Bedside haematology: new facility in general practice.

A technique has been developed for performing rapid white cell counts and differential white cell counts at the bedside which uses a pocket McArthur microscope and a development of Field''s staining technique. A fixed volume thick film technique is used for the total white cell count that uses the minimum of equipment, all of which is disposable. In a study of samples from 88 patients using the thick film technique and standard laboratory techniques the thick film counts fell within 1.1 X 10(9)/1 (mean) of the standard laboratory count. This compares with a value of 1.0 X 10(9)/1 (mean) for within laboratory variability, using different electronic counters on the same specimen.     

Hematology of a Semi-Free-Ranging Colony of Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx)

We examined hematological parameters for a semifree-ranging population of mandrills to investigate the influence of age and sex, and to establish normative values for age-sex classes. We also investigated the influence of the reproductive cycle on hematological parameters in females and the influence of seasonality on both sexes. We examined hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, white cell count, red cell count, hematocrit, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and differential white cell counts, with a total of 459 observations. Red cell counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are significantly lower in females than in males, while female white cell counts are significantly higher. Platelet and white cell counts both decreased with age, while MCV and MCHC (males only) increased with age. Absolute lymphocyte counts also decreased with age. Female reproductive status had little effect on hematology, but melengestrol acetate contraceptive implants resulted in significant increases in hemoglobin, white cell count, red cell count, and hematocrit. Finally, lymphocyte counts increased significantly during the wet season in comparison with dry months, which may be related to increased parasite infection during the wet season. We compare our findings to those for other species, and discuss age-sex patterns in light of mandrill life history. Our results demonstrate the importance of including age-sex class, female reproductive status, and season in studies of hematology and will be useful in further studies of the colony.     

A study of haematological profiles of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

A blood profile of Ictalurus punctatus was determined from a total of 35 fish. The values obtained included plasma protein, haemoglobin, red cell counts and differential white cell counts.     

Blood values in the pike Esox lucius L.

The ranges and mean values of haematocrit, red cell, white cell and differential cell counts, red/white cell ratio, red cell fragilities, haemoglobin levels and serum protein concentrations of adult pike Esox lucius L. have been measured, and the serum electrophoretic patterns on cellulose acetate and polyacrylamide gel described and discussed. It is hoped that these blood values will provide normal standards for the pike since normal ranges are wide, and isolated measurements therefore of limited value.     

Hematology of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

The hematology of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) was investigated to provide reference values for the normal animal. Red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, hemoglobins, mean cell volumes and differential white blood cell mean values were determined for Texas A&M colony-born animals and those obtained from the wild. The analyses were completed on 31 animals, three times each, for a total of 93 analyses, which included 16 colony-born and 15 wild-born marmosets. The hematological mean values found for marmosets were similar to those mean values reported for humans. The ranges for the hematology values were much narrower in the colony-born marmosets, and the average white blood cell count was significantly lower in these animals. This indicated that it is possible to produce and maintain a more uniform animal in the colony environment and, consequently, these animals are more suitable than wild-born animals for use as models for human research.     

Effect of music-assisted imagery on neutrophils and lymphocytes

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cell-specific mental imagery on neutrophil and lymphocyte cell counts. Subjects (N = 30) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups that underwent a 6-week training program focusing on images of morphology, location, and movement of either neutrophils or lymphocytes. Music was used to enhance the imagery of the subjects. Peripheral white blood cell and differential counts were determined before and after the final 20-minute imagery session. Results indicated that neutrophils decreased significantly (p less than .04) in the neutrophil-change group while lymphocytes did not. The reverse occurred in the lymphocyte-change group, with only the lymphocytes decreasing significantly (p less than .03). The authors concluded that under the conditions of the present study, cell-specific imagery was associated with decreases in peripheral blood cell counts of lymphocytes and neutrophils.     

Effect of music-assisted imagery on neutrophils and lymphocytes

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cell-specific mental imagery on neutrophil and lymphocyte cell counts. Subjects (N=30) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups that underwent a 6-week training program focusing on images of morphology, location, and movement of either neutrophils or lymphocytes. Music was used to enhance the imagery of the subjects. Peripheral white blood cell and differential counts were determined before and after the final 20-minute imagery session. Results indicated that neutrophils decreased significantly (p<.04) in the neutrophil-change group while lymphocytes did not. The reverse occurred in the lymphocyte-change group, with only the lymphocytes decreasing significantly (p<.03). The authors concluded that under the conditions of the present study, cell-specific imagery was associated with decreases in peripheral blood cell counts of lymphocytes and neutrophils.     

青少年慢性粒细胞白血病急变临床分析

目的:分析青少年慢性粒细胞白血病(CGL)急变患者临床表现及实验检查特点,以提高对青少年CGL急变临床特点的认识。方法:将CGL急变患者按年龄分组,将青少年组和中老年组患者的急变时间、确诊时和急变时的脾脏大小、白细胞和血小板数目、急变时骨髓幼稚细胞的比例,以及患者的总生存时间、急变后生存时间进行对比分析。结果:青少年组和中老年组的脾脏大小、确诊时血小板数目、急变时的白细胞数目、急变时间、以及总生存时间无显著性差异;青少年组确诊时的白细胞数目较中老年组高,青少年组的急变后生存时间较长。结论:青少年CGL患者的临床表现及实验室检查结果具有CGL的普遍特征,但其确诊时白细胞数目较高,急变后生存时间较长。     

Haematological characteristics of albacore, Thunnus alalunga (Bonnaterre), and skipjack, Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus)

Observations on haematological characteristics of albacore, Thunnus alalunga , and skipjack Katsuwonus pelamis , tunas, were made on blood samples collected from specimens immediately after they were caught and from an immobilized, restrained albacore sampled serially over a 24 h period. Results indicated eight types of blood cells in the peripheral circulation of both species. Lymphocytes were the most common leucocyte followed, in decreasing order, by neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes in fish sampled immediately after being landed. Variations in differential and total white blood cell counts were observed in the immobilized, restrained albacore. High packed cell volumes and haemoglobin concentrations, typical for fast swimming fishes, were found in both species. Red blood cell counts were similar to those of other teleosts, and reticulocytes expressed as a percentage of mature erythrocytes were 6.1% and 5.2% for albacore and skipjack, respectively.     

白细胞与心肌缺血的关系

炎症是引发心血管疾病的一个重要的危险因子.白细胞数量增多的患者更容易患上急性心肌梗塞、急性冠状动脉等疾病.对临床上白细胞数量高的数据与疾病预测之间的关系,这其中可能有几种机制.测量白细胞的数量和亚群可能是区分急性血管疾病患者危险程度的一种更好的方法.     

Adrenal and white cell count responses to chronic stress in gestating and postpartum females of the viviparous skink Egernia whitii (Scincidae)

This study investigates the relationships between plasma corticosterone concentrations and white cell counts in captive females of the viviparous lizard Egernia whitii during two phases of the reproductive cycle. Gestating and postpartum females were captured in the field and held in the laboratory for 4 weeks. Plasma corticosterone and progesterone concentrations and white blood cell counts were examined in blood samples taken at capture and after 24 h, 1 week, and 4 weeks in captivity. At 24 h after capture, plasma corticosterone concentrations in both groups had increased significantly compared with initial values but then returned to initial concentrations after 1 week in captivity and remained low in the 4 week samples. Plasma progesterone concentrations remained elevated in the gestating females until the week 4 sample, just prior to parturition. The hormone data suggest that capture and captivity did not represent a significant long-term stressor to these animals. The increase in plasma corticosterone concentration was associated with heterophilia in the differential leucocyte count in both groups of females. Lymphocyte numbers decreased only in gestating females, suggesting that reproductive status may influence the interaction between adrenal activity and immune function.     

Normal hematologic and serum biochemical reference intervals for juvenile wild turkeys

Blood samples taken from 48 4-mo-old wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopova silvestris) were used to establish reference intervals for hematology and serum chemistry values. The study was conducted during September and October 1996. Packed cell volume, total and differential white cell counts, total protein, albumin, glucose, calcium, uric acid, triglyceride concentrations, as well as aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were assayed. Reference intervals from wild turkeys are similar to those reported for domestic turkeys.     

Effects of a reputed immunostimulant on the innate immune system of goat kids

Forty newborn Majorera goats were randomly assigned to one of two groups. On the first day of life, the kids were fed atomized colostrum. The kids were subsequently fed a milk replacer (16% w/v) twice a day. The experimental group received two intramuscular doses of a reputed immunostimulant composed of a Propionibacterium acnes extract, Ochrobactrum intermedium lipopolysaccharides, and Proclin^® at 10 and 40 days of age, whereas, the control group received two doses of saline solution. Blood samples were collected weekly from kids age 10 to 66 days postpartum to measure the total and differential white blood cell counts, the plasma IgG, IgA, and IgM levels, and the activities of the total and the alternative complement systems. The white blood cell and the differential cell counts were the same for both groups. No statistical differences were found for the plasma IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations. Complement system activity was undetectable in both groups. Summarizing, the reputed immunostimulant did not affect the immune system of goats. Thus, veterinarians should carefully consider whether it is prudent to recommended this kind of product, because while it increases farmers’ expenses it apparently does not improve the state of the innate immune system of the neonatal goat.     

Chronopharmacologic Effects of Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (rhG-CSF) on Hematopoiesis in Mice

Chronopharmacologic effects of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) on circulating white blood cell and differential counts as well as bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GM) counts were investigated in B6D2F1 mice. The animals were synchronized with an alternation of 12 h of light (L) and 12 h of darkness (D) (LD 12:12) for 3 weeks prior to study, then received a daily subcutaneous injection of rhG-CSF (400 µg/kg/day) for 4 consecutive days at 3, 9, 15 or 21 h ours a fter l ight o nset (HALO). Samples were obtained on the fifth day at the same circadian stage as that of rhG-CSF injection. rhG-CSF significantly increased the 24-h mean of leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte and CFU-GM counts. Maximum increase in leukocyte and neutrophil counts was observed when rhG-CSF was administered in the middle of the dark span, while maximum stimulatory effect on circulating lymphocytes or on CFU-GM counts was obtained with rhG-CSF administration near the middle of the light span. The results indicate that choosing the dosing time of this cytokine may selectively orient its pharmacologic action. Appropriate chronomodulated delivery schemes of rhG-CSF may further reduce hematological toxicity following chemotherapy.     

Chronopharmacologic Effects of Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (rhG-CSF) on Hematopoiesis in Mice

Chronopharmacologic effects of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) on circulating white blood cell and differential counts as well as bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GM) counts were investigated in B6D2F1 mice. The animals were synchronized with an alternation of 12 h of light (L) and 12 h of darkness (D) (LD 12:12) for 3 weeks prior to study, then received a daily subcutaneous injection of rhG-CSF (400 µg/kg/day) for 4 consecutive days at 3, 9, 15 or 21 h ours a fter l ight o nset (HALO). Samples were obtained on the fifth day at the same circadian stage as that of rhG-CSF injection. rhG-CSF significantly increased the 24-h mean of leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte and CFU-GM counts. Maximum increase in leukocyte and neutrophil counts was observed when rhG-CSF was administered in the middle of the dark span, while maximum stimulatory effect on circulating lymphocytes or on CFU-GM counts was obtained with rhG-CSF administration near the middle of the light span. The results indicate that choosing the dosing time of this cytokine may selectively orient its pharmacologic action. Appropriate chronomodulated delivery schemes of rhG-CSF may further reduce hematological toxicity following chemotherapy.     

气管内反复滴入脂多糖法建立大鼠慢性阻塞性肺疾病模型

目的评价脂多糖(LPS)诱发大鼠慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)模型的可行性。方法气管内滴入脂多糖或生理盐水,每周1次,共8周。测定大鼠的气道阻力(RL)和肺动态顺应性(Cdyn),计数大鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中白细胞总数及分类,肺组织病理切片行HE和AB-PAS染色,并测定肺组织粘蛋白(MUC5AC)的含量。结果模型组大鼠RL明显升高(87.5%),Cdyn显著下降(16.4%);BALF中白细胞总数及分类中的中性粒细胞、淋巴细胞和单核巨噬细胞数均明显高于对照组;光镜下可见病变呈慢性支气管炎及肺气肿样改变。结论反复气管内滴入LPS可用于制备大鼠COPD模型,其肺功能、BALF细胞学及病理学改变符合人类COPD表现,可以用于实验研究。     

Quantitative studies of haematological values in long-term ovariectomized, ovariohysterectomized and hysterectomized rats

The effects of ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy and hysterectomy on total and differential white blood cell counts, distribution of T and B lymphocytes and T/B cell relationship were studied. Changes in these parameters associated with the surgical operations were observed in total leukocytes and lymphocytes, absolute and relative band neutrophils and T/B cell relationship. Results suggest that the ovaries together with the uterus are potential regulatory organs upon the absolute number of circulating leukocytes and lymphocytes in female Lewis rats. In addition to their effects upon this important population of cells, the ovaries and uterus have moderate effects upon relative T and B lymphocyte numbers in peripheral blood. In general the changes depend mainly on the removal of the ovaries and to a lesser degree on hysterectomy.     

Circadian rhythms in surface molecules of rat blood lymphocytes

The present article examines whether the expression of certain surface molecules that trigger immune responses shows a circadian rhythm. We also analyzed the rhythms in the number and percentage of lymphocyte subpopulations, in the leukocyte differential counts, and in the total red and white blood cell counts. Blood samples obtained from rats at 2-h intervals for 24 h were stained with several mouse monoclonal antibodies directed against lymphocyte surface molecules and processed by flow cytometry. The number of B, total T, Tgammadelta, Th, and Ts/c cells followed a 24-h rhythm with a peak in the first half of the resting period. The expression of CD45, CD5, CD3, and CD4 followed a circadian rhythm. Their acrophases suggested temporal association between CD45 and CD5 at the end of the active phase and between CD4 and CD3 at the beginning of this phase. This temporal organization could have an important role for immune cell function.     

White blood count in patients on regular haemodialysis

Total white cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts were compared in patients with chronic renal failure treated successively by conservative means (low-protein diet), regular haemodialysis, and renal allotransplantation. The lowest total white cell and neutrophil counts and the highest lymphocyte counts were found in patients on regular haemodialysis. A rapid fall in neutrophil count during the first half-hour of dialysis and a more gradual fall between the first and sixth hours were observed. Adherence of neutrophils and mononuclear cells to the cuprophane (PT 150) dialysis membrane has been shown.     

An endocrinology laboratory exercise demonstrating the effect of confinement stress on the immune system of mice

This article describes a simple laboratory exercise for examining the effect of stress on the immune system in mice. Mice are subjected to confinement stress for 1 h, after which a sample of blood is collected via the caudal vein. Blood samples are smeared onto microscope slides, air dried, and stained with Wright's Giemsa stain. When differential white blood cell counts are performed, there are noticeable differences between the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts of stressed versus control mice. The protocol is simple enough for students to perform, and the entire experiment can be completed within 3 h. Examples of ways in which the basic protocol can be modified to accommodate a shorter laboratory class are provided. This hands-on laboratory experiment provides students with experience using the scientific method to investigate the interaction between the endocrine and immune systems in response to stress.