Progressive changes in haematology and tissue water of sexually mature trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson during the autumn and winter

Rainbow trout of the Kamploops variety were sampled at intervals from October to the end of March. During this period a decline was noted in red cell count, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and plasma osmotic concentration. Increases were seen, however, in mean cellular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and the water content of liver and dorsal muscle. Sexual differences were found in all values with the exception of mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and the water content of both tissues. Males always had higher values in those parameters in which sexual differences were noted. All trends, with the exception of male haemoglobin and mean cellular volume and female mean cellular volume and osmotic concentration, were significantly linear.
None of the findings in this study could be correlated with temperature or photoperiod. Neither could the declining plasma osmotic concentration be correlated with the rising mean cellular volume or tissue water content. However, correlations were noted between haemoglobin and haematocrit, red cell count and haematocrit and between osmotic concentration and haematocrit. A negative correlation was seen between mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and mean cellular volume.     

Seasonal variation in blood components of reared Baltic salmon, Salmo salar L.

Ranges in the means of blood measurements from 121 Baltic salmon taken on nine occasions spread over an annual cycle were: packed cell volume or haematocrit; blood haemoglobin; red blood cell counts including immature erythrocytes; mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration; mean cellular haemoglobin content and mean cellular volume. Seasonal changes appeared in all blood variables. Ontogenetic differences occurred in RBC and mean cellular volume when comparing 1 + parr with 2 + smolts in August one year apart, and in haemoglobin, RBC and immature RBC when comparing 1 + parr with adults once in November 1976. This points to greater influence upon haematological variation by season than by age. Significant regressions found within age groups, between pairs of mutually independent blood variables, are presented.     

Vectorcardiographic significance of three-dimensional devices ended and nevertheless without boundaries

The circular boundary of a disk may be suppressed by connecting it to that of an other disk presenting the same characteristics (isomorph). In such a condition, energizing the first element indirectly feeds the second one by the same amount than it would be delivered to infinite surroundings. In mathematical terms, this means that summing up the potentials arising at the same points of the two connected disks leads to the potential identically located in the disk activated as before but disconnected from its isomorph: the statement being true except for a constant. In three dimensions, the problem is somewhat more difficult because a single isomorph cannot drain all the current that would be transmitted by a sphere to the infinite medium in which it is immersed. So, connecting two spheres results in a partial confinement which, however, does not rule out the aforementioned statement. On the other hand, the potential differences around the isomorph centre are well-suited to a vectorcardiographic use like Rijlant's one; this method is consequently justified as to its principle. Finally, we have studied the radial alinearity which is introduced by Rijlant to improve his instrument. We have shown the changes related to Rijlant's way of building his network and we conclude that the use of many equivalent layers bears on grounds similar to that which are developed for the linear isomorphs.     

States of stability/lysis in human fetal and adults red blood cells

In human red blood cells from umbilical cord (NRBC) and from adult (ARBC) blood we measured: (i) the equilibrium distribution (medium/cells) for haemoglobin as a function of medium osmolality (osmotic fragility curve) and (ii) the rate of haemoglobin loss to a hypotonic medium of fixed osmolality. From the analysis of the osmotic (cumulative) fragility curve, a subpopulation of high resistance (young?) cells was individualized only in samples from cord blood. The differences presented in the rate of haemoglobin loss between samples of umbilical cord and adult's blood point to distinct cell surface restrictions (cytoskeleton and/or plasma membrane phospholipid) to haemoglobin leak in both cells. Uniformly distributed (among all cells in both samples) differences could explain the distinct rates of haemoglobin loss. However, marked differences restricted to only a subpopulation of cord blood cells could also explain these results.     

Some blood parameters of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson)

Fifty rainbow trout of the Kamloops strain were examined for 12 haematological parameters: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, erythrocyte count, erythrocyte diameters, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, plasma total protein and plasma glucose concentration. The fish had been held under known environmental and dietetic conditions, and at the time of sampling were 14 months old. The majority of results for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, erythrocyte count, erythrocyte diameters, total protein and differential leukocyte count fell within narrow ranges. The total leukocyte counts and glucose levels were more widely spread. The results are discussed and compared with those already published for Idaho and Shasta strains. It is impossible to say whether the differences that were observed between Kamloops and these other varieties were due to strain alone, since other variables were present. Some problems associated with establishing normal ranges for these parameters in fish are discussed.     

Thermal stability and kinetic properties of NADP+-malate dehydrogenase isomorphs in two populations of the C4 weed species Echinohloa crus-galli (Barnyard grass) from sites of contrasting climates

The thermal stability and kinetic properties of purified NADP⁺-malate dehydrogenase (NADP⁺-MDH; EC 1.1.1.82) isomorphs were analyzed from plants of two populations of Barnyard grass from contrasting thermal environments. Plants from Québec (QUE) and Mississippi (MISS) were acclimated under controlled conditions at 26/20°C and 14/8°C (day/night). While the enzyme from QUE showed one isomorph, 3 isomorphs were detected in all plants from MISS, suggesting the presence of gene duplication and fixed heterozygosity for the expression of this dimeric enzyme. This findig raises the possibility that the enhanced acclimatory potential of NADP⁺-MDH from MISS plants, as found from previous studies with the partially purified and unfractioned enzyme, may result from differential kinetic properties of isomorphs which would allow for the proper modulation of catalysis over a wide temperature range. The thermal stability of the QUE isomorph was significantly higher than that of any of the MISS isomorphs. The apparent activation energy of the QUE isomorph was within the range of values found for the 3 MISS isomorphs which were similar to each other. The Michaelis-Menten constants (K_m) for oxalacetic acid were not significantly different among isomorphs or between thermoperiods, but K_m (NADP⁺) values for the QUE isomorph were significantly higher than those of two of the MISS isomorphs over the 15–25°C assay range V_max/K_m ratios for OAA and NADP⁺ were not significantly different among isomorphs or between thermoperiods. Our data indicate that, under highly purified conditions, the single NADP⁺-MDH isomorph of QUE plants possesses good acclimatory potential for maintaining catalytic efficiency under a wide range of temperature conditions. In vitro thermal and kinetic data do not support the hypothesis that the the multiple NADP⁺-MDH isomorphs found in MISS plants may have been selected to optimize the thermal and catalytic efficiency of NADP⁺-MDH under warm temperature conditions.     

Haematological parameters in a neotropical fish, Corydoras paleatus (Jenyns, 1842) (Pisces, Callichthyidae), captured from pristine and polluted water

We report normal ranges of haematological indices in healthy Corydoras paleatus from an unpolluted area. Haematological parameters studied include: erythrocyte counts (Er), haematocrit (Ht), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Normal red blood parameters did not change according to maturation stages, sex or seasons. Then, we compared them with those coming from fish captured in a site polluted by sewage. Fish exposed to pollution presented significantly higher values of Er, Ht, Hb, MCH and MCHC than those captured in an unpolluted area. Discriminant analysis showed that Hb is a key parameter to point out differences between populations exposed to different environmental conditions. We suggest that haematological values of C. paleatus, registered during this study, could be used as biomarkers in future works evaluating the incidence of environmental stress on fish as well as pointing out changes in the water quality.     

Haematological characterization of loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus: comparison among diploid, triploid and tetraploid specimens

The purpose of this study was to determine whether diploid, triploid and tetraploid loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) differed in terms of their main haematological and physiological characteristics. Diploid and tetraploid fish were produced by crossing of natural diploids (2n x 2n) and natural tetraploids (4n x 4n), respectively. Triploid fish were produced by hybridization between diploid males and tetraploid females. The blood cells were significantly larger in polyploids, and the volumetric ratios of erythrocytes and leucocytes (thrombocyte and neutrophil) in tetraploids, triploids and diploids were consistent with the ploidy level ratio of 4:3:2. No significant differences were observed in haematocrit among polyploids. The erythrocyte count decreased with increased ploidy level, while total haemoglobin, mean cell volume, mean cellular haemoglobin content, and mean cell haemoglobin concentration all increased with increase in ploidy level. Erythrocyte osmotic brittleness declined in polyploids so that polyploid erythrocytes were more resistant to osmotic stress than diploid ones. Overall, loach with higher ploidy levels showed evidence of some advantages in haematological characteristics.     

Haemoglobin and the red cell membrane.

The results presented here indicate that haemoglobin is an integral part of the red cell membrane. The haemoglobin content of the membrane is highly dependent on the Ca++ content of the membrane in health and disease. Changes in the red cell interior alter the whole organization of the membrane and are even reflected in the binding of immunoglobulins to the red cell surface. The preferential binding of Hb-s A2 and S to the membrane has been confirmed. This phenomenon cannot be explained by differences in the charge between these haemoglobins and Hb A.     

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.     

Ring test for the determination of N-terminal valine adducts of styrene 7,8-oxide with haemoglobin by the modified Edman degradation technique

A ring-test was organised between three laboratories using different versions of the modified Edman degradation technique for the gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric determination of N-terminal valine adducts of styrene 7,8-oxide. The analyses were performed on a sample of human haemoglobin reacted in vitro with styrene 7,8-oxide and on a set of five haemoglobin samples from mice dosed by i.p. injection of styrene. Strong correlations between the haemoglobin adduct determinations of the different laboratories were observed. However, covariance analysis revealed different slopes for the dose-response curves, indicating differences for the calibration of the reference globin or reference peptide.     

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.     

Organic phosphates increase the solubility of avian haemoglobin D and embryonic chicken haemoglobin.

The isolated minor haemoglobin fractions (haemoglobin D) of ostrich, chicken and duck haemoglobin, which constitute about 30% of total intracellular haemoglobin, form crystalline aggregates upon deoxygenation at physiological temperature, ionic strength and pH and at haemoglobin concentrations even well below those present in the red cell. The aggregation is reversed by oxygenation, and can be inhibited by addition of organic phosphates or the corresponding major haemoglobin fraction in a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1. Embryonic haemoglobin from chicken has similar characteristics with respect to its solubility. The results indicate close functional homology of alpha D and embryonic pi-chains as well as a novel role for organic phosphates in the regulation of haemoglobin function.     

Correlation between bacterial haemoglobin gene (vgb) and aeration: their effect on the growth and alpha-amylase activity in transformed Enterobacter aerogenes

AIMS: To evaluate the effects of bacterial haemoglobin on bacterial growth and alpha-amylase formation under different aeration conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Enterobacter aerogenes was transformed with the gene encoding Vitreoscilla (bacterial) haemoglobin, vgb. The growth kinetics and ability to synthesize alpha-amylase enzyme were investigated in this transformed Enterobacter strain as well as in two other Enterobacter control strains that do not harbour the vgb gene. Such comparison was made under variable aeration conditions, using the agitation rate as a measure of aeration. The expression of bacterial haemoglobin-supported cell growth determined as O.D.600 and cell viability in addition to the alpha-amylase production. These positive effects of bacterial haemoglobin were observed under both low and high aerations, but at different extents. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to improving cell growth under low aeration, the bacterial haemoglobin is able to promote bacterial cell tolerance during exposure to high oxygen tension. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The expression of bacterial haemoglobin is advantageous in reducing the burden of certain toxic conditions such as high oxygen levels. It may have the same impact on some environmental toxic substances. This, haemoglobin biotechnology can be extended to induce enzymes of pollutants degradation or production of some useful industrial substances.     

Gall stones in sickle cell disease in the United Kingdom.

The prevalence of gall stones was studied prospectively by abdominal ultrasound examination in 131 patients with sickle cell disease aged 10-65 years. Of 95 patients with homozygous sickle cell disease, 55 (58%) had gall stones or had had a cholecystectomy. Gall stones were present in four out of 24 (17%) patients with haemoglobin S + C disease and two out of 12 (17%) with haemoglobin S beta thalassaemia. The presence of gall stones was not related to sex, geographical origin, or haematological variables and was not associated with abnormal results of liver function tests. Symptoms typical of biliary colic were reported by 32 out of 47 adult patients with gall stones, and cholecystitis or cholestasis was diagnosed in 18. Cholecystectomy was performed in 29 patients with good relief of symptoms in most cases. Postoperative complications were common, occurring in 10 of the 28 patients who could be evaluated, but not generally serious; they were considerably lessened by a preoperative exchange transfusion that reduced the haemoglobin S concentration to below 40%. It is suggested that all patients with sickle cell disease should be screened for gall stones and that elective cholecystectomy should be performed in those with symptoms or complications.     

Haematology and habits in catfish of the genus Synodontis

African catfish of the genus Synodontis vary in their habits, from inverted plankton eaters to normally oriented benthos eaters. Haemoglobin concentrations and red cell counts vary between populations of one species, and between species of differing habits. Synodontis schall from the well-aerated White Nile had lower haemoglobin concentrations than members of the same species from Lake Kainji, Nigeria. Synodontis membranaceus , an inverted plankton eater, had lower haemoglobin concentrations than the bottom dwelling S. filamentosus and S. nigrita. Species with intermediate habits, such as S. batensoda and S. ocellifer had intermediate concentrations of haemoglobin.
It is suggested that these differences in haemoglobin concentration are a result of differing habits. Those species that enter poorly aerated water are stimulated to make more haemoglobin.     

Neonatal screening for sickle haemoglobinopathies in Birmingham.

During 1978-81 there were about 43,500 births in Birmingham, of which 10.3% were to Negroes and 22.6% to Asians. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of red cell haemolysates from capillary specimens collected for phenylketonuria screening was performed for these babies to assess the feasibility, cost, and benefits of detecting sickle haemoglobinopathies early. Eight babies had important haemoglobinopathies; four were homozygotes for haemoglobin S (HbS), three were mixed heterozygotes for HbS and haemoglobin C (HbC), and one had haemoglobin E (HbE) and beta-thalassemia. Also, 534 (1.19%) were heterozygotes for HbS or haemoglobin D (HbD) and 205 (0.46%) for HbC or HbE, 453 (1.01%) were heterozygotes with a fast-moving band, one was a heterozygote for haemoglobin Norfolk, and one a heterozygote for both HbS and haemoglobin G Philadelphia. The cost of neonatal screening for haemoglobinopathies was 12.5 p per baby (705 pounds for each serious abnormality).     

Haematological studies on the prewintering and wintering frog, Rana esculenta

1. A study of the haematology of the frog Rana esculenta including erythrocyte count (RBC), haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and erythrocyte size as a function of prewinter and winter was made. 2. The RBC count and Hb were significantly higher in contrast to MCV and MCH values during prewinter in both sexes. 3. The surface area to volume ratio was higher in prewinter whereas the length to width ratio (eccentricity) of the cytosome and nucleus was significantly higher during winter in both sexes. 4. Sexual differences in the erythrocyte count, Hb content and the surface area to volume ratio were also observed. 5. The physiological significance of these observations are reported for Rana esculenta.     

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.     

Effects of dehydration and rehydration on the intravascular space in horses

• 1.1. The resistance of sub-tropical horses, and desert-dwelling horses to 72 hr dehydration/24 hr rehydration was investigated via changes in red cell parameters and plasma protein concentration.
• 2.2. Red cell count, haemoglobin and haematocrit increased up to 48 hr dehydration. Between 48 and 72 hr dehydration these parameters decreased, implying a fluid shift onto the intravascular space from the interstitium/hindgut. Most parameters had regained baseline values by 24 hr rehydration.
• 3.3. Mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration and total plasma protein were not significantly different between breeds at, or between most stages of hydration.
• 4.4. Protection of plasma volume during dehydration/rehydration was aided by maintaining intravascular protein (especially albumin) levels. Red cells were transiently dehydrated and overhydrated but resisted osmolysis.