Reference values for clinical chemistry and clinical hematology parameters in baboons

BACKGROUND: In vivo xenotransplantation modeling in large animal species is often performed in nonhuman primates, including baboons. For proper data interpretation, reference values for clinical chemistry and hematology are required. METHODS: These values are available from baseline levels in animals subjected to tolerability/pharmacokinetic studies. For each individual study two tests for clinical chemistry and hematology were performed before the start of treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We present such data from 17 male and 16 female baboons, with body weights ranging between 4.4 and 14.0 kg (males) and 4.1 and 15.0 kg (females), respectively. The number of duplicate samples per animal determined before each individual study ranged between one and five. These data are reported here to provide baseline values for veterinarians and investigators using baboons in experimental studies, particularly in xenotransplantation.