Some aspects of haematology of a common Indian field rat, Rattus rattus arborious (Linn.) in relation to sex and size.

In the present investigation the studies on erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit values, blood biochemistry of protein, glucose and cholesterol, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pH value, diameter of erythrocyte and clotting time were made in different sex and size (weight group) of an Indian field rat, Rattus rattus arborious. The number of erythrocyte, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit values were found to be higher in females than the males, while the number of leucocyte was lower in females in comparison to males. In the biochemical estimation the value of protein in females was high while that of the glucose and cholesterol were lower than that of the males. All the above values showed an increasing tendency with the increase in body weight. pH value, diameter of erythrocyte and clotting time were found to be almost constant in rats of different weight groups and different sex.     

Studies on blood components of an air-breathing siluroid fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) in relation to body weight.

Different haematological parameters have been studied in relation to the body weight of Heteropneustes fossil (Bloch). The erythrocytes and leucocytes number and haemoglobin concentration increases from lower to higher weight groups. The heart weight also increases along with other blood components. With the unit increase in the body weight of this fish, the heart weight, erythrocytes, leucocytes and haemoglobin increase by a fractional power of 0.85700, 0.13480, 0.13215 and 0.22876, respectively. This shows that haemoglobin increases at a higher rate than erythrocyte number. The coefficient of correlation between body weight and erythrocyte (r = 0.70015), leucocytes (r = 0.95861), haemoglobin (r = 0.96615) and heart weight (0.97577) indicate high degree of correlation. The erythrocytes and leucocytes count and haemoglobin concentration per gram body weight is higher in younger fishes and decrease as the animal grows in size. The haematocrit values and mean corpucsular volumes decrease from lower to higher weight groups, whereas mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration increases with body weight. The erythrocyte cell surface has a decreasing trend from lower to higher weight group. Due to difference in the rate of decrease of greatest and least diameter of erythrocytes, the elliptical shape of R.B.C. which is common in younger animals, becomes circular in higher weight group. The non-granulocytes increase constantly while the percentage of granulocytes decreases from lower to higher weight groups. The lymphocytes constitute the main bulk of all the leucocytes. The total lymphocytes also increase with the body weight. Spindle cells and monocytes are relatively less in numbers. The percentage of eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils also decrease from lower to higher weight groups.     

Haematology of the grass snake Natrix natrix natrix L.

1. Haematological parameters and cytomorphological picture of circulating blood of the grass snake Natrix natrix natrix L. were studied. Mean annual values of the haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit level, red cell counts, erythrocytes indices, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, thrombocyte and leucocyte counts, per cent composition of white blood cells and size of morphotic elements were determined for a population sample (N = 154) of the species, considering the sex of snakes. 2. Parameters of red blood cell system (RCC, Hb, Hct) were statistically significantly higher in males, remaining indices showed no statistically significant differences. 3. A strict positive correlation was found between RCC, Hb and Hct in the studied sample. 4. Cytomorphology of blood is presented in microphotographs. 5. In the discussion haematological data for the grass snake and other snakes are compared.     

The haematology of Rohu, Labeo rohita

Haematocrit values, haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte counts, leucocyte counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and clotting time of Labeo rohita were determined. The variations in haematological parameters in relation to the size and weight of the fish were also examined. Males had higher haematological values than the females. Seasonal and variations due to maturation of gonads were also apparent.     

Regenerative capacity of the spleen in a splenectomized fish, Channa punctatus Bloch, with related investigations into changes in peripheral blood and haematopoiesis

The present investigation has provided evidence by a simultaneous study of the regenerating spleen, peripheral blood and the kidney of the haematopoietic tissue to establish the role of the spleen in the development of circulating blood cells in Channa ( Ophiocephalus ) punctatus Bloch. Regeneration of the spleen after eight to nine weeks of splenectomy was shown to be complete. Weekly observations a fortnight after splenectomy are recorded with reference to spleen morphology and weight, erythrocyte and differential leucocyte counts, haemoglobin content, haematocrit value and related red cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC). The results show that splenectomy leads to a macrocytic hypochromic anaemia and leucopenia, resulting in 25% reduction in haemoglobin content and a decrease in leucocyte numbers in five weeks following splenectomy. Thrombocytes and neutrophils show a relative ( P < 0·01) increase. The leucopenia is caused by large and small lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils whose number was reduced from 50% to 67%.     

Effects of experimental tail shortening on the phenotypic condition of barn swallows Hirundo rustica: implications for tail‐length evolution

Some studies have suggested that tail streamers in the barn swallow Hirundo rustica may have been elongated 10–12 mm by sexual selection, but according to other studies, the length of these feathers is at the aerodynamic optimum or very close to it. To shed light on this issue, outermost tail feathers were experimentally shortened in male and female barn swallows by 1, 11 or 21 mm. Changes in four physiological parameters commonly used to estimate phenotypic condition in birds (weight, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood leukocyte concentration and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio) were checked one month later. Health improved (blood leukocyte concentration decreased) in the group of birds with tails shortened by 11 mm (both males and females), but body condition deteriorated (weight decreased) compared to the other two experimental groups. There was no significant effect of tail‐length manipulation on the other two physiological parameters. These contradictory results suggest trade‐offs between components of phenotypic condition. Possible negative relationships between condition‐related traits imply that using one or very few physiological parameters to estimate phenotypic condition might not be appropriate. The most plausible explanation for the turning point in phenotypic condition when streamers were shortened by 11 mm is that these feathers are 7–15 mm longer than the aerodynamic optimum in both sexes. Therefore, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that tail streamers have been elongated 10–12 mm by sexual selection. This conclusion disagrees with a previous study on the effect of experimental tail shortening on haematocrit, but the complexity of interpreting changes in haematocrit might account for this discrepancy.     

Sex and season-related differences of basic haematological values in the mountain reedbuck (Reduncula fulvorufula).

1. Basic haematological values in the peripheral blood of four male and 13 female mountain reedbucks (Reduncula fulvorufula) have been repeatedly estimated. 2. Comparing these results for both sexes, we noted pronouncedly lower haematocrit values and haemoglobin contents in females (statistical significance less than or greater than 1%). In the white blood cells only an increased proportion of neutrophils in females was apparent. 3. We have been unable to find seasonal related differences in the red and white blood overall picture of the cells during the summer and winter seasons with the exception of raised red cell counts and increased proportion of monocytes in the winter. The presented findings are compared and discussed with those abstracted from the literature.     

Considerations of blood parameters of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

To evaluate physiological stress resulting from environmental influences, a haematological study of a natural population of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides , was undertaken to establish a 'normal' blood profile. Several parameters including haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, plasma protein concentration and glucose levels were investigated. Haematocrit, haemoglobin, and total plasma protein were positively correlated with fish length. Haemoglobin and haematocrit were positively correlated with fish age while mean corpuscular haemoglobin, concentration was negatively correlated with fish age. Both haemoglobin and haematocrit values were related to erythrocyte counts.     

Total body haematocrit iron kinetics and erythrocyte life span in pigeons (Columba livia)

1. The mean pigeon erythrocyte life span was found to be 17-25 days by Cr51-labeled erythrocytes and 21 +/- 3.4 days by iron kinetics. 2. Total red blood cell volume has been calculated by Cr51-labeled erythrocytes while total plasma volume was determined both by a dye method and iron kinetic data. From these results total blood volume and total body haematocrit were found to be 0.090 +/- 0.002 ml/g body wt and 36 +/- 4.3%, respectively. 3. Venous haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, plasma iron and red blood cell iron have also been measured. 4. A significant difference between total body and venous haematocrit and a short mean red blood cell life span, due to ageing and to random destruction of erythrocytes were shown. 5. The above observations are compared with analogous available data for human beings and their physiological significance is discussed.     

Effect of feed restriction on the peripheral blood and bone marrow cell counts of Wistar rats

The effects of 33% and 66% restricted feeding on body and organ weights, and hematological and bone marrow cellular findings in rats were investigated. The body weight gains were suppressed by restriction of feed amount and the body weights of 66% restricted-feeding groups were almost unchanged for three months (110 g in males and 80 g in females). Marked organ weight reduction (both absolute and relative) was found in the liver and thymus of rats of both sexes. Neutrophils and lymphocytes in the peripheral blood were reduced. Reticulocytes in the 66% restricted groups were decreased to 1/4 of the control values at one month, but recovered slightly thereafter. Nucleated cell counts in bone marrow in the 66% restricted groups were decreased to 1/3 of the control values after three months. Thus, the most important effect of feed restriction seemed to be on bone marrow cells rather than on peripheral blood cells except for the reticulocytes. There was no significant difference between males and females.     

Changes in the blood of Wistar rats in acute poisoning with ethanol and acetaldehyde

1. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of ethanol and acetaldehyde on the erythrocyte and leucocyte system of Wistar rats. 2. Administration of the ethanol or acetaldehyde caused a considerable drop in the number of erythrocytes, haemoglobin level and haematocrit value in rats. 3. The mean erythrocyte volume was smaller after only 0.5 hr of exposure to ethyl alcohol. 4. The solutions used caused changes in the leucocyte system expressed in distinct neutrophilic leucocytosis. 5. Changes in the leucogram were reflected in the increase in the leucocyte index. 6. The degree of intensity of changes in both the erythrocyte and leucocyte system point to the greater toxicity of ethyl alcohol intoxication than is the case of acetaldehyde in a toxically corresponding dose (i.e. 0.5 and 5 g/kg body wt respectively).     

Variation in the susceptibility of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka to infectious haemopoietic necrosis virus

Haemoglobin concentrations, haematocrit values, red blood cell counts, red blood cell diameter, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and plasma haemoglobin concentration were measured on the air-breathing mud eel Amphipnous cuchia .     

A quantitative study on recovery from acute haemorrhage in adult laboratory rats. I. Blood morphology

We evaluated changes in blood morphology for detecting acute blood loss in laboratory rats. Haematologic indices which are normally used in investigating drug effects on rat blood morphology were examined. Sublethal acute blood loss (25 ml per kg body weight) modified rat blood morphology in a few minutes; the blood picture was normal within two weeks. Blood drawing (usually up to 10 ml per kg b.w.) can modify rat blood morphology within one week. Erythrocyte counts, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit decreased earliest, reticulocyte counts were changed longest. Comparing our results and literature data the recovery of blood morphology from acute haemorrhage seems to be more rapid in rats than in men.     

Iron metabolism in pigeons.

Several haematological parameters such as haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, erythrocyte number, reticulocyte concentration, plasma iron and total iron binding capacity were determined in 118 urban pigeons of both sexes. No statistically significant sex differences among these parameters were found. In 36 specimens (23 males and 13 females), the plasma iron turnover was determined using 59Fe. The results obtained in this species, expressed per 100 ml-1 blood. day-1 and Kg-1 body weight. day-1, were compared with those of turkeys, ducks and chickens calculated from earlier papers. The highest values versus body weight were observed in pigeons. Organ (liver, spleen, tibia, heart, leg muscle, ribs, sternal keel, gonads and blood) distribution of 59Fe intravenous injection was analyzed during a period from 5 min up to 120 days (19 different times) in groups of 4 pigeons. At the 6 h period, the organs retained the highest dose (20% of total Fe injected), but by the 2nd day period, the radioiron in the blood represented about 98% of the total injected. A fast iron uptake by the circulatory blood was checked and compared with that of other species (domestic fowl, ducks and turkeys). The reticulocyte count in pigeons normally ranged from 4 to 12%, which was consistent with these results. A linear decreasing radioactivity in blood, with an inflexion point on the 40th day was observed. An inverse correspondence between blood and liver was found. Content in other organs decreased uniformly with time, except the heart where the iron content was practically constant during the whole time. Ribs and sternal keel are erythropoietic organs in young pigeons.     

Changes in the blood parameters of an air-breathing fish during different respiratory conditions.

Some of the blood parameters recorded in an air-breathing eel, Amphipnous cuchia under normal respiratory condition during non-breeding period (September-April) are haemoglobin (Hb) concentration 19.26%, haematocrit value 56.16%, RBC number 1.71 million/mm3, RBC size 18.86 X 9.70 mum, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) 113.4 ng, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 34.2%, blood sugar 77 mg% and ascorbic acid 0.435 mg%. The higher concentration of haemoglobin (19.26%) appears to be related to its obligatory air breathing habit and habitat in a water of low oxygen content. Though a definite trend of increase in the haemoglobin and haematocrit concentration with an increase in the body weight of the fish was lacking, variations were clearly marked related to intrinsic activity of the fish connected with different respiratory conditions. Asphyxiation in a submerged but continuous flow of water (liter/h) for 5 1/2 h resulted in an increase in the above-mentioned parameters to an appreciable extent. These increases were 0.23 million/mm3 in the number of erythrocytes, 6.16% in haemoglobin concentration, 10% in haematocrit value, 20% in blood sugar and 35% in ascorbic acid content. The mean corpuscular haemoglobin showed a decline of 6.2%. Exclusive aerial breathing for 5 1/2 h also caused 7.4% increase in haemoglobin concentration, 9.4% in haematocrit value, 0.14 million/mm3 in RBC number, 20% in blood sugar level, 9% in ascorbic acid content but almost no change in mean corpuscular haemoglobin. The average surface area for diffusion of gases appeared to have reduced by 6.8 mum2 per RBC.     

An analysis of haematological parameters in patients and individual residents of a Plasmodium falciparum malaria holoendemic area of western Kenya

Many clinical symptoms of malaria are associated with alterations in certain haematological parameters during acute and subclinical infections. Total leucocyte and erythrocyte counts, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and other minor indices, were investigated in five cohort groups of individuals resident in a malaria hyperendemic area of western Kenya. The groups included age- and sex-matched adults with acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria, aparasitaemic adults, children with acute malaria, aparasitaemic children and asymptomatic-parasitaemic school children. The study aimed at defining what constitutes immunity to malaria which may be important in the critical evaluation of malaria vaccine antigens. Anaemia was more severe in adults and children with acute malaria than in their age- and sex-matched aparasitaemic and asymptomatic-aparasitaemic school children. Lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in asymptomatic-aparasitaemic school children than in aparasitaemic adults, suggesting a possible functional role for lymphocytes in the anti-disease immunity in the former group.     

Hematological and plasma chemistry of Indian major carp,Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)

Hematological and plasma chemistry indices are simple and essential diagnostic tools for monitoring the physiological and health status of fish. Aim of the present study was to obtain reference values for the hematological and plasma chemistry of wild populations of Labeo rohita captured in a freshwater pond between July 2008 and June 2010. These reference values and the mean were evaluated according to sex and season. In summer, the red blood cells (1.84 × 106 38 per cubic mm), haemoglobin (8.52 gm dl^?1) and haematocrit (31.49%) were highest in males, whereas the maximum values for white blood cells (5.635 × 103 40 per cubic mm) were found in females, however, no significant variation of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) or mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) was observed between sexes. Various blood parameter levels between the sexes in summer were notably different from those measured in other seasons except for MCH and MCHC values (p < 0.05). Compared to most teleosts, the L. rohita has similar mean values for PCV and Hb. Throughout summer the glucose (76.0 mg dl^?1), lipid (3.41 gm dl^?1) and cholesterol (145.0 mg dl^?1) levels were highest. In spring the plasma protein levels were higher in males, but higher in winter for females. Consequently, the seasons are key factors when using blood parameters as biomarkers for environmental alterations.     

Comparative haematology of ten species of marine fish from Visakhapatnam Coast

A comparative study has been made of haematological parameters (erythrocyte numbers, leucocyte numbers, haematocrit and haemoglobin), erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH and MCHC) and cytometric measurements (cell and nucleus) of 10 species of marine fish from the Visakhapatnam Coast, of which six are from harbour waters, three from rock pools and one from inshore waters. It is found that active fish have high values of erythrocyte numbers, haematocrit, haemoglobin and nucleo/cytoplasmic ratio and low values of leucocyte numbers and erythrocyte cytosome measurements. The most active of all is the inshore species Rastrelliger kanagurta depicting the haematological requirements of an active fish with high oxygen demand to meet the requirements of high metabolic rate. The other active fish such as Megalops cyprinoides and Mugil cephalus are intermediate, with the rock pool fish and Caranx carangus with low values of nucleo/cytoplasmic ratio at the other extreme.     

Differences between breeds of rabbits in their susceptibility to the effect of foschlor

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of foschlor on erythrocytes and leucocytes in two breeds of rabbits--Belgian and black-and-tan. Administration of the pesticide caused a considerable drop in the number of erythrocytes, haemoglobin level and haematocrit value in both breeds. Changes in the values of red blood cell indices, characterized by an increase in mean erythrocyte volume and haemoglobin content in blood cells, were observed in the black-and-tan breed only. The pesticide used caused changes in leucocytes in both breeds, expressed as a distinct neutrophilic leucocytosis with lymphopaenia and eosinopaenia. Changes in the leucogram were reflected in the increase in the leucocyte index. The degree of intensity of the changes in both erythrocytes and leucocytes points to the greater resistance of the Belgian breed to intoxication by foschlor than the black-and-tan breed.     

Intraspecific allometry of haematological parameters in Basilichthys australis

Allometry of haematological parameters (haematocrit, erythrocyte number, mean cell volume and haemoglobin concentration) of Basilichthys australis , suggested that small individuals and juveniles had larger red blood cells, less haemoglobin per volume of blood, and more diluted plasma than large and mature animals.