Effects of confinement stress and additional zinc treatment on some blood parameters in the dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula

Several blood parameters were studied in the dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula subjected to different confinement conditions (transport and maintenance) and zinc contamination. Confinement stress significantly decreased erythrocyte counts (RBCC), haematocrit (Ht), haemoglobin (Hb), leucocrit (Lt), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) did not change with this stress and plasma glucose concentration significantly increased. In fish subjected to confinement stress conditions, Zn treatment significantly decreased Hb, MCH and MCHC and plasma glucose concentration. Ht and MCV did not change and Lt and RBCC significantly increased. Results are discussed related to other stress effects and effects of zinc treatment on fish confined in non-stressful conditions.     

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.     

Temporal variations in haematological and biochemical indices of the Caspian kutum, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rutilus frisii kutum</Emphasis>

The pattern of haematology and blood biochemistry variations of healthy adult female kutum Rutilus frisii kutum (Cyprinidae) was investigated in the three reproductive states: maturing (autumn), pre-spawning (winter), and spawning (spring). Red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit were highest in autumn, whereas the highest values for white blood cells, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were observed in winter. With the exception of MCV and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), fish size had no effect on haematological and biochemical parameters. MCV was higher in larger fish, whereas the reverse trend was found for MCHC. Decreased levels of plasma glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride in the pre-spawning period, when female ovaries were developing, may have been due to the combination of reproductive effects and food shortage in winter. Total protein levels were lower during the maturing period than during the pre-spawning period. The results of this study suggest that temporal variations in haematological and biochemical parameters of blood are significant and should be considered when these parameters are used to assess fish health status.     

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.     

Erythrocytic parameters as indicators for differentiating between the pregnant and pseudopregnant bitches in Nigeria

The erythrocytic parameters during pregnancy and pseudopregnancy in bitches were studied and compared in 8 bitches aged 2 -3 years and weighing 10-12 kg. Blood samples were collected from the bitches before mating, during the three trimesters of pregnancy and the post partum period. The packed cell volume (PCV %), haemoglobin concentration (Hb gm/dl), red blood cell count(x106/μl) were determined using standard methods. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were then calculated. Six of the bitches were pregnant and 2 were pseudopregnant. The results showed that in pregnant bitches, the PCV decreased significantly from the premating values of 51.37+0.94% to 34.00+8.04% during the third trimester of pregnancy (P.     

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     

Erythrocyte senescence and haematological changes induced by starvation in the neotropical fish traíra, Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes, Erythrinidae)

Adult specimens of traira (Hoplias malabaricus Bloch) were subjected to long-term starvation (30 to 240 days) and re-fed for 30 days after 90 and 240 days of food deprivation. Counting of immature erythrocytes in peripheral blood showed that erythropoiesis decreased significantly during the first 30 days of food deprivation. The results suggest that a process of senescence takes place in the pre-existent red blood cells and that the cells are not replaced during starvation. After 240 days of starvation, H. malabaricus had a significantly reduced number of red blood cells, causing changes in hematocrit and blood indices (mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration). Furthermore, during this period, the fish presented leukopenia (lymphocytopenia) and thrombocytopenia. After re-feeding, the number of leukocytes and thrombocytes recovered, but the red blood cell number remained reduced and there was a significant increase in abnormal red cell nuclei.     

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.     

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.     

Statistical relations of some blood parameters along recovery from imposed stress in dogfish

Selected blood parameters (arterial pH, O2 and CO2 tensions, oxygen content, bicarbonate and lactate concentrations, haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration), oxygen consumption and ventilatory frequency were measured 0, 3 and 24 hours after cannulation of the dorsal aorta of 22 dogfish. Correlations were calculated between all pairs of variables along the post-operational recovery period. Results are discussed in terms of the integrated dynamics of the recovery process subsequent to handling, anaesthesia and surgery stress. It is suggested that erythrocyte swelling plays an important role in maintaining tissue oxygen supply during recovery from operational procedures.     

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.     

Diurnal changes in the haemoglobin level, red blood cell number and mean corpuscular haemoglobin in foals during the first 13 weeks of life and in their lactating mothers

1. In six foals and their mothers (of Standard breed) diurnal changes in the haemoglobin level, red blood cell number and mean corpuscular haemoglobin during the first 13 weeks of foal life were studied. 2. Studies begun when a foal reached 7 days of age and were repeated every two weeks till 13 weeks of foal life. Blood was taken every 6 hr in foals and every 4 hr in mares. 3. No diurnal rhythmicity in parameters studied either in foals or in mares was found. 4. Decrease of haemoglobin level in lactating mares (14.0-12.5 g/100 ml) without changes in red blood cell number were observed. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin changed distinctly from one study day to another. 5. In foals were stated: significantly higher haemoglobin level and erythrocyte number and lower mean corpuscular haemoglobin than in mares.     

Dietary supplementation with chitin and chitosan on haematology and innate immune response in Epinephelus bruneus against Philasterides dicentrarchi

The present study investigated the effect of 1.0% chitin and chitosan supplementation diets on haematology and immune response in Kelp grouper, Epinephelus bruneus against protozoan parasite, Philasterides dicentrarchi. The red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin levels, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils significantly increased in kelp grouper fed with chitin or chitosan enriched diets against P. dicentrarchi. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and thrombocytes did not significantly change against pathogen. The phagocytic activity, respiratory burst activity, complement activity, antiprotease activity, and α2-macroglobulin were significantly enhanced in fish fed with 1% chitin and chitosan diet on weeks 2 and 4. The lysozyme activity, total protein, and myeloperoxidase activity significantly increased in fish fed with chitin or chitosan supplementation diet from weeks 1 to 4 against pathogen. The cumulative mortality was found low in fish fed with chitin and chitosan enriched diets than those of control against pathogen. The present study suggests that supplementation of 1.0% chitin or chitosan in diets positively enhances immune response and affords disease resistance in kelp grouper, E. bruneus against P. dicentrarchi infection.     

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.     

Effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on haematological indices in West African dwarf goats

We investigated the possible toxicity of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in West African dwarf goats. The goats (20) were randomly divided into four equal groups; three of which were exposed to graded levels (low, medium and high doses) of 2,4-D for a period of 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the treatment group goats as well as the control group goats on weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6. The blood samples were used for analysis of haematologic indices such as packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte count (EC), total leucocyte count (TLC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Total leucocyte counts were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) by the test herbicide (2,4-D) in all the treatment groups. Significant reduction in the levels of PCV, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH and MCHC were also recorded in all treatment groups. There was no significant change (p > 0.05) in the erythrocyte count value of all the four groups. The significant reduction in the haematologic indices of West African dwarf goats (WADG) as evidenced from the result of this study, suggest the possibility of 2,4-D toxicity in these goats.     

FV blood group and haemoglobin type versus haematological and blood chemical parameters in young Swiss bulls

A relationship between the FV blood group phenotype and 4 out of 45 haematological and blood chemical parameters--red cell number, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and serum iron--has been demonstrated in young bulls of three Swiss cattle breeds. There was also a relationship between haemoglobin type and 7 out of 45 haematological and blood chemical parameters (haemoglobin concentration, red cell number, MCV, MCHC and red cell concentrations of K+ and Na+ and their sum). In addition to expanding the species in which there is an effect of haemoglobin phenotype on MCV to include cattle, these data also demonstrate a significant correlation between their FV phenotype and MCV.     

FV blood group and haemoglobin type versus haematological and blood chemical parameters in young Swiss bulls

A relationship between the FV blood group phenotype and 4 out of 45 haematological and blood chemical parameters — red cell number, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and serum iron — has been demonstrated in young bulls of three Swiss cattle breeds. There was also a relationship between haemoglobin type and 7 out of 45 haematological and blood chemical parameters (haemoglobin concentration, red cell number, MCV, MCHC and red cell concentrations of K⁺ and Na⁺ and their sum). In addition to expanding the species in which there is an effect of haemoglobin phenotype on MCV to include cattle, these data also demonstrate a significant correlation between their FV phenotype and MCV.     

The relationship between normocytic, hypochromic anaemia and iron concentration together with hepatic enzyme activities in cattle infected with Fasciola hepatica

Erythrograms determined from whole blood analyses and serum analyses for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and iron concentration, were used in infected and uninfected cattle to determine the type of anaemia and degree of hepatic damage caused by Fasciola hepatica. Blood samples from 86 infected and 30 uninfected cattle were taken at slaughter. Haematological analyses revealed decreased levels of packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in infected compared with uninfected cattle (P < 0.05). A decrease in the concentration of serum iron was also observed in infected cattle compared with uninfected cattle (P < 0.05). Significant increases in AST, GGT and ALP activities were observed in cattle infected with F. hepatica when compared with uninfected cattle (P < 0.05). It was concluded that the anaemia observed in cattle infected with F. hepatica is a normocytic, hypochromic anaemia and the most important aetiology of the anaemia is the chronic blood loss due to the blood-sucking activity of the adult flukes and leakage of blood from the bile duct to the intestine, which results in iron deficiency. The increased activities of serum enzymes indicated chronic hepatic and bile duct injuries associated with chronic infection with F. hepatica.     

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.     

Acute toxicity effects of ibuprofen on behaviour and haematological parameters of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Indiscriminate discharge of pharmaceutical waste into the aquatic ecosystem may pose serious health challenges to aquatic biota. The effect of acute exposure to ibuprofen was evaluated using changes in behaviour and haematological parameters under static bio-assay method in Clarias gariepinus. Test specimens were exposed to acute concentrations of ibuprofen (0.28, 0.33, 0.38, 0.43 and 0.48 mg l^?1) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h durations respectively. Behavioural and phenotypic changes were observed in surviving fish. There were significant (p < 0.05) concentration and duration-dependent increases in erythrocyte (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), pack cell volume (PCV) and leukocytes (WBC) in treated fish compared to the control. Insignificant decreases (p > 0.05) in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were observed in treated fish compared to the control. Ibuprofen elicited dose and duration- dependent decrease in neutrophil counts with the decreases being significant (p < 0.05) in the higher doses of 0.43 and 0.48 mg l^?1. Ibuprofen did not elicit any significant changes in monocytes, basophils and eosinophils. Changes observed in this study showed that ibuprofen negatively affected the health of the fish and we recommend that discharge of ibuprofen into the aquatic environment should be monitored and controlled.