Lack of prominent compensatory polycythemia in traditional native Andeans living at 4,200 meters

Red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) and hematocrit (Hct) were measured in 303 male Quechua children and adults, aged 6 to 57 years, living a lifestyle as traditional pastoralists and horticulturalists at a mean altitude of 4,200 m in the Southern Peruvian Andes. Values for RBC, [Hb], and Hct increased with age from middle childhood to young adulthood. However, among adults there was no significant association between age and any of these three parameters. Overall, there was approximately a 10-12% increase in the RBC, [Hb], and Hct above sea-level norms for all age groups. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) showed a slight but significant increase with age in children and adolescents, but the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) did not. We conclude that the study of highland Quechua Indians, living a traditional lifestyle as pastoralists and horticulturalists, does not support the long-held belief that altitude hypoxia provokes a dramatic compensatory polycythemia in healthy Andeans.     

Mature hematology in neonatal walruses supports diving alongside their mothers

An animal's physiology limits the environmental conditions where it can persist; quantifying the physiology of the walrus is timely since they are being impacted by alterations in sea ice. We examined postnatal changes in hematology, an important attribute that supports diving, by analyzing a longitudinal data set from aquaria walruses (five males and nine females) sampled from 0.04 to 12.0 years of age (n = 795 samples). Red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin content (MCHC) did not change markedly after birth and appears to have not been influenced by sex. Estimated values at birth were RBC: 3.78 ± 0.12 × 10⁶ mm⁻³, Hb: 17.62 ± 0.82 g dl⁻¹, Hct: 45.21 ± 2.01%, MCV: 118.99 ± 3.99 fl, MCH: 47.10 ± 1.77 pg, and MCHC: 39.60 ± 0.70 g dl⁻¹. Compared to newborns, there were only subtle decreases in RBC, Hb, and MCHC, and a slight increase in MCV in the years following birth; Hct and MCH appear not to have changed. Unlike other pinnipeds, walruses swim within days of birth and have a prolonged 2-year nursing interval. Mature hematology early in life supports breath-holding, as young walruses must transit under sea ice with patchily distributed breathing holes.     

Cadmium induced MTs synthesis via oxidative stress in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Lignan complex has been isolated from flaxseed. It has been shown to reduce serum lipids and the extent of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis. However, it is not known whether the chronic use of lignan complex has any adverse effects on the hemopoietic system. The effects of lignan complex (40 mg/kg body wt orally daily for 2 months) on the red blood cells (RBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and counts of white blood cell (WBC), granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelet, and platelet volume were investigated in normo- and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The results show that lignan complex had no adverse effects of counts of RBC, WBC, granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelet in both the normo- and hyper-cholesterolemic rabbits. The values for MCV, RDW, Hct, Hb, MCH, MCHC, and platelet volume were similar in lignan complex-treated or untreated normo- and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. It is concluded that chronic use of lignan complex had no adverse effects on the hemopoietic system. (Mol Cell Biochem 270: 139–145, 2005)     

Hematological responses to thermal acclimation in a cold water squaliform (Heterodontus francisci girard)

Summary The hematological modifications occurring as a result of acclimation to increased temperature in the cold water horn shark,Heterodontus francisci, were evaluated. Sharks were maintained under constant conditions except for temperature (15°C and 25°C) in a closed marine system. The total red blood cell (RBC) number decreased in the 25°C sharks. In contrast, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) significantly increased at 25°C compared to the control animals. RBC size was increased at 25°C, but the surface area/mm³ whole blood was reduced. Folic acid levels were not different between the groups. Vitamin B₁₂ levels decreased and testosterone increased at 25°C. Blood pH, number of erythroblasts, number of white blood cells (WBC) and WBC differential analyses were essentially unchanged at the two temperatures, except that the relative neutrophil number was increased. The major hematological changes occur in the erythrocytes and appear to be sequential in nature with an initial loss of RBC followed by increased hemoglobin synthesis and increased RBC size, but lack of recovery of RBC numbers.Abbreviations Hb hemoglobin - Hct hematocrit - MCH(C) mean corpuscular hemoglobin (concentration) - MCV mean corpuscular volume - RBC red blood cells - WBC white blood cells Contribution Number 359, Department of Biology     

Effect of triploidy on turbot haematology

This study was carried out to compare key haematological features of diploid (2n) and triploid (3n) turbot as a first step towards the assessment of the ability of 3n turbot to withstand sub-optimal culture conditions. Morphometric indices of erythrocytes were determined on blood smears by light microscopy. Triploidy significantly (P<0.001) increased all morphometric indices measured in the erythrocytes, including size, surface, and volume, except for the size of minor nuclear axis. The increase in cell size was larger for the major (31.0%) than for the minor (8.3%) axis, thus rendering erythrocytes of 3n turbot more ellipsoidal. The increase in erythrocyte volume (45.9%) was close to the theoretical expected 50% increase as a result of one extra chromosome set. Haematological indices were measured automatically by a haematological Coulter Counter. Triploid turbot had lower numbers of red blood cells (RBC: 1.84 cells pL(-1) in 2n vs. 1.27 cells pL(-1) in 3n; P<0.001) but they were of a larger size (Mean corpuscular volume [MCV]: 145.51 fL in 2n vs. 181.78 fL in 3n; P<0.001). However, the decrease in RBC was not compensated by the increase in MCV, and thus, triploidy decreased the haematocrit (Hct: 26.80% in 2n vs. 23.11% in 3n; P<0.001) and total blood haemoglobin concentration (Hb: 73.74 g l(-1) in 2n vs. 67.54 g l(-1) in 3n; P<0.05). In contrast, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH: 40.27 pg in 2n vs. 53.28 pg in 3n; P<0.001) was higher for 3n turbot as a result of their larger erythrocytes although MCH concentration (MCHC: 0.28 pg fL(-1) in 2n vs. 0.29 pg fL(-1) in 3n did not significantly differ. RBC, Hct and MCV were also determined manually using light microscopy. In general, discrepancies between the two methods were small (overall approximately 7%) but the Coulter Counter tended to overestimate RBC and Hct (and thus to underestimate MCV). Nevertheless, relative differences between ploidies were very similar, thus verifying triploidy-associated changes in hematological features. These changes, as determined in the present study, are essential when evaluating the feasibility of triploid turbot for intensive aquaculture systems in which unfavorable situations may occur.     

Effect of chronic administration of vitamin E on the hemopoietic system in hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia induces oxidative stress, which is known to have adverse effects on the integrity of cells. Hence, hypercholesterolemia may have adverse effects on the hemopoietic system. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, is being used by normo- and hypercholesterolemic subjects. It is, however, not known if vitamin E has any beneficial or adverse effects on the hemopoietic system. The objectives of this study are to determine if (i) hypercholesterolemia has any adverse effects on the hemopoietic system [red blood cell (RBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts, and mean platelet volume (MPV)], and (ii) vitamin E has any effect on the hemopoietic system in hypercholesterolemia. Blood samples were collected before and at various intervals during a high cholesterol diet (0.25% cholesterol) for 2 and 4 months, and while on high cholesterol diet with vitamin E (2 months) following a high cholesterol diet (2 months). Serum cholesterol was measured on an automated Clinical System Analyzer and hemopoietic parameters were measured on an automated Cell-dyn-4000. The results show that hypercholesterolemia decreased RBC count, Hct and Hb, increased MCV, RDW, MCH, and MCHC, and had no effect on WBC and platelet counts, and MPV. Vitamin E did not affect any of the parameters of the hemopoietic system. In conclusion, hypercholesterolemia of short duration has adverse effects on certain elements of the hemopoietic system. Vitamin E does not affect the hemopoietic system during hypercholesterolemia.     

The effect of different dietary iron levels on growth and hepatic iron concentration in juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)

An 83-day growth trial was conducted using a flow-through system to examine the effects of different dietary iron levels on growth and hepatic iron concentration in juvenile gibel carp ( Carassius auratus gibelio ). Six purified diets supplemented with different levels of iron (0, 10, 30, 60, 100 and 200 mg kg⁻¹) (as ferrous sulfate) were fed to triplicate groups of fish (initial weight 2.12 ± 0.00 g per fish). The results showed that the addition of iron to the basal diet did not significantly affect the specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), survival, red blood cell amount (RBC), hemoglobin content (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) or mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Hepatic iron concentration and hematocrit (Hct) were significantly influenced by dietary iron level (P < 0.05). On the basis of the iron concentration for the maintenance of optimum hepatic iron concentration and Hct, it was concluded that the dietary iron concentration of juvenile gibel carp should be not less than 202 mg Fe kg⁻¹ diet.     

Effect of irradiation and/or leucocyte filtration on RBC storage lesions

Red blood cell (RBC) storage lesions have been shown to be associated with some adverse reactions; numerous studies have focused on the lesions caused by storage, and few data on the RBC storage lesions caused by prestorage treatments of leucocyte filtration and irradiation. In this study, we examined the changes related with the RBC storage lesions, including 2,3-diphosphatidylglyceric acid (2,3-DPG), pH, free hemoglobin (Hb), supernatant free K+ and Na+ concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). Along with the increasing storage time, decreases in 2, 3-DPG levels, pH and Na+ concentration, increases in K+ and free Hb concentrations, and significant morphological changes in RBC in all groups were found. The changes in the groups of irradiation, leucocyte filtration and the combined irradiation and leucocyte filtration were more significant than those in the untreated group. Meanwhile, the MCV levels of the three treated groups were significantly lower than those in the untreated group, while the MCH variations were significantly higher. Our results suggest that irradiation and leucocyte filtration before storage may aggravate blood storage lesions.     

Changes in hematological parameters in free-living pigeons (Columba livia f. urbana) during the breeding cycle

The blood parameters—red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)—were studied for the first time in free ranging pigeons Columba livia f. urbana. The aim of the study was to establish a set of reference values for this ubiquitous urban species and to examine a potential influence of the factors such as sex and phase of the breeding cycle on the hematological parameters. Blood was sampled from the adult individuals of both sexes during the breeding cycle. Significant variations in Ht and Hb were observed, while RBC count remained unchanged. The lower hematocrit value and hemoglobin concentration found in both males and females during molt probably resulted from the increase of plasma volume not accompanied by an increase in RBC. On the other hand, a significant physiological stress of nutritional deficiency during this energy-consuming stage may manifest itself in the decreased Ht and Hb values. The higher values of Ht and Hb during the laying phase could be related to the dehydration status. There were no overall differences in MCV, MCH, and MCHC values in either of the breeding stage. A lack of sex dimorphism in the measured and calculated blood parameters was apparent. Data collected herein contribute to the better understanding of general physiology of the ubiquitous urban species. The knowledge of variation in the blood indexes with respect to sex and breeding stage is crucial before blood parameters can provide an useful information on physical condition of the bird.     

Haematological profile of common carp spawners of various breeds

The goal of this study was to determine the basic haematological profile of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) spawners of eight breeds reared under identical conditions and sampled in spring after overwintering. Significant differences were found among the breeds for haemoglobin level (Hb), haematocrit value (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) values. The number of red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), number of leukocytes (WBC) and leukocyte differential count (WBC DIFF) did not differ significantly among the respective breeds. The highest Hb, PCV and MCH values were found for Ropsha scaly carp (ROP) and Amur wild carp (AS) (Hb 109 ± 17 and 106 ± 15 g l^?1; PCV 0.40 ± 0.06 and 0.40 ± 0.06 l l^?1; MCH 69 ± 7 and 69 ± 9 pg, respectively). The AS specimens and breeds that originated [ROP, Ukraine scaly carp (US), and Northern mirror carp (M72)] showed significantly higher values of Hb (P < 0.01), PCV (P < 0.01), MCV (P < 0.05) and MCH (P < 0.05), compared to the other four breeds: Hungarian mirror carp (M2), Israeli mirror carp (Dor 70), South Bohemian mirror carp (BV) and Tata scaly carp (TAT). Males showed significantly higher PCV, Hb and RBC values within individual breeds. This study demonstrated that Amur wild carp and breeds originating from it had significantly higher values of erythrocyte profile in comparison with the other breeds studied.