Investigations of the toxic mechanisms of ammonia to fish–gas exchange in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) exposed to acutely lethal concentrations

Exposure to acutely lethal un-ionised ammonia concentrations resulted in a 3.3-fold increase in oxygen consumption. This was associated with increases in ventilation volume, respiratory frequency and amplitude. 'Cough' frequency was not significantly affected. Heart rate and dorsal aortic blood pressure were increased and cardiac output was estimated to have more than doubled. Dorsal aortic blood Po₂ decreased but no significant changes in erythrocyte number, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, blood pH or P50 were observed. Possible toxic actions of ammonia were discussed and it was speculated that, as in mammals, ammonia may act by impairing cerebral energy metabolism.     

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.     

Changes in haematology during upstream migration to American shad

Heart mass of American shad Alosa sapidissima did not change during migration in the Connecticut River. Spleen mass decreased and there was an increase in available blood haemoglobin (+22%) and haematocrit (+9%). The decreases in spleen somatic index (-29%) and spleen haemoglobin content (-15%) were dependent upon distance travelled upriver and not seasonal migration timing or short-term exercise events such as passage up a fish ladder. There was no effect of migration timing on any of the blood parameters measured, suggesting that any physiological responses during migration were based on distance travelled rather than seasonally variable conditions such as temperature, although blood haemoglobin (+24%) and haematocrit (+21%) increased after passage up a fish ladder. These changes in haematological physiology occurring during upstream migration may increase swimming performance and migratory success in American shad.     

Effect of polychlorinated biphenyls (Delor 103) on haematological and enzyme parameters of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

Rainbow trout at a weight of 223+/-12 g (mean+/-SD) were experimentally injected with a technical mixture of Delor 103 to evaluate the red blood cell indices (red blood cell count, haematocrit, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) and some biochemical and enzyme parameters of the blood plasma (total protein, glucose, inorganic phosphate, total calcium, sodium, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase). Delor 103, administered by the i.p. route at a concentration of 0.24 g kg(-1) 120 h(-1), caused an increase in the red blood cell counts, haematocrit values, haemoglobin concentrations, inorganic phosphate, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase. The sodium level fell. The fish injected with Delor 103 showed a relative decrease in the lymphocyte count and a relative increase in the count of neutrophile band forms.     

High Haemoglobin Values During Medical Treatment of Hypertension

In 123 patients with arterial hypertension the haemoglobin values were determined before and during long-term antihypertensive drug treatment. The haemoglobin values found before treatment did not differ from those found in the normal population. In both sexes the haemoglobin values showed a significant increase after prolonged treatment. In males the average values rose from 15.1 to 16.7 g./100 ml., and in females from 13.96 to 14.82 g./100 ml. The increase in the haemoglobin concentration does not seem to be clearly correlated to the duration of treatment or to the decrease produced in mean blood pressure. On the other hand, the increase in haemoglobin depended to some extent on the nature of treatment. Diuretics alone resulted in a moderate increase only, whereas diuretics in combination with other antihypertensive drugs produced a more pronounced increase in haemoglobin values.     

Haematological alterations in Rattus norvegicus (Wistar) experimentally infected with Echinostoma paraensei (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae)

Laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) were infected with Echinostoma paraensei (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae). The rodents received 150 metacercariae each and blood samples were collected weekly until the fifth week of infection. The blood samples were analyzed for determination of haematocrit, total red blood cells with their dimensions, haemoglobin and haematimetric index (mean corpuscular volume, MCV; mean corpuscular haemoglobin, MCH; and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, MCHC) and platelets. Red blood cells, haematocrit and haemoglobin in the first week had significantly lower levels than those of uninfected (control) rats, suggesting the development of normocytic and normocromic anaemia with anisocytic alteration. The number of eosinophils did not increase significantly among the groups. We concluded that E. paraensei produces haematological alterations in R. norvegicus, causing regenerative anaemia. This system can therefore be a useful model to study the direct and indirect effects of gastrointestinal infections.     

Comparative study of some haematological and biochemical blood parameters in fishes from the Skagerrak

Marine fishes caught in the Skagerrak, 27 different species representing various groups of fishes (Cyclostomi, Holocephali, Elasmobranchii and Teleostei), were examined for the following haematological and biochemical blood parameters: haematocrit, haemoglobin, mean corpuscle haemoglobin concentration, total plasma protein, blood glucose and blood lactate. Interspecies variations as well as variations within some species were observed. The haemoglobin values for all species showed a positive correlation to the corresponding haematocrit values. Relatively low values for haematocrit and haemoglobin were found in cyclostomes, holocephaleans and elasmobranchii compared to the majority of teleosts. Within the teleost group, the haematocrit and haemoglobin levels were positively correlated with the activity of the fish species. The cyclostome Myxine glutimsa L. had a total plasma protein content in the same range as most teleosts, whereas holocephaleans, elasmobranchii and the deep-water teleost Coryphaenoides rupestris Gunnerus showed comparatively low values. Among teleosts some relationship seemed to exist between the total plasma protein level and the activity of the fish species. In addition, a correlation between plasma protein content and levels of blood lipids were noted. Values for blood glucose and blood lactate were found to be lower in cyclostomes, holocephaleans and elasmobranchii than in most teleosts. Higher blood glucose levels were observed in the more active teleost species.     

Changes in the nucleotide triphosphate/haemoglobin and nucleotide triphosphate/red cell ratios of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, subjected to prolonged starvation and bleeding

The nucleotide triphosphate/haemoglobin (NTP/Hb) and nucleotide triphosphate/red cell (NTP/cell) ratios of rainbow trout increased during prolonged starvation. A decline was noted in blood lactic acid concentration. Red cell count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit also declined. Changes in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were found not to be significant. The NTP/Hb and NTP/cell ratios of both fed and starved trout rose seven days following a 15% reduction in blood volume by cardiac puncture. A rise in whole blood NTP concentration was found only in the bleeding response of fed animals. No significant change was noted in blood lactic acid concentration. The decline in haematocrit was significant only in the starved group. In both groups, however, red cell count and blood haemoglobin concentration fell. MCV rose whereas MCHC declined in all bled animals. Changes in MCH were not significant in either group. Negative correlations were noted between red cell count and both the NTP/Hb and NTP/cell ratios and between haemoglobin concentration and the NTP/Hb ratio. Positive correlations were seen between the two ratios and between red cell count and haemoglobin concentration.     

Blood adaptations to marine and freshwater environments in fish of the Family Sciaenidae (Perciformes)

In five species of fish from the Family Sciaenidae, collected from marine, brackish and fresh-water environments, the following parameters were studied: haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, number of red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, blood pH, oxygen affinity of blood and stripped haemolysate, Root effect, the number of haemoglobins separated by polyacrilamide electrophoresis, iron concentration and osmotic pressure of the serum. Plagioscion squamosissimus , the only freshwater species studied, clearly separated from the other four species; it exhibited the highest haemoglobin number, haemotocrit, number erythrocytes, of oxygen affinity of the haemolysate, and the lowest oxygen affinity of the blood, iron concentration, pH and osmotic pressure.     

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.     

Delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity in red blood cells of rats infected with Trypanosoma evansi

The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) in red blood cells of rats infected with Trypanosoma evansi and establish its association with haematocrit, serum levels of iron and zinc and lipid peroxidation. Thirty-six male rats (Wistar) were divided into 2 groups with 18 animals each. Group A was non-infected while Group B was intraperitoneally infected, receiving 7·5×106 trypomastigotes per animal. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups of 6 rats and blood was collected during different periods post-infection (p.i.) as follows: day 5 (A1 and B1), day 15 (A2 and B2) and day 30 PI (A3 and B3). Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture to estimate red blood cell parameters (RBC), δ-ALA-D activity and serum levels of iron, zinc and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Rats in group B showed a significant (P<0·05) reduction of RBC count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit at days 5 and 15 p.i. The activity of δ-ALA-D in blood was significantly (P<0·001) increased at days 15 and 30 p.i. δ-ALA-D activity in blood had a significant (P<0·05) negative correlation with haematocrit (r=-0·61) and haemoglobin (r=-0·70) at day 15 p.i. There was a significant (P<0·05) decrease in serum iron and zinc levels and an increase in TBARS levels (P<0·05) during infection. The δ-ALA-D activity in blood was negatively correlated with the levels of iron (r=-0·68) and zinc (r=-0·57) on day 30 p.i. It was concluded that the increased activity of δ-ALA-D in blood might have occurred in response to the anaemia in remission as heme synthesis was enhanced.     

The haematology of triploid landlocked Atlantic salmon, Salmo solar L.

Triploid landlocked Atlantic salmon had a larger mean erythrocyte volume but lower erythrocyte count than diploids; the haematocrit was the same in diploids and triploids. Although the total blood haemoglobin content and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were lower in triploids than in diploids, the actual mean corpuscular haemoglobin content of triploid erythrocytes was higher than that of diploids. The increase in triploid mean erythrocyte volume was mainly due to an increase in cell length; there was only a minor increase in cell width and no increase in cell height. The nucleus of triploid erythrocytes occupied a greater percentage of the corpuscular volume than did the diploid nucleus. Mean cytoplasmic haemoglobin concentration was found to be the same for diploids and triploids when this was taken into account     

Haematological changes in an Antarctic teleost,Trematomus bernacchii,following stress

The effect of an acute increase in temperature, exhaustive exercise and hypoxia on the haematology of the benthic Antarctic teleost, Trematomus bernacchii was investigated. High temperature and hypoxia caused the biggest changes to the blood, with increases in haematocrit, haemoglobin concentrations and plasma chloride levels. The spleen decreased in mass. Exercise produced the smallest changes. Changes were substantially less than reported for the more active cryopelagic species Pagothenia borchgrevinki. The magnitude of the haematocrit increase is discussed in relation to life-style of fish living in the Antarctic.     

细菌性败血症引起鲫凝血障碍的研究

以嗜水气单胞菌感染体重７０ｇ左右的鲫并检测了感染鱼和对照鱼的血液学及播散性血管内凝血判定指标等参数。结果表明细菌性败血症病鱼严重贫血,存在明显的凝血障碍,在疾病发展过程中存在播散性血管内凝血现象。这一些象导致了病鱼全身性出血,并在疾病的病理生理过程中起了重要作用。     

Single dose of acetylsalicylic acid in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or chronic renal failure ameliorates anaemia by decreasing the rate of neocytolysis

BACKGROUND: Anaemia in diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or chronic renal failure (CRF) may be caused by a decreased production of erythropoietin (EPO), EPO resistance, and by the lysis of the young circulating red blood cells (neocytolysis) induced by subclinical inflammation and low EPO level. Aims of this study were to detect EPO resistance in patients with DM and/or CRF and to prove, that acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is able to improve the haemopoietic status by decreasing neocytolysis. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, three groups of selected patients (patients with DM; patients with DM+CRF; patients with CRF without DM, n=15 each) and a group of controls (non-diabetic, nonazotemic subjects, n = 10) were compared. In the intervention part of the study, the effect of a single dose of 1 gram ASA on neocytolysis was investigated in a subgroup of these patients. RESULTS: Despite the similar EPO level (p = 1.000), all three patient groups had lower haemoglobin and haematocrit than control persons (p < 0.05 in all cases). Patients with DM+CRF had lower haemoglobin than patients with DM or CRF alone (p < 0.05). Single dose of ASA induced a fast increase in serum EPO level, a concomitant rise of the Rtc number and rate, red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin p < 0.01 for each). These changes were accompanied by a marked decrease in serum lactate dehydrogenase activity (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: DM and CRF may induce erythropoietin resistance. In these patients, ASA treatment increases serum EPO level. The higher EPO level and the anti-inflammatory effect of ASA may decrease neocytolysis.     

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.     

Haematological, blood gas and acid-base effects of central histamine-induced reversal of critical haemorrhagic hypotension in rats.

In a rat model of volume-controlled irreversible haemorrhagic shock, which results in a severe metabolic acidosis and the death of all control animals within 30 min., intracerebroventricular injection of histamine (100 nmol) produces a prompt and long-lasting increase in mean arterial pressure and heart rate, with a 100% survival of 2 h after treatment. Histamine action is accompanied by a decrease in haematocrit value, haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte and platelet count, and an increase in residual blood volume at the end of the experiment (2 h). Cardiovascular effects are also associated with a long-lasting rise in respiratory rate and biphasic blood acid-base changes - initial increase of metabolic acidosis with the decrease in arterial and venous pH, bicarbonate concentration and base excess, followed by almost a complete recovery of blood gas and acid-base parameters to the pre-bleeding values, with normalisation of arterial and venous pH, Pco2 bicarbonate concentration and base excess at the end of experiment. It can be concluded that in the late phase of central histamine-induced reversal of haemorrhagic hypotension there is almost a complete restoration of blood gas and acid-base status due to circulatory and respiratory compensations, while accompanying haematological changes are the result of the haemodilution and the increase in residual blood volume.     

Some haematological responses of normal and splenectomized rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri to a 12% blood loss

Anaemia can be induced in Rainbow trout by removing 12 % of the blood volume by cardiac puncture. Recovery from such an anaemia has been monitored in both normal and splenectomized fish. After the bleeding there is a decrease in red cell numbers, haematocrit and blood haemoglobin concentration. Although recovery in normal trout was not complete within 27 days, which was the period of the observations, it was seen as a replenishing of red cell numbers, haematocrit and blood haemoglobin concentration. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), both depressed by the bleeding, did not appear to recover during the experimental period.
Splenectomy reduced erythropoietic intensity. After bleeding all the parameters studied were more depressed than those found in normal trout, and recovery was not noted. Blood haemoglobin and red cell numbers did not have the same post-bleeding pattern as normal individuals; MCH and MCHC values remained markedly depressed.
Splenic involvement was further demonstrated by bleeding trout for a second time from both normal and splenectomized groups. In contrast to the response of normal animals, there was a further deterioration of red cell numbers and blood haemoglobin concentration in splenectomized individuals.     

Haematological and haematopoietic studies in pyridoxine deficient fish, Channa punctatus Bloch

Pyridoxine deficiency was induced in a population of Channa punctatus. The deficiency effects were increased by adding 4-deoxypyridoxine as an antagonist. Haematological and haematopoietic changes were studied. The significant changes in peripheral blood appeared after 150 days in the antagonist treated group and 180 days in the group on the deficient diet. After 240 days when morphological changes and an increased mortality also appeared, the changes in RBC and related values (haemoglobin, haematocrit, MCV, MCH & MCHC) were highly significant and indicated hypochromic microcytic anaemia; this was accompanied by leukopenia. The haematopoietic studies revealed significant increase in the earlier stages of erythrocytic development (basophilic erythroblasts and polychromatophilic eryth-roblasts) with a simultaneous decrease in the later stages (young and mature reticulocytes). A series of pathological disorders in the various developing cells were recorded in the imprints of haematopoietic tissues. The pyridoxine specificity of these changes were confirmed by remedial treatment for a month.     

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.