Hematologic values of normal Bolivian squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus): a comparison between wild-caught and laboratory-bred male animals

Complete and differential blood counts were conducted on 23 male squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) of Bolivian origin. The sample included 9 laboratory-bred and 14 wild-caught adult monkeys weighing between 600 and 1,500 g. The means of total white blood cell (WBC) counts, total hemoglobin and hematocrits of laboratory-bred animals were found to be significantly different from those of wild-caught monkeys (p less than 0.01). Other hematologic parameters showed no significant differences between the two experimental groups. 3 of 14 (21.0%) wild-caught animals each had 1 reactive lymphocyte and 7% of the same group had 10 nucleated erythrocytes per 100 WBC. No reactive lymphocytes or nucleated erythrocytes were observed in laboratory-bred animals. The importance of these baseline data and the basis for the differences observed between laboratory and wild-caught monkeys are discussed within the context of experimental studies involving primates in which hematologic parameters are valuable.     

Hematologic effects of cytauxzoonosis in Florida panthers and Texas cougars in Florida.

Cytauxzoon felis is a long-recognized hemoparasite of free-ranging Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi), but its prevalence and effect on the population has not been assessed. Red blood cell indices and white blood cell counts were compared between infected and noninfected Florida panthers and Texas cougars (Puma concolor stanleyana) from 1983-1997 in Florida (USA). The prevalence of cytauxzoonosis for both populations was 39% (11/28) for Texas cougars, 35% for Florida panthers (22/63) and 36% overall. Thirteen hematologic parameters were compared between C. felis positive and negative panthers and cougars. Florida panthers had significantly lower mean cell hemoglobin count (MCHC) and higher white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, monocyte and eosinophil counts (P < or = 0.05) than Texas cougars. Infected Florida panthers had significantly lower mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) and monocyte counts and higher neutrophil and eosinophil counts than infected Texas cougars. Although statistically significant differences were measured for hematologic parameters in C. felis positive panthers and cougars, biologically significant differences were not likely because values were generally within expected reference ranges for healthy animals. Cytauxzoonosis does not appear to have a negative effect on the hematologic parameters of chronically infected panthers and cougars. Potential transient changes during initial infection were not evaluated.     

The effect of the extract of Crocus sativus and its constituent safranal, on lung pathology and lung inflammation of ovalbumin sensitized guinea-pigs

Different pharmacological effects of Crocus sativus have been demonstrated on guinea pig tracheal chains in previous studies. In the present study, the prophylactic effect of the extract of C. sativus and its constituent, safranal on lung pathology and total and differential white blood cells (WBC) of sensitized guinea pigs was examined. Guinea pigs were sensitized with injection and inhalation of ovalbumin (OA). One group of sensitized guinea pigs were given drinking water alone (group S) and three groups were given drinking water containing three concentrations of safranal (S+SA1, S+SA2 and S+SA3 groups), three groups, drinking water containing three concentrations of extract (S+CS1, S+CS2 and S+CS3 groups) and one group drinking water containing one concentration of dexamethasone (S+D group) (n=6, for all groups). The lung pathology was evaluated in control, non treated and treated sensitized groups. Total and differential WBC counts of lung lavage were also examined. All pathological indices in group S showed significant increased compared to control group (p<0.05 for lung congestion and p<0.001 for other groups). Total WBC number (p<0.001), eosinophyl percentage (p<0.001) in lung lavage and serum histamine levels (p<0.01) were also increased in sensitized animals compared to those of controls. Treatment of S animals with dexamethasone, all concentrations of the extract and safranal significantly improved lung pathological changes, most types of WBC and serum histamine levels compared to group S (p<0.05-0.001). Treatment of S group with first concentration of safranal also decreased total WBC. Treatment with safranal was more effective in improvement of most pathological changes, total and differential WBC count as well as serum histamine level (p<0.05-0.001). These results showed a preventive effect of the extract of C. sativus and its constituent safranal on lung inflammation of sensitized guinea pigs. The results also showed that the effect of the plant is perhaps due to its constituent safranal.     

Hematological changes in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) during eight months' adaptation to captivity

This study investigated fluctuations in hematological values of 50 wild-caught vervet monkeys (African green monkeys, grivets, Chlorocebus aethiops) during habituation to captivity. The monkeys were categorized into four groups according to age and sex viz adult males, adult females, juvenile males, and juvenile females. The erythrocyte values were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the adult males than in the other animals. There was an increase in most of the erythrocyte parameters studied during the monitoring period with the most significant being hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume. However, the red cell distribution widths, which were higher in adult females, declined. The total white blood cell (WBC) counts, which were higher in adult females than in the other animals, were closely correlated with granulocytes counts. The WBC levels decreased in all the animals throughout the 8 months study, indicating gradually decreasing stress, but they were relatively stable in males. The platelet counts declined significantly (P<0.05) and at 8 months post capture the counts were higher in females than in males. The juvenile female platelet counts were relatively stable during the monitoring period. The maintenance of the monkeys on an improved stable diet and in environment-controlled housing combined with progressing psycho-physiological adaptation may be important factors for the gradual improvements of the hematological values recorded. There were wide variations in these between individual animals emphasizing the need for long adaptation combined with establishment of individual baseline values before experimental studies.     

Effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa) on heart rate, some hematological values, and pancreatic β-cell damage in cadmium-treated rats

This study was designed to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa (NS) on the heart rate, some hematological values, and pancreatic β-cell damage in cadmium (Cd)-treated rats. The rats were randomly grouped into one of three experimental groups: Control, Cd treated, and Cd+NS treated. Each group contained 10 animals. The Cd-treated and Cd+NS-treated groups were injected subcutaneously daily with CdCl₂ dissolved in isotonic NaCl in the amount of 2 mL/kg for 30 d, resulting in a dosage of 0.49 mg Cd/kg/d. The control group was injected with only isotonic NaCl (2 mL/kg/d) throughout the experiment (for 30 d). Three days prior to administration of CdCl₂, the Cd+NS-treated group received the daily intraperitoneal (ip) injection of 2 mL/kg NS until the end of the study; animals in all three groups were fasted for 12 h and blood samples were taken for the determination of the glucose and insulin levels, red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, packet cell volume (PCV), and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. The heart rates of rats were also measured by a direct writing electrocardiograph before the blood withdrawals. It was found that NS treatment increased the lowered insulin levels, RBC and WBC counts, PCV, and neutrophil percentage in Cd-treated rats. However, the WBC count of Cd-treated rats with NS treatment was still lower than those of control values. NS treatment also decreased the elevated heart rate and glucose concentration of Cd-treated rats. Pancreatic tissues were also harvested from the sacrificed animals for morphological and immunohistochemical examinations. Cd exposure alone caused a degeneration, necrosis, and weak degranulation in the β-cells of the pancreatic islets. In Cd+NS-treated rats, increased staining of insulin and preservation of islet cells were apparent. It is concluded that NS treatment might decrease the Cd-treated disturbances on heart rate, some hematological values, and pancreatic β-cell.     

Effect of raised alveolar pressure on leukocyte retention in the human lung

To determine whether an increase in alveolar pressure delays the passage of leukocytes (WBCs) through the lung by compressing the lung capillaries, we measured the concentration of WBC across the lung in response to a forced expiratory maneuver. In 20 human subjects, blood was sampled from catheters placed in the pulmonary artery (PA) and left ventricle (LV) before, during, and after a forced expiratory maneuver held for greater than or equal to 20 s against an occluded airway. Pressures were recorded at the mouth and from both catheters. A significant fall in LV WBC (P less than 0.01) but not in PA WBC occurred during or immediately after the maneuver in 18 subjects, with a mean maximum decrease of 26 +/- 12% (SD) from base line (range 9-46%). Between 1 and 3 min after the maneuver, there was an increase in LV and PA WBC (P less than 0.01) above base line. The neutrophil and lymphocyte counts showed similar changes, but erythrocyte and platelet counts remained unchanged. The degree of fall in LV WBC correlated closely (r = 0.68, P less than 0.01) with the changes from lung zone 3 to zone 2 and 1 conditions, as determined from the pressure changes. We conclude that WBCs are retained in the lung during a forced expiratory maneuver because of alveolar capillary compression.     

Asymptomatic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Decreases Blood CD4+ T Cells by Accumulating Recirculating Lymphocytes in the Lymphoid Tissues

Declining blood CD4⁺ T-cell counts mark the progress of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) disease in macaques and model the consequences of untreated human immunodeficiency virus infection in humans. However, blood lymphocytes are only a fraction of the recirculating lymphocyte pool, and their numbers are affected by cell synthesis, cell depletion, and distribution among blood and lymphoid tissue compartments. Asymptomatic, SIV-infected macaques maintained constant and nearly normal numbers of recirculating lymphocytes despite the decline in CD4⁺ T-cell counts. Substantial depletion was detected only when blood CD4⁺ T-cell counts fell below 300/μl. In asymptomatic animals, changes in CD4⁺ T-cell distribution were more important than lymphocyte depletion for controlling the blood cell levels.     

Inhaled Lead Exposure Affects Tracheal Responsiveness and Lung Inflammation in Guinea Pigs During Sensitization

Total and differential white blood cells (WBC), and cytokines, levels in serum were examined in guinea pigs exposed to inhaled lead acetate. Different groups of guinea pigs including: control (group C), sensitized group (group S), and exposed animals to aerosol of three lead concentrations during sensitization (n?=?6 for each group) were studied. Total and differential WBC counts of lung lavage, serum cytokine (IFNγ and IL-4), levels and tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and ovalbumin were measured. All measured values were significantly increased except for IFNγ/IL-4 ratio which was significantly decreased in nonexposed sensitized and those exposed to all lead concentrations compared to control group (p?<?0.05 to p?<?0.001). Most measured values in animals exposed to higher lead concentration were also significantly higher than group S except for tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and lymphocyte count. Lead concentration significantly increased in lung tissues of animals exposed to all three lead concentrations (p?<?0.001 for all cases). These results showed that lead exposure during sensitization can induce greater increase in tracheal responsiveness, total WBC, eosinophil, neutrophil, and basophil counts as well as serum level of IL-4. It can also cause a decrease in lymphocyte count, IFNγ level, and IFNγ/IL-4 ratio especially in its high concentration. Therefore inhaled lead exposure may cause increased severity of asthma during development of the disease.     

Role of zinc in mitigating the toxic effects of chlorpyrifos on hematological alterations and electron microscopic observations in rat blood

The present study determined the protective potential of zinc in attenuating the toxicity induced by chlorpyrifos in rat blood. Male Sparque Dawley (SD) rats received either oral chlorpyrifos (13.5 mg/kg body weight) treatment every alternate day, zinc alone (227 mg/l in drinking water) or combined chlorpyrifos plus zinc treatment for a total duration of 8 weeks. The effects of different treatments were studied on various parameters in rat blood including haemoglobin (Hb) levels, total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count (DLC), zinc protoporphyrins (ZPP), serum trace elemental concentrations and Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) observation of the blood cells. Chlorpyrifos treatment to normal control animals resulted in a significant decrease in TLC and ZPP concentration after 4 and 8 weeks. Chlorpyrifos treated animals also showed significant neutrophilia and lymphopenia after 8 weeks of toxicity. In addition, a significant decrease in serum zinc and iron concentrations were observed following chlorpyrifos intoxication, however, these animals responded with increased serum copper levels following the toxic treatment with this organophosphate. SEM studies of the red blood cells from chlorpyrifos treated animals indicated marked alterations in the topographical morphology of the various cell types, with the prominent feature being common aniscocytosis of the erythrocytes. Oral zinc treatment to the chlorpyrifos treated animals significantly improved the total leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, as well as the otherwise reduced concentrations of ZPP and the levels of various serum trace elements. Protective effects of zinc were also evident in the electron microscopic observations where most blood cell types depicted reverted to a close to the normal appearance. Based upon these data, the present study is first of its kind and suggests that zinc treatment considerably attenuates chlorpyrifos induced toxicity induced in restoring the altered hematological indices and morphological changes.     

LPS-induced microvascular leukocytosis can be assessed by blue-field entoptic phenomenon

Administration of low doses of Escherichia coli endotoxin [a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] to humans enables the study of inflammatory mechanisms. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the blue-field entoptic technique may be used to quantify the increase in circulating leukocytes in the ocular microvasculature after LPS infusion. In addition, combined laser Doppler velocimetry and retinal vessel size measurement were used to study red blood cell movement. Twelve healthy male volunteers received 20 IU/kg iv LPS as a bolus infusion. Outcome parameters were measured at baseline and 4 h after LPS administration. In the first protocol (n = 6 subjects), ocular hemodynamic effects were assessed with the blue-field entoptic technique, the retinal vessel analyzer, and laser Doppler velocimetry. In the second protocol (n = 6 subjects), white blood cell (WBC) counts from peripheral blood samples and blue-field entoptic technique measurements were performed. LPS caused peripheral blood leukocytosis and increased WBC density in ocular microvessels (by 49%; P = 0.036) but did not change WBC velocity. In addition, retinal venous diameter was increased (by 9%; P = 0.008), but red blood cell velocity remained unchanged. The LPS-induced changes in retinal WBC density and leukocyte counts were significantly correlated (r = 0.87). The present study indicates that the blue-field entoptic technique can be used to assess microvascular leukocyte recruitment in vivo. In addition, our data indicate retinal venous dilation in response to endotoxin.     

Influence of dystocia on white blood cell and blood neutrophil counts in mares

A retrospective study was done on total white blood cell (WBC) and blood neutrophil counts of 41 mares referred to one of two veterinary hospitals for correction of dystocia. The mares were 2 to 19 years of age and included draft, light, and pony breeds. The WBC and neutrophil counts were performed at varying intervals from time of admission to 10 d after delivery of the feti. Retrospective analyses of WBC and neutrophil counts from 10 normal foaling mares from two Pennsylvania breeding farms (Thoroughbred and Trakehner) and from 14 normal foaling pony mares were done as controls. Mean WBC (10446 +/- 2296 cells/mul) and neutrophil (6850 +/- 2136 cells/mul) counts on the day of delivery in mares with normal parturition were slightly elevated over values reported as normal in the literature. The mean blood cell counts gradually declined to 6124 +/- 1255 WBC/mul and 3692 +/- 409 neutrophils/mul on Day 2 postpartum and returned to normal baseline values by Day 3 postpartum (8868 +/- 2693 WBC/mul, 4298 +/- 1966 neutrophils/mul). No toxic neutrophils were present in mares with normal delivery. Mean WBC (11346 +/- 3298 cells/mul) was elevated on the day of delivery in mares with dystocia as a result of neutrophilia with a left shift (9297 +/- 3298 neutrophils/mul). An apparently faster decline occurred in WBC and neutrophil counts of mares with dystocia than in mares with normal delivery, until a marked leukopenia (3905 +/- 1292 WBC/mul) and neutropenia (1570 +/- 1340 neutrophils/mul) occurred on Day 3 postpartum. The leukopenia and neutropenia persisted until Day 5 postpartum. Toxic neutrophils were present in several mares with dystocia.     

Leukocyte mobilization induced by hypervolemia is due to a combined alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor activation

A phenomenon of leukocytosis induced by hypervolemic stress was discovered. Although a single injection of 350 microl of saline (equivalent to approx. 70 ml in humans, 1 ml/kg of body weight) did not have an effect on the leukocyte counts in long-term intravenously cannulated, freely behaving rats, a single injection of 750 microl of saline (equivalent to approx. 150 ml in humans, 2.1 ml/kg) induced rapid leukocytosis of 160% within 1 minute followed by a gradual increase up to 180% after 1 hour. Measurement of serum norepinephrine concentration revealed a significant increase in rats of the hypervolemic group, compared with those of the low volume group. Pretreatment with either the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist nadolol or the selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine prevented both leukocyte peaks in the high volume group, suggesting a combined receptor activation. This critical dependence of leukocyte counts on changes in blood volume should be taken into consideration in experiments with laboratory animals (the quantity of volume applications can falsify results of experiments).     

Acute administration of the organochalcogen 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(phenylseleno)oct-2-en-1-one induces biochemical and hematological disorders in male rats

Organochalcogens are extensively produced and employed by industry and agriculture, and the risk of occupational and environmental toxicity to them has been poorly understood. Here, we investigated the acute effect of a new organochalcogen 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(phenylseleno)oct-2-en-1-one on biochemical and hematological parameters in male Wistar rats. The animals were treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of the organochalcogen at doses of 125, 250 or 500 μg·kg(-1). After 60 min, the animals were sacrificed by decapitation, and the trunk blood was collected for determination of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, C-reactive protein, red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin and white blood cells (WBC). Our results showed a reduction in cholesterol levels in all treated groups, an increase in ALT activity at doses of 250 and 500 μg·kg(-1), a decrease of hemoglobin and an increase in WBC in animals that received 250 and 500 μg·kg(-1) of the organoselenium. In addition, we observed an increase in neutrophil counts at 125 μg·kg(-1) dose and a decrease at 500 μg·kg(-1) dose. We also verified an increase in lymphocyte counts at the dose of 500 μg·kg(-1). Thus, the present study shows that the acute treatment with this new organochalcogen causes biochemical changes and hematological disorders in male rats.     

The Influence of Body Mass Index,Age and Sex on Inflammatory Disease Risk in Semi-Captive Chimpanzees

Obesity and ageing are emerging issues in the management of captive primates, including Chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes. Studies on humans show that obesity and old age can independently increase the risk of inflammatory-associated diseases indicated by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cells and proteins in the blood of older or obese compared to levels in younger or non-obese individuals. In humans, sex can influence the outcomes of these risks. Health management of these problems in chimpanzee populations requires an understanding of similarities and differences of factors influencing inflammatory disease risks in humans and in chimpanzees. We examined the relationship between age, sex and Body Mass Index (BMI) with hematological biomarkers of inflammatory disease risk established for humans which include the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and neutrophil, white blood cell (WBC), platelet microparticle and platelet counts. We found that higher values of NLR, neutrophil count and platelet microparticle count were associated with higher BMI values and older age indicating increased inflammation risk in these groups; a similar pattern to humans. There was a strong sex by age interaction on inflammation risk, with older males more at risk than older females. In contrast to human studies, total WBC count was not influenced by BMI, but like humans, WBC and platelet counts were lower in older individuals compared to younger individuals. Our findings are similar to those of humans and suggest that further insight on managing chimpanzees can be gained from extensive studies of ageing and obesity in humans. We suggest that managing BMI should be an integral part of health management in captive chimpanzee populations in order to partially reduce the risk of diseases associated with inflammation. These results also highlight parallels in inflammation risk between humans and chimpanzees and have implications for understanding the evolution of inflammation related diseases in apes.     

The impact of low levels of carbon dioxide on rats

The widespread use of individually ventilated cage (IVC) systems today has made the impact of CO(2) on rodents a highly important matter. Leaving cages from these systems without ventilation increases CO(2) concentrations inside the cages, as CO(2) generated from the animals is no longer removed actively. In modern IVC systems the CO(2) levels may reach 3-5% within a very short time, as the cages are very tightly sealed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of 1%, 3%, and 5% CO(2) by studying the preferences of the animals as well as changes in the heart rate and systolic blood pressure as measured by telemetry. The rats avoided the cages, which contained 3% CO(2). In the telemetric study an anaesthetic effect on the rats were seen at 3% as a drop in the heart rate, and at 5% CO(2) a drop in the systolic blood pressure was also seen. The results from the present study could indicate that CO(2) levels of up to 3% do not affect the animals, or at least only to a minor extent, but that if the animals are exposed to CO(2) levels of higher than 3% they are affected directly as seen by changes in physiological parameters and preferences.     

Effect of alpha adrenergic blockade on brain blood flow and ventilation during hypoxia in newborn piglets.

The influence of cardiovascular changes on ventilation has been demonstrated in adult animals and humans (Jones, French, Weissman & Wasserman, 1981; Wasserman, Whipp & Castagna 1974). It has been suggested that neonatal hypoxic ventilatory depression may be related to some of the hemodynamic changes that occur during hypoxia (Brown & Lawson, 1988; Darnall, 1985; Suguihara, Bancalari, Bancalari, Hehre & Gerhardt, 1986). To test the possible relationship between the cardiovascular and ventilatory response to hypoxia in the newborn, eleven sedated spontaneously breathing piglets (age: 5.9 +/- 1.6 days; weight: 1795 +/- 317 g; SD) were studied before and after alpha adrenergic blockade with phenoxybenzamine. Minute ventilation (VE) was measured with a pneumotachograph, cardiac output (CO) by thermodilution and total and regional brain blood flow (BBF) with radiolabeled microspheres. Measurements were performed while the animals were breathing room air and after 10 min of hypoxia induced by breathing 10% O2. Hypoxia was again induced one hour after infusion of phenoxybenzamine (6 mg/kg over 30 min). After 10 min of hypoxia, in the absence of phenoxybenzamine, the animals responded with marked increases in VE (P less than 0.001), CO (P less than 0.001), BBF, and brain stem blood flow (BSBF) (P less than 0.02). However, the normal hemodynamic response to hypoxia was eliminated after alpha adrenergic blockade. There were significant decreases in systemic arterial blood pressure, CO, and BBF during hypoxia after phenoxybenzamine infusion; nevertheless, VE increased significantly (P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Adipose-Derived Stromal Cell Therapy Affects Lung Inflammation and Tracheal Responsiveness in Guinea Pig Model of COPD

The effects of adipose derived stromal cells (ASCs) were evaluated on tracheal responsiveness and biochemical parameters in guinea pigs model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thirty six guinea pigs were divided into 6 groups including: Control, COPD, COPD+intratracheal delivery of PBS (COPD+ITPBS), COPD+intravenous delivery of PBS (COPD+IVPBS), COPD+intratracheal delivery of ASCs (COPD+ITASC) and COPD+intravenous injection of ASCs (COPD+IVASC). COPD was induced by exposing animals to cigarette smoke for 3 months. Cell therapy was then performed and after 14 days, tracheal responsiveness, concentration of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in serum and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), as well as total and differential white blood cells (WBC) counts were evaluated. Tracheal responsiveness, total WBC counts, neutrophil and eosinophil percentage in BALF as well as concentration of IL-8 in serum and BALF significantly increased but lymphocyte percentage decreased in COPD compared to the control group (P<0.05 to p<0.001). Cell therapy was able to restore the tracheal hyper-responsiveness and the increased IL-8 concentration in serum and BALF of COPD-ITASC but not COPD-IVASC animals (P<0.05 for all cases). Total WBC in BALF also showed a significant decrease in both treated groups and the percentages of eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in BALF were reversed in COPD-ITASC compared to COPD-ITPBS animals (P<0.05 to P<0.001). Therefore, intratracheal cell therapy with ASC can decrease tracheal hyperresponsiveness and lung inflammation in cigarette smoke induced-COPD which may be helpful in attenuation of the severity of disease in patients suffering from COPD.     

Repetitive prostatic massage and drug therapy as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate

We describe 5 men with urinary retention and indwelling urethral catheters who were treated with repetitive prostatic massage, antimicrobials, alpha blockers, and--in 2 cases--finasteride. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients presenting to the genitourinary clinic with indwelling urinary catheters during a 1-year period. Five men (mean age, 70 years; range, 64-76; SD 4.47) presented to the Manila Genitourinary Clinic (Cebu Branch), Cebu, Philippines, wearing indwelling urinary catheters placed for acute urinary retention. Urologists had told all 5 men that they needed to undergo transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The Cebu genitourinary physician removed the catheters, instituted repetitive prostatic massage, and diagnosed all 5 patients with prostatitis. All 5 patients received repetitive prostatic massage, alpha-blocker medication, and antibiotic therapy, whereas finasteride was given to 2 patients. During treatment, statistically significant improvements occurred in global symptom severity scores, urethral white blood cell (WBC) counts, WBC counts of the expressed prostatic secretions (EPS), EPS red blood cell (RBC) counts, urinary WBC counts, and urinary RBC counts. Fluorescing Chlamydia elementary bodies disappeared in 3 of the 4 positive patients by the end of treatment. (One patient was not available for retesting.) Repetitive prostatic massage, antimicrobial therapy, alpha-blocker therapy, and--in 2 cases--finasteride enabled catheter removal in all 5 men (100%) as well as successful urination in all 5 men (100%). TURP has been prevented for a mean of 2.53 years (range, 16-38 months).     

Effect of chronic administration of vitamin E on the hemopoietic system in hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia induces oxidative stress, which is known to have adverse effects on the integrity of cells. Hence, hypercholesterolemia may have adverse effects on the hemopoietic system. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, is being used by normo- and hypercholesterolemic subjects. It is, however, not known if vitamin E has any beneficial or adverse effects on the hemopoietic system. The objectives of this study are to determine if (i) hypercholesterolemia has any adverse effects on the hemopoietic system [red blood cell (RBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts, and mean platelet volume (MPV)], and (ii) vitamin E has any effect on the hemopoietic system in hypercholesterolemia. Blood samples were collected before and at various intervals during a high cholesterol diet (0.25% cholesterol) for 2 and 4 months, and while on high cholesterol diet with vitamin E (2 months) following a high cholesterol diet (2 months). Serum cholesterol was measured on an automated Clinical System Analyzer and hemopoietic parameters were measured on an automated Cell-dyn-4000. The results show that hypercholesterolemia decreased RBC count, Hct and Hb, increased MCV, RDW, MCH, and MCHC, and had no effect on WBC and platelet counts, and MPV. Vitamin E did not affect any of the parameters of the hemopoietic system. In conclusion, hypercholesterolemia of short duration has adverse effects on certain elements of the hemopoietic system. Vitamin E does not affect the hemopoietic system during hypercholesterolemia.     

Assessment of hematologic and corticosterone response in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) at capture and after handling

Hematology is a common tool for wildlife health assessments. Manual leukocyte counts are required in reptiles, however, disagreement between quantification methods has been observed in some chelonians. This study determined agreement between two methods of leukocyte quantification, eosinophilic leukopet, and blood film white blood cell (WBC) estimates, in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). Simultaneously, we assessed the impact of handling duration on both leukocyte quantity and corticosterone levels. We collected blood at capture (<2 min from disturbance) and again before release 30–150 min later from 92 box turtles at six sites in Illinois and Tennessee. Constant and proportional error was present in the leukopet results for WBC, lymphocytes, and basophils compared to the estimate method. Both methods were in agreement for heterophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. Agreement between the methods was significantly more likely at WBC counts below 23,241/µl. All hematologic parameters were significantly higher at the final blood draw compared to the initial blood draw using both WBC determination methods, except relative eosinophil and basophil counts. Corticosterone levels varied with time, with maximum concentrations reached at 54 min postcapture, followed by a rapid return to baseline levels. Corticosterone level was not significantly associated with any hematologic parameter or sex. This study provides a framework for understanding the effects of animal handling methodology and diagnostic modality when evaluating hematologic health in box turtles.