrifuged to obtain RCC. The resultant red cell bags were weighed and the volumes estimated. Full blood counts were performed on samples of the RCC using an electronic particle counter (DIANA 5, HYCEL Diagnostics, Reims, France). The results obtained showed that, based on ISO 9001: 2000 norms, there were 57, 66 and 80% of RCC respectively with volumes, hemoglobin levels as well as hematocrit that were in conformity with the norms. When the data was analysed based on the Algerian norms, 83, 66 and 95% respectively conformed. The significance of these findings and the need for establishing local norms for quality assurance in our community are discussed.     

Changes in red cell density and related indices in response to distance running

Summary The red cell population in peripheral venous blood was characterised in 7 young males before and up to 16 days after a 21.1 km road race.There was a 1.9±2.4% (mean±SD) reduction in plasma volume immediately post race (p<0.05), an increase in serum osmolality from 277±4 mOsm·kg^–1 to 291±14 mOsm·kg^–1 (p<0.05) and a reduction in red cell water (64.4±0.3% to 63.4±0.4%,p<0.001). The latter was consistent with alterations in the manually derived MCV and MCHC values although the same Coulter derived values were unaltered. A concomitant increase in median red cell density in whole blood (1.1045±0.0009 g·ml^–1 pre race to 1.1057±0.012 g·ml^–1 immediate post race,p<0.05) was recorded by centrifugation through phthalate esters of different density. The changes in creatine content of the red cells suggested that during the race younger cells were released into the circulation but that 24 h to 72 h after the race the mean red cell age had increased. Similarly, fractionation of the red cells on discontinuous Percoll density gradients indicated that the cell population was significantly denser in all post race samples up to 72 h but had normalized by a 16 day sample; the osmotic fragility was similarly affected. The reticulocyte count did not significantly increase throughout the experiment but the mean red cell creatine content was elevated 16 days post exercise compared with the pre-race value suggesting a possible increase in erythropoiesis between 72 h and 16 days post race. The study shows that exercise of this type may induce a small reduction in mean red cell survival time but that this does not immediately change erythropoietic activity.     

Relationship between hematocrit and CO2 contents in whole blood and true plasma

The amount of CO2 liberated out of the red cell was measured by decreasing PCO2 in human blood with different fractional hematocrits of about 0.24, 0.45, and 0.75, respectively, in order to elucidate whether it depends on the hematocrit and the intracellular pH. From a venous PCO2 level the PCO2 of the sample blood was lowered to 12 Torr. PCO2, CO2 content, pH, Cl-, and Na+ were measured in whole blood and true plasma before and after the reduction of PCO2. Change in water concentration in plasma was calculated from change in plasma Na+ concentration. The bicarbonate shift well counterbalanced to the Cl- shift. As the hematocrit was decreased, the amount of CO2 released per mol of hemoglobin increased, while the change in intracellular bound CO2 concentration decreased. That is, the intracellular bound CO2 became higher in the lower hematocrit blood than in the higher hematocrit one. This fact suggested that the intracellular pH became higher as the hematocrit was lowered, and thus the amount of alkali bound with hemoglobin or the CO2 release was enhanced. The Donnan ratio of the bound CO2 at 12 Torr was independent of the hematocrit, though the pH was inversely related to the hematocrit.     

Heterogeneity of common hematologic parameters among racial, ethnic, and gender subgroups

This study was performed to determine whether hematologic indexes might show heterogeneity among different subgroups of the population and, if differences were found, to develop reference ranges for each subgroup. Complete blood cell counts and leukocyte differential cell counts were compared in healthy white (n = 663), black (n = 697), Latin-American (n = 535), and Asian (n = 247) adults. Women had significantly lower red blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrits than men. In addition, women in at least three racial/ethnic groups, had higher platelet, white blood cell, and granulocyte counts and lower monocyte counts than men. Among blacks and Latin Americans, women had lower mean corpuscular volumes, mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations than men. The following racial/ethnic differences were found: higher red blood cell distribution widths and lymphocyte and monocyte counts, and lower hemoglobin levels, hematocrits, mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations, and white blood cell, granulocyte, and band counts among blacks; higher white blood cell, granulocyte, and band counts among Latin Americans; and higher red blood cell and lower lymphocyte and monocyte counts among Asians than one or more of the other three groups. We concluded that the complete blood cell counts and leukocyte differential cell counts exhibit marked heterogeneity and that reference ranges that reflect the proper racial, ethnic, and sex group should be developed for these parameters.     

Hematological alterations induced by phenol exposure in Oncorhynchus mykiss

In the present study, the impacts of phenol, a pollutant of inland water habitats, were investigated on Oncorhynchus mykiss. The fish (weight?=?300?±?7.5 g, total length?=?18.58?±?3.8 cm) were subjected to 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 mg/l of phenol concentration for 8 weeks. At the end of study, blood samples were taken via cardiac puncture by heparinized syringes, and hematological assays were done by standard methods. Red blood cell counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration value decreased after phenol exposure while white blood cells counts showed an increase. The values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume were not affected by phenol treatment. Our findings showed that hematological parameters can be used as diagnostic indices to evaluate the health status of O. mykiss after exposure to phenol.     

An evaluation of the Sysmex NE-8000 hematology analyzer

The Sysmex NE-8000 is a new, fully automated hematology analyzer capable of providing a five-part white blood cell differential count and identifying abnormal specimens. This instrument was evaluated on 5,000 consecutive blood specimens and compared to the Coulter S Plus-IV analyzer and manual differential cell counts to determine the efficacy of its five-cell differential and screening capabilities. There was a high correlation between the commercial counters for the standard parameters, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and platelet count (r greater than 0.95), except for the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (r = 0.51), for which the NE-8000 was considered the more accurate measurement. Precision and linearity studies were excellent. The white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, and platelet count were reproducible on specimens stored at 4 degrees C or room temperature for 72 hours and the differential counts were reproducible for 12 hours. The correlations between automated and manual counts for neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and lymphocytes were excellent: r = 0.912, 0.945, 0.332, and 0.964, respectively. The monocyte correlation improved with software modification from 0.306 to 0.801. The NE-8000 gave accurate and reproducible differential counts for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes on specimens with white blood cell counts as low as 0.6 x 10(9)/1. The ability of the instrument to 'flag' abnormal specimens was excellent. The false-positive rate on normal samples was 1.8%, and the false-negative rate on known abnormal samples was 0.3%, due only to nonrecognition of a mild left shift. The identification of specific abnormalities was less precise. The NE-8000 is a powerful hematology analyzer that can perform a five-part white blood cell differential count accurately for a wide range of WBCs and reliably indicate abnormal specimens. It is an excellent screening tool for distinguishing between normal and abnormal specimens and identifying those that require microscopy. Its reliability significantly reduces the need for manual film examination.     

Changes in haemorheology in the racing greyhound as related to oxygen delivery

Summary Arterial blood samples were obtained from six greyhounds during rest, immediately before, and after a 704-m (7/16th mile) race. Measurements were made of various haematological (red cell count, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, white cell count, plasma proteins) and haemorheological variables. Blood and plasma viscosity were determined at high wall shear stresses (67–200 dynes · cm^–2, 670–2000 N · cm^–2) in a 20-m glass capillary device which was designed to take the diameter dependence of blood viscosity (Fahraeus-Lindgvist effect) into account. Compared to values at rest, substantial haemoconcentration occurred before the race, mainly due to splenic discharge of red cells. Additional haemoconcentration was found after the race. The increase of effective blood viscosity caused by elevation of packed cell volume was greater than the increase in O₂ binding capacity resulting from the elevated haemoglobin concentration, suggesting that the haemoconcentration observed in the exercising greyhound does not enhance O₂ delivery to skeletal muscle. The main physiological effect of red cell discharge from the contracting spleen appeared to be a consequence of the volume rather than the composition of the circulating blood.     

Ovine blood: establishment of a list of reference values relevant for blood coagulation in sheep

Ovine animal models are widely used to conduct preclinical studies, e.g., to evaluate cardiovascular prostheses intended to be applied in man. However, although analyzed in many of those studies, information about ovine blood reference values is scanty. The aim of this study is to establish a reference list of ovine blood parameters relevant for blood coagulation. A cohort of 47 mature ewes was evaluated. Parameters comprised the following: cells and cellular components-platelet, red, and white cell counts (including subsets), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and MCH concentration (MCHC); global tests of coagulation-prothrombin time (Quick's time) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT); and parameters relevant for blood coagulation-fibrinogen, antithrombin (AT), and von Willebrand Factor. After explorative data analysis, a list of ovine reference values was established. Interestingly, a comparison with human reference values revealed some interspecies differences between sheep and man, i.e., much higher ovine ranges for some cell counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, and platelets) but lower values for some other parameters (Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, AT, and Quick's test). We established a reference list of ovine blood count and blood coagulation parameters. Because of some peculiarities of the ovine blood, this list may have implications for the interpretation of experimental data.     

体外血栓形成后血液的流变性变化及体外血栓形成试验的规范化操作

目的:观察体外模拟血栓形成后剩余血液的流变学变化,并探讨体外血栓形成试验的规范化操作。方法:采用30例健康人静脉血液,一部分抗凝后测定血液流变学指标和血细胞计数,另一部分不抗凝,于Chandler环内模拟血栓形成后,再测定剩余血液的血细胞计数及流变学指标,包括血液表观粘度、红细胞聚集指数、红细胞变形指数、血小板最大聚集率、血小板粘附率和血浆纤维蛋白原含量等。结果:体外模拟血栓形成后剩余血液的表观粘度,血小板计数、白细胞计数及纤维蛋白原含量均显著降低(P<0.01);血小板粘附率、最大聚集率也显著降低(P<0.01);但红细胞计数、压积和变形指数变化不明显(P>0.05)。结论:模拟血栓形成后剩余血液的流变性发生了显著变化,尤以血小板数量、血小板聚集性和粘附性以及血浆纤维蛋白原含量的变化更加突出。规范体外血栓形成试验的操作方法,有利于提高该试验的准确性和可靠性。     

Hematological profile of East African short-horn zebu calves from birth to 51 weeks of age

This paper is the first attempt to accurately describe the hematological parameters for any African breed of cattle, by capturing the changes in these parameters over the first 12 months of an animal’s life using a population-based sample of calves reared under field conditions and natural disease challenge. Using a longitudinal study design, a stratified clustered random sample of newborn calves was recruited into the IDEAL study and monitored at 5-weekly intervals until 51 weeks of age. The blood cell analysis performed at each visit included: packed cell volume; red cell count; red cell distribution width; mean corpuscular volume; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; hemoglobin concentration; white cell count; absolute lymphocyte, eosinophil, monocyte, and neutrophil counts; platelet count; mean platelet volume; and total serum protein. The most significant age-related change in the red cell parameters was a rise in red cell count and hemoglobin concentration during the neonatal period. This is in contrast to what is reported for other ruminants, including European cattle breeds where the neonatal period is marked by a fall in the red cell parameters. There is a need to establish breed-specific reference ranges for blood parameters for indigenous cattle breeds. The possible role of the postnatal rise in the red cell parameters in the adaptability to environmental constraints and innate disease resistance warrants further research into the dynamics of blood cell parameters of these breeds.