Serum biochemical values in fallow deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dama dama</Emphasis> L.) from different habitats in Croatia

Serum biochemical values were determined in blood samples collected from 48 shot fallow deer from the Brijuni islands and 45 sedated fallow deer (Dama dama L.) from hunting grounds in the continental part of Croatia. The parameters were compared with regard to age, sex and habitat. Statistically significant differences were found for serum total protein concentration, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity between young and adult island deer, as well as for total protein, triacylglyceride, cholesterol concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity between young and adult continental deer. In young animals, island males had higher albumin concentrations, while continental males had higher alkaline phosphatase values than females. In adult animals, island males had a higher blood urea nitrogen concentration, while continental males had higher albumin and cholesterol concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase activities. In this group, males exhibited lower bilirubin and triacylglyceride concentrations than females. Our results indicate that besides age, sex and sampling method, nutritional and environmental factors should be considered when evaluating serum biochemical parameters of fallow deer     

Effect of different iron loads on serum and tissue biochemical parameters and liver hepcidin mRNA abundance of neonatal piglets

Iron (Fe) is an essential and important trace element for animals. In order to study its metabolism and relationship with hepcidin, piglet models of Fe-deficiency and Fe-overload were established by intramuscular injection with different doses of Fe-dextran (150 mg Fe/ml) within 1 week of age. Twelve piglets were divided into three groups of four animals: deficiency, regular and overload group, receiving 0 ml, 1 ml and 6 ml Fe-dextran, respectively. The piglets were euthanised at the age of 7 days for analysis. The results showed that the Fe-concentrations in liver, spleen and serum of piglets in the overload group were higher than in the regular and deficiency groups (p < 0.05). In the overload group, several serum biochemical parameters, e.g. globulin, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), peroxidase and xanthine oxidase were higher, while alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and triglycerides were lower, compared with the regular group (p < 0.05). The serum concentrations of AKP, total bilirubin and peroxidase in the deficiency group were lower, while HDL and GPx were higher, compared with the regular group (p < 0.05). Hepcidin mRNA abundance was 131 times lower in the liver of piglets with Fe-deficiency, and 7 times higher in the overloaded group than that in the regular group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Fe-overload and deficiency would influence Fe-metabolism, serum biochemical indexes, oxidation state and hepcidin mRNA abundance in piglet liver.     

Reference values for biochemical parameters in blood serum of young and adult alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

The aim of this study was to establish reference interval for biochemical parameters in blood of alpacas on the basis of large population of clinically healthy animals, and to determine the influence of sex, age and season on nitrogen and lipid metabolites, enzymes, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals in blood of alpacas. Blood samples were collected from 311 alpacas (61 males and 201 females >6 months of age and 49 crias (21 males and 28 females) ⩽6 months of age). Selected farms were located in Central Europe (Czech Republic and Germany). We determined 24 biochemical parameters from blood serum. We performed the comparison of results by the sex of animals and for the older group also the comparison of the results with regard to the season, respectively, to the feeding period. We found no highly significant difference (P<0.01) between males and females with the exception of γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cholesterol. We found 15 significantly different parameters between the group of crias 6 months of age and the older alpacas. Based on our findings we suggest for most parameters to use different reference intervals (especially ALP, cholesterol, total protein, globulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), GGT and phosphorus) for the two above-mentioned age groups. Another important finding is the differences between some parameters in older group of alpacas in summer/winter feeding period. Animals in the summer feeding period have higher values of parameters related to fat mobilization (β-hydroxybutyrate, NEFA) and liver metabolism (bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase). The winter period with increased feeding of supplements with higher amount of fat, vitamins and minerals is characteristic by increased values of cholesterol, triglycerides, vitamins A and E, and some minerals (K, Ca, Mg and Cl) in blood serum. Clinical laboratory diagnosis of metabolic disturbances may be improved with use of age-based reference values and with consideration of seasonal differences.     

Haematology and serum biochemistry of captive unsedated chital deer (Axis axis) in Australia

Haematological and serum biochemical values were measured in blood samples collected over a 12-mo period from 37 unsedated chital deer (Axis axis). Stags and hinds, ranging in age from birth to maturity, were sampled. Haemoglobin, total erythrocyte and haematocrit values were low at birth and sex differences were not apparent in neonates and juveniles, but were in adults. Chital stags had higher erythrocyte parameters (P less than 0.001) and lower erythrocyte indices than hinds, and the total leucocyte count was higher in stags (P less than 0.01). Some parameters (erythrocytes, muscle enzymes, glucose, cortisol) decreased over successive serial sampling. The differential leucocyte count of older stags decreased during the initial handling period. The major rutting period in February and March was characterised by changes in the differential leucocyte count, elevations in serum muscle enzymes, and lower serum cortisol levels. Alkaline phosphatase activity in serum reflected the annual antler cycle of chital stags. Serial sampling over many weeks, either weekly or tri-weekly, produced haematological and biochemical changes in successive samples which may have reflected a reduction in stress and excitement associated with restraint.     

Age- and Sex-Based Hematological and Biochemical Parameters for Macaca fascicularis

Background

The cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) has been increasingly used in biomedical research, making knowledge of its blood-based parameters essential to support the selection of healthy subjects and its use in preclinical research. As age and sex affect these blood-based parameters, it is important to establish baseline indices for these parameters on an age and sex basis and determine the effects of age and sex on these indices.

Methods

A total of 917 cynomolgus monkeys (374 males and 543 females) were selected and segregated by age (five groups) and sex. A total of 30 hematological and 22 biochemical parameters were measured, and the effects of age and sex were analyzed.

Results

Baseline indices for hematological and biochemical parameters were separately established by age and sex. Significant effects by age, sex, and age-sex interaction were observed in a number of blood parameters. In the 49–60 months and 61–72 months age groups, red blood cell count, hemoglobulin, and hematocrit showed significantly lower values (P<0.01) in females than males. Serum alkaline phosphatase varied with age in both sexes (P<0.01) and was significantly higher in females than males (P<0.05) in the groups aged 13–24 months and 25–36 months; however, in the three groups aged over 25–36 months, serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly lower in females than males (P<0.01). Creatinine concentration increased with age (P<0.01) in all age groups; specifically in the groups aged 49–60 months and 61–72 months, creatinine was significantly higher (P<0.01) in males than females. Total protein and globulin both increased with age (P<0.01).

Conclusion

The baseline values of hematological and biochemical parameters reported herein establish reference indices of blood-based parameters in the cynomolgus monkey by age and sex, thereby aiding researchers in selecting healthy subjects and evaluating preclinical studies using this species.     

An integrated assessment of lead exposure in children: Correlation with biochemical and haematological indices

BackgroundLead (Pb) is a worldwide concern due to its persistent property in the environment. However, due to diminutive evidence and elusiveness, the impact of lead exposure on the biochemical and haematological parameter in school-age children is not well established.AimThis study primarily aimed to investigate blood lead (BL) in children and its association with haematological and biochemical parameter.MethodsA total of 43 children (4–12 years) were recruited in each control and study group. Furthermore, the study group were subdivided into two groups (group A (<10 μg/dl) and group B (>10 μg/dl)). BL level, haematological parameter including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, total leukocytes count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets in the whole blood and biochemical parameter such as liver function test (total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein, albumin) and kidney function test (sodium, potassium, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine) in serum were measured using anodic stripping voltammeter (ASV), Cell-Dyn Ruby Haematology analyser, Beckman coulter Unicel Dxc 800 Synchron Clinical analyser respectively.ResultsThe arithmetical mean of BL level was 19.93 ± 9.22 μg/dl (median: 17.5 μg/dl; range 9.1–37.4 μg/dl). Only 21 % children had BL levels <10 μg/dl and there were 79 % children with BL levels >10 μg/dl. Blood mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Neutrophils, Monocytes were significantly higher between the control and study group. Additionally, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Lymphocytes and mean corpuscular volume intensities were significantly lower in >10 μg/dl group whereas total leukocytes count, neutrophils, monocytes, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets levels were statistically higher (p < 0.001).Serum alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, total protein, were higher (p < 0.05) and sodium, albumin were significantly lower in the study group. The mean value of sodium, potassium, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein and blood urea nitrogen, creatinine in two groups (<10 μg/dl and >10 μg/dl) was not significantly different. Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase level was significantly higher (p = 0.015) while albumin levels were significantly lower (p = 0.034) in >10 μg/dl group. A statistically significant correlation of BL levels with all haematological parameters was also observed. Creatinine is positively and albumin was negatively correlated with BL levels.ConclusionThe outcomes specify that high BL levels were significantly associated with higher haematological and biochemical indices in exposed children. However, lead like noxious metals severely affected the haematological, kidney and liver health of children.     

Biochemistry and haematology values for the baboon (Papio hamadryas): the effects of sex, growth, development and age.

A retrospective study evaluated the influence of sex and age on plasma biochemistry and haematology parameters in a captive-bred colony of baboons. Over 1,140 ETDA and heparin blood samples were obtained from 160 clinically normal baboons between the ages of 11 months and 11 years. Data for these blood tests were analysed for the effects of sex, age and sex age interactions. Sex, age and sex age interactions were detected for many plasma biochemistry and haematological parameters. The reference range values for platelets, white-blood cells and mean corpuscular volume and plasma chloride, glucose, total protein and iron were higher (P < 0.01) and red blood cell, plasma sodium, potassium, total CO2, creatinine, urea, total bilirubin, albumin, alkaline phosphate, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and phosphate were lower (P < 0.01) in the female compared to the male population. Sex age interactions (P < 0.05) were seen with haemoglobin, white blood cells, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, sodium, creatinine, urea, calcium, phosphate, total bilirubin, total protein alkaline phosphatase, the liver enzymes and triglycerides. Plasma alkaline phosphatase was highest ( > 800 micro/l) in young juveniles of both sexes; creatinine was higher in older ( > 4 years) compared to younger baboons of the same sex (P < 0.05). Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were greater (P < 0.01) in young baboons compared to older animals.     

Indexing serum and mucous biochemical parameters of endangered Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis with implications for health assessment

The Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) is a critically endangered aquatic fish. Health monitoring and welfare assessments are critical for the conservation of Chinese sturgeon. In this study, biochemical parameters of serum and skin mucus in Chinese sturgeon were examined to evaluate the potential biomarkers. Serum and mucous samples were obtained from Chinese sturgeon, and the levels of total protein (TP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), lactic acid (LD), acid phosphatase (ACP), lysozyme (LYZ), glucose (GLU), and cortisol were determined. The concentrations of ALT, AST, cortisol, and LYZ were significantly higher in the mucous group than those in the serum group (p < 0.05). In addition, the concentrations of ALP, ACP, LD, LDH, CK, and TP were significantly higher level in the serum group than those in the mucous group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the correlations between serum and mucous biochemical parameters were established. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between serum and skin mucous markers (ACP, cortisol, and LYZ). AST versus ALT in serum and mucus showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between cortisol and CK in mucus (p < 0.01). Moreover, LD versus LDH in serum showed a significant but weak positive correlation (p < 0.01). Principal component analysis revealed a complete separation between the serum and mucous groups, with the biomarkers that contributed the most being ALP, TP, ALT, and AST. This study provides baseline data and reference intervals for serum and mucous biochemical parameters in presumably healthy Chinese sturgeons. The current study has important implications for the development of conservation strategies and the conservation status of critically endangered species.     

Hematological and plasma biochemical values for captive tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)

Hematological and blood biochemical parameters are of great importance in medical and veterinary practice. Unfortunately, normal reference range intervals for hematological and serum biochemical values in the tufted capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) have seldom been reported. The study reported here is based on data from blood samples collected from 44 monkeys over an 8-year period. Male and female data are displayed separately within two age categories: juveniles and adults, and effects for sex and age are examined. Significant differences between males and females are found for erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and α(1) globulin. Significant differences between juveniles and adults are found for neutrophils, calcium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, total protein, serum iron, and some serum protein parameters and albumin/globulin ratio. These values are compared with values we previously reported, and their importance in care and well-being of captive tufted capuchin monkeys is discussed.     

Vitamin D status in inpatients admitted to an internal medicine department

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A role of hypovitaminosis D has been advocated in several medical conditions. We investigated vitamin D status in medical inpatients, compared to a blood donors' group from the same area. METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutive medical patients were recruited at hospital admission, concomitantly to 207 blood donors of both genders. Serum calcium, albumin, phosphate, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase total activity, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were assessed from April to May 2005. RESULTS: In patients, 25(OH)D values were lower (13.1 +/- 9.2 vs. 16.3 +/- 8.5 ng/ml; p < 0.02) and PTH values higher (73.9 +/- 77.7 vs. 53.4 +/- 24.3 pg/ml; p < 0.01) than in controls, whose mean age was lower (62.5 +/- 14.5 vs. 45.8 +/- 15.6 years, p < 0.01). Such differences were not confirmed when comparing patients to a subgroup of age and sex-matched controls drawn from the whole sample of blood donors. In both patients and controls there was a trend towards a negative correlation between 25(OH)D and age and a positive correlation between PTH and age. The prevalence of 25(OH)D <12 ng/ml was higher in patients than in controls as a whole (58 vs. 34%; chi(2) = 9.95; p < 0.002), but not in respect to the subgroup of matched controls (58 vs. 44%; chi(2) = 2.09; p = 0.14). The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency, 25(OH)D <5 ng/ml, was significantly higher in patients than in matched controls (17 vs. 4%; chi(2) = 6.75; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D, defined as 25(OH)D <12 ng/ml, is frequent among inpatients, as in the general population of comparable age. A severe vitamin D deficiency is more common in hospitalized patients.     

Prediction of early death after therapeutic hepatic arterial embolisation.

A consecutive series of 14 patients with hepatic malignant disease treated by palliative hepatic arterial embolisation was reviewed. Twelve patients had hepatic pain from their tumour and two were suffering from the carcinoid syndrome. Six patients died within four weeks of the procedure (group 1) and eight survived for at least 10 weeks (group 2). Factors were sought that might permit prediction of a high risk of early death (group 1). The pre-embolisation angiograms reviewed by a "blind" observer showed no differences in vascularity or tumour size between the groups and no difference in the extent of arterial occlusion after embolisation. The portal vein was patent in all patients. No significant difference was seen between the groups in the pre-embolisation biochemical values, with the exception of lower serum albumin concentrations and higher alkaline phosphatase activities in group 1. All those who died early had serum alkaline phosphatase activities of 45 KAU or above, while six of the eight who survived longer had activities below this value (p less than 0.02). These findings suggest that serum alkaline phosphatase activity of 45 KAU or more (normal range 3-13) might alone be a useful predictor of early death. Stepwise discriminant analysis using a weighted combination of serum alkaline phosphatase activity and albumin concentration predicted the outcome in all but one of the patients studied (p less than 0.002).     

Influence of dietary culture material containing aflatoxin and T<Subscript>2</Subscript> toxin on certain serum biochemical constituents in Japanese quail

Forty newly hatched unsexed Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks were fed diets containing 3 ppm aflatoxin (AF) and 4 ppm T₂ toxin either singly and in combination for 35 days. Sera samples were collected from six birds in each group at the end of the trial to study the effect of certain serum biochemical parameters. Highly significant (P < 0.01) differences were observed for serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) between control and toxin treated groups. Toxin treated groups did not reveal any significant difference for serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. There was a reduction in the levels of serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol, ALT and elevation of AST and GGT and variable ALP levels observed in toxin treated groups. Forms part of M.V.Sc. thesis of first author approved by the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600 051, India.     

Age-related changes in hematological and serum biochemical values in cats]

Nineteen hematological and serum biochemical values were analyzed for 91 healthy cats of both sexes (aged 1 to 48 months) that were bred and reared in our laboratory. Age-related changes were found for many parameters. Red blood cell counts (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), Mean corpuscular constants, GPT, total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) initially were low but increased then stabilized. White blood cell counts (WBC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), inorganic phosphorus (Pi), total bilirubin (TBil), total cholesterol (TC), glucose (GLU), and triglyceride (TG) initially were high, but decreased then stabilized. No age-related changes were found for GOT, blood urea nitrogen, or calcium. Of the parameters that changed with age, the mean corpuscular constants, GPT, GLU, and TG became stabilized during the first 3 to 4 months of life, but others (RBC, Hb, Ht, TP, ALB) became stabilized after 9 to 11 months, during which period body weight reached a plateau. Some parameters (WBC, ALP, TG, Pi) showed change up to 18 months of age. These results suggest that cats 9 to 11 months old can be regarded as adults; but for some parameters, cats aged 18 months, or older, are better regarded as adults. Sex-related differences in the values for mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and WBC that were found after 11 months of age were higher in females. ALB was higher in males.     

Zinc supplementation increases bone alkaline phosphatase in healthy men.

Zinc takes part in the metabolism of bone as a constituent of the matrix and as an activator of several metallo-enzymes. Animal in vitro and in vivo studies strongly suggest that zinc supplementation could stimulate bone formation and inhibit bone resorption but data in humans remain rare. The biological effects of 50 mg zinc given orally as gluconate in 20 healthy male volunteers were investigated in a 12 weeks double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. To investigate bone turnover, total alkaline phosphatases activity (ALP), bone specific alkaline phosphatase activity (BAPE) and BAP mass (BAP-M) concentration were measured as parameters of bone formation while urine calcium and C-terminal collagen peptide were determined as parameters of bone resorption. Samples were obtained in fasting subjects at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. In zinc treated subjects, a significant increase was observed at least after 12 weeks in total ALP (p < 0.01), BAP-M (p < 0.05) and BAP-E (p < 0.02). These parameters did not significantly change in the placebo group. Urine zinc/creatinine ratio significantly increased after 6 (p < 0.03) and 12 weeks (p < 0.04) in the zinc-treated group and was significantly different from the placebo group (p < 0.002). There was no significant effect of zinc supplementation on parameters of bone resorption. In conclusion, zinc supplementation at supraphysiological doses increased parameters of bone formation in healthy men while parameters of bone resorption remained unchanged.     

Hematologic and biochemical profiles in Standardbred mares during peripartum

The purposes of this study were to determine physiological changes occurring in hematologic and biochemical parameters in mares between the last month of gestation and the first week after parturition. If a significant change was observed with respect to the reference interval of an adult horse, a further aim of the study was to establish different reference intervals. Blood samples were collected from 62 healthy pregnant Standardbred mares. Seventeen nonpregnant and nonlactating mares were used as a control group. In pregnant mares, blood sampling was conducted every three days from 1 month before the expected foaling date (335 days after the last mating), at parturition, and 7 days after foaling. The barren mares in the control group were sampled once. Results from samples collected 20 and 10 days before parturition, at parturition, and 7 days after were considered in the statistical analysis. A parametric method for all the parameters studied was used to establish reference intervals. Results were compared by repeated measures ANOVA. When significant differences were observed in relation to sampling time, a post hoc analysis was performed (Tukey test). The one-way ANOVA test followed by Dunnett's test was performed to evaluate the presence of a significant difference between each sampling time and the control group. Any significant difference in the blood count parameters at different sampling times was observed by repeated measure ANOVA. Hemoglobin (P < 0.01) and hematocrit (P < 0.01) 7 days after parturition and white blood cell count (P < 0.01) at parturition were significantly different from the control group. Erythrocyte indices and platelet count were within the normal reference intervals as established in the control group. In the biochemical panel, gamma-glutamyltransferase, creatinine, glucose, biliar acids, total protein, albumin-to-globulin ratio, and calcium were significantly different at different sampling times. Moreover, serum concentration of creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, lactate, total protein, albumin, albumin-to-globulin ratio, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium, and total, direct, and indirect bilirubin was different from that of the control group. Remarkable changes were not observed in alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, and fibrinogen concentrations. Temporal changes in the hematologic and biochemical parameters observed in the present study in the peripartum and the differences with reference intervals made up for nonpregnant and nonlactating mares could be used to better evaluate the conditions of periparturient mares.     

Influence of dietary benzoic acid addition on nutrient digestibility and selected biochemical parameters in fattening rabbits

The effects of two inclusion levels of benzoic acid (5 and 20 g/kg diet; B5 and B20, respectively) vs. a control (C) and an antibiotic (tiamulin) supplemented (A; 150 mg/kg) diet on nutrient digestibility and selected biochemical parameters were investigated in 48 weaned (n = 12 per treatment) rabbits (35 days old). Blood samples were obtained (at 45 and 85 days of age) to measure erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Ca and P levels. At 56 days of age total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) was determined. At the end of the trial (85 days) rabbits were slaughtered for subsequent measurements. GSH-Px activity was also determined in liver homogenates post-mortem. Benzoic acid inclusion level decreased linearly (P<0.05) the weight of total full gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a trend (P=0.058) to increased dressing yield. The TTAD of organic matter (OM) increased linearly (P<0.05), whereas that of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy tended to increase (P=0.067, P=0.090 and P=0.098, respectively) with benzoic acid increment. The TTAD of aNDFom, hemicelluloses and cellulose was affected quadratically (P<0.05) by benzoic acid supplementation, with the B5-fed rabbits showing the higher values. Plasma ALP activity and P levels were linearly reduced (P<0.001) by benzoic acid inclusion, but no influence was observed on GSH-Px activity in erythrocytes or liver. In conclusion, dietary benzoic acid affects the TTAD of OM and fibre fractions in a dose dependent manner, without having any adverse effect on the systemic markers (biochemical parameters) examined.     

Serum chemistry profiles for Lechwe waterbucks (Kobus leche): Variations with age and sex

• 1.1. Over an 8-year period, 19 biochemical parameters have been determined at various ages in the blood serum of 92 clinically healthy Lechwe waterbucks (Kobus leche), 33 males and 59 females.
• 2.2. Significant differences have been noted with age. In neonates, the lowest values of total proteins, glucose, creatinine, urea, AST, ALT and iron have been noted; the highest ones have been seen for cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphorus.
• 3.3. With regard to sex, raised values of glucose, urea, alkaline phosphatase and ALT, and lowered values of cholesterol, have been noted in juvenile females compared with males of the same age.
• 4.4. In adult females, higher levels of urea and cholesterol and lower levels of glucose, triglycerides and natrium have been recorded compared with males.
• 5.5. With sex and age, no significant changes have been found in the levels of GGT, magnesium, chlorides and copper.
• 6.6. Out findings are discussed with those abstracted from the literature for related species.

     

Reference values for serum chemistry of wild Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) from the central Amazon

Blood values of wild cetacean population are a valuable tool to drive proper management of threatened species. Reference intervals of 26 serum analytes were determined from 107 apparently healthy Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) wild-caught in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve (3°3′S, 64°51′W), central Amazon, Brazil. No differences were detected between males and females or between pregnant and nonpregnant females. Calves had higher serum calcium than juveniles and adults, and alkaline phosphatase activity was higher in calves and juveniles than adults as a result of bone growth. Adults showed higher creatinine levels than juveniles due to higher body mass, and higher urea than calves. Positive correlation was found between body length and body weight with creatinine, urea, and alanine aminotransferase activity; whereas calcium and alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase (CK) activities negatively correlated with these body parameters. Cardiac rate and respiratory frequency appear to have not correlated with any serum analyte, while stress level positively correlated with CK. Storage of frozen samples for 60 days at −80°C significantly altered 10 of the 19 analytes after one freeze–thaw cycle. Important differences were detected among age classes, stress level, and sample storage and should be taken into account before any clinical or physiological interpretations.     

Effects of vitamin C on liver enzymes and biochemical parameters in rats anesthetized with halothane

Halothane is an important human and veterinary anesthetic, which produces free radicals during biotransformation. Occasionally, these free radicals may cause hepatic injury, especially in case of multiple halothane exposures over short periods. Vitamin C may protect cellular lipids and lipoproteins against oxidative damage by the free radicals. This study investigated the effects of vitamin C on liver enzymes and other biochemical parameters in rats anesthetized with halothane. One group of rats was used as a control, and saline (0.9% NaCl) was injected intraperitoneally into these animals as a placebo. The second group of rats was used as an anesthesia control group and was only anesthetized by halothane for 2 h. The third group was anesthetized by halothane and injected vitamin C intraperitoneally. Activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes were significantly increased (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively) by halothane anesthesia, but decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively) with administration of vitamin C. Concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, total bilirubin and creatinine were statistically affected (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively) by injection of vitamin C. Values of erythrocyte counts, packet cell volumes, hemoglobin concentration, leukocyte counts, rates of neutrophils and lymphocytes were significantly affected (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) by halothane anesthesia. The values of erythrocyte counts, leukocyte counts, neutrophil and lymphocyte rates were significantly decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively) with administration of vitamin C. Based upon these results, vitamin C may play an important role in the prevention of hepatic cellular injury inflicted by halothane anesthesia.     

Changes in selected serum biochemical and EKG values with age in cynomolgus macaques

Normal serum values for alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in juvenile male cynomolgus monkeys compared to adults. Conversely, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was significantly lower in juveniles than adults. A comparison of selected EKG parameters from each group revealed no significant differences; however, there was a trend towards mean left axis deviation in adult animals.