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.     

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.     

Correlative clinical biochemistry and hematological profiles of laboratory-bred Bolivian squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)

Twenty-five clinical and biochemical parameters were determined on 17 normal, male, laboratory-bred Bolivian squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). Parallel hematologic parameters were conducted. The correlation of biochemical and hematological observations and the distribution characteristics, range, and standard error of the mean were determined. The purpose of the present communication is to establish baseline biochemical values for laboratory-bred squirrel monkeys and to present a correlative comparison between selected cellular elements and major blood electrolytes.     

Discriminant analysis of hematological and serum biochemical values in cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) bred and reared under the indoor individually-caged conditions

The data on hematological and serum biochemical properties of laboratory-bred cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) at different ages were analyzed by discriminant analysis. All the animals had been bred and reared under uniform environmental conditions at Tsukuba Primate Center for Medical Science, N.I.H., Japan. The items used were as follows: red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit value (Ht), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cell count (WBC), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase activity (GPT), total protein concentration (TP), albumin concentration (ALB), albumin-globulin ratio (A/G), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose concentration (GLU), total cholesterol concentration (TCHO), free cholesterol concentration (FCHO), triglyceride concentration (TG) and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP). In total, 1086 animals in 10 age groups were examined. Data analyses were done with respect to the difference of sex. Discrimination was possible by Mahalanobis' generalized distance between centroids of groups. In canonical discriminant analysis (discriminant analysis with reduction of dimensionality), age was highly correlated to the value of the first canonical variate. From the approximate relative value of the eigenvector of the first canonical variate, the most discriminant variables are WBC, TP, ALB, A/G, TCHO, FCHO, TG, and ALP. It can be concluded that periodic measurement of these 8 parameters is necessary and sufficient to monitor the physiological conditions of growing monkeys.     

Immune function and hematology of male cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) in response to food supplementation and methionine

We examined effects of supplementation of food quantity and quality (=enhanced methionine) on hematologic and immunologic parameters of wild, but enclosed, adult male cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) in north-central Oklahoma. Sheet metal enclosures were stocked with a high density of wild-caught cotton rats (160 animals/ha) and randomly assigned a treatment of no supplementation, mixed-ration supplementation or methionine-enhanced supplementation. Aside from small increases in counts of red blood cells and hematocrit levels, most indices of erythrocytic characteristics were not affected by supplementation with the mixed-ration or enhanced methionine. In contrast, platelet counts were highest in mixed-ration and methionine treatments and counts of total white blood cells were highest with methionine supplementation, albeit relative proportions of different leukocytes did not differ among treatments. Immunologically, neither delayed-type hypersensitivity response nor hemolytic-complement activity differed among treatments. Supplementation of food quantity and quality did not broadly affect hematologic parameters and immune function of male cotton rats, but enhanced platelet and leukocyte counts may confer advantages to overall health. Clarification of the role of such effects on population limitation or regulation requires additional research.     

Multivariate analysis of hematological and serum biochemical values in female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) aged less than a year

Hematological and serum biochemical data obtained from 91 laboratory-bred cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) aged 11 to 362 days were analyzed by the discriminant analysis. All animals used had been bred and reared under uniform environmental conditions at Tsukuba Primate Center for Medical Science, N. I. H., Japan. The examination items were as follows: red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit value (Ht), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cell count (WBC), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase activity (GPT), total protein concentration (TP), albumin concentration (ALB), albumin-globulin ratio (A/G), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose concentration (GLU), total cholesterol concentration (TCHO), free cholesterol concentration (FCHO), triglyceride concentration (TG), alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and calcium concentration (Ca). The animals were divided into four groups (A: Suckling infants, less than 176 days old. B, C, D: Weanlings and juveniles, 121 to 220 days old, 221 to 280 days old, and 281 to 362 days old, respectively). Discrimination was possible among these four groups on the basis of the Mahalanobis' generalized distance. Regarding the canonical discriminant analysis (discriminant analysis with reduction of dimensionality), discrimination was possible. The suckling infant group could be discriminated from the juvenile groups by the first canonical variate. Concerning the juvenile groups, age was highly correlated to the value of the second canonical variate.2+ Judging from an approximate relative eigenvector value for the second canonical variate, the effective discriminant variables were WBC, TP, ALB, A/G, FCHO, TG, and ALP. It can be concluded that these eight parameters are important and useful for monitoring the physiologicals conditions of growing juvenile monkeys.     

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.     

Baseline blood chemistry determinations in the squirrel monkey (SAimiri sciureus).

Sera from 129 squirrel monkeys, Saimiri sciureus, were analyzed for 15 chemical constituents. The values obtained were then analyzed for statistical significance causing the following sets of variables: (1) colony-bred versus noncolony-bred, (2) karyotype (3) vendor, (4) sex and (5) dietary iodine supplementation versus nonsupplementation. Calcium, inorganic phosphorous, albumin, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, alkaline phosphatase and potassium were high in colony-bred animals. Cholesterol, total protein and chloride were lower in colony-bred animals than in noncolony-bred animals. No differences were seen in total bilirubin, lactic dehydrogenase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and sodium. When the noncolony-bred animals were separated by karyotype, total protein was higher and chloride was lower between animals from Peru versus from Guyana. Colombian animals had total protein values lower than Peruvian and lactic dehydrogenase values higher than Peruvian. Colony-bred Peruvian monkeys had serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase values higher than colony-bred Colombian monkeys. No differences were observed between monkeys from different vendors. Chemical constituents higher between noncolony-bred males and females were calcium and alkaline phosphatase. There were no differences observed for colony-bred males and females. Dietary iodine supplementation appeared to increase both total bilirubin and calcium.     

Obesity, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts among police officers

Objective: To determine the association between several obesity indices (BMI, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip and waist‐to‐height ratios, and abdominal height) and hematologic parameters [white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts] among police officers. Research Methods and Procedures: The authors conducted this cross‐sectional study among 104 randomly selected officers (41 women and 63 men) from the Buffalo, NY, Police Department. Anthropometric measures were performed by clinic staff, and fasting blood samples were drawn for complete blood counts. Pearson's correlation, Student's t tests, ANOVA, analysis of covariance, and linear regression were used to assess the associations. Results: Officers ranged in age from 26 to 61 years old and were predominantly white. Among women, current smokers had significantly higher WBC counts (7.4 × 10³ cells/µL ± 1.4) than former (5.2 × 10³ cells/µL ± 1.4) or never smokers (5.6 × 10³ cells/µL ± 1.5) (p = 0.002). Women had similar WBC counts but higher mean platelet counts than men (p = 0.005). Among women, abdominal height was positively associated with platelet count after adjustment for depression (p for trend = 0.039). Among women and men, a non‐significant step‐wise trend was observed between abdominal height and mean WBC counts before and after adjustment for smoking, race, and physical activity. No association was observed between obesity and platelet count among men. Discussion: Abdominal height was significantly associated with increased platelet counts among female officers. No significant associations were observed between obesity and WBC or platelet counts among male officers.     

Erythrocytes and erythrocyte morphologies of healthy and colony-born owl monkeys (Aotus lemurinus griseimembra)

Inadequate availability of hematological reference data seriously restricts optimal utilization of the owl monkey (Aotus lemurinus griseimembra) as an experimental model. The current study investigated erythrocytic morphology in peripheral blood of healthy, colony-born owl monkeys. The blood of the subjects contained discoid erythrocytes, poikilocytes, and showed considerable anisocytosis. Also observed were nucleated erythrocytes, erythrocytes with Howell-Jolly bodies, and reticulocyte types I, II, and III. Heinz bodies were not detected.     

Serum and urine biochemical diversity among adult wild-caught Aotus nancymae and Saimiri peruviensis

Serum and urine analytes were compared between adult wild-caught owl monkeys (Aotus nancymae) and adult wild-caught squirrel monkeys (Saimiri peruviensis) to determine if normative clinical pathology data were similar. An objective of the study was to confirm that species of neotropical primates are distinct with regard to physiologic parameters, and should not be considered interchangeable in biomedical research. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted in many serum and urine analytes between the two groups. The results suggest that reference data for wild-caught owl monkeys are not applicable to squirrel monkeys, and the differences are sufficiently large to be of clinical significance. These findings illuminate the diversity among species of neotropical primates.     

Hematology and serum chemistry of harp (Phoca groenlandica) and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) during the breeding season, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada

Standard hematologic and serum chemistry parameters were determined from 28 harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) and 20 hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) sampled from 6 March 2001 to 13 March 2001 during the breeding season. Whole blood was collected immediately postmortem from harp seal mother-pup pairs and from six hooded seal pups, and from live-captured adult hooded seals and three hooded seal pups; blood was analyzed within 24 hr at a local human hospital. A certified veterinary laboratory validated subsamples of whole blood and analyzed all serum chemistry parameters. Significant interlaboratory differences in mean values of packed cell volume (PCV) and mean cell volume (MCV) were found. Significant differences were found between samples from the five seal groups (adult male hooded seals, lactating female hooded seals, unweaned hooded seal pups; lactating female harp seals, and unweaned harp seal pups) for hematology and most serum chemistry parameters. In general, age-class influenced mean values of PCV, hemoglobin (HB), red blood cell (RBC) counts, MCV, mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) counts per 100 leucocytes, but most age-related variations were species specific. Harp seal pups had significantly lower mean values of HB, PCV, MCH, and MCHC than did other seal groups, and significantly lower mean RBC counts than did hooded seal pups. Mean NRBC counts per 100 leukocytes were more than three times higher in harp seal pups than in hooded seal pups, but this difference was not statistically significant. Mean MCV were significantly lower in harp and hooded seal pups compared to those of adult harp and hooded seals. Differences in hemograms between pup species were likely because of the precocious development of hooded seal pups, which are weaned within 4 days, compared to 12 days for harp seal pups. Among adult seal groups, male hooded seals had significantly higher mean values of PCV and HB than did female harp and hooded seals, and significantly higher mean RBC counts than did adult female hooded seals. Among adult females, mean values of MCH and MCHC were statistically higher in hooded seals than in harp seals. Adult female harp and hooded seals did not differ significantly in other RBC parameters and mean leukocyte counts. Mean values of glucose, blood urea nitrogen, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and albumin showed species-specific variations between adults and pups. Except for ALP, few significant differences in mean enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT, creatine kinase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were found between seal groups. Mean concentrations of electrolytes (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and total carbon dioxide) varied with age class, but variations in potassium and magnesium were species specific. Harp seal pups had significantly higher mean phosphorus and potassium levels compared to other seal groups.     

Herpes simplex virus complement fixing antibody and herpes B virus serum neutralizing antibody in sera of wild and laboratory-bred cynomolgus monkeys

The result of the complement fixation (CF) test for the antibody to herpes simplex virus (HSV) in sera of the cynomolgus monkeys was compared with that of the neutralization test (NS) for the antibody to herpes B virus (HBV) in the same sera. Fifty-seven (74%) of 77 wild-originated monkeys were positive for HSV-CF, while 65 (84%) of the 77 animals were positive for HBV-SN. All of the 57 CF positive cases were also positive for HBV-SN. On the other hand, 30 (75%) of 40 laboratory-bred monkeys had neither HSV-CF antibody nor HBV-SN antibody. Remaining 10 of the 40 laboratory-bred animals were positive for HSV-CF. However, no HBV-SN antibody was detected in nine of the 10 HSV-CF positive animals. These results suggest that the HSV-CF test may be as satisfactory as the HSV-SN test as a practical measure for rough screening of HBV infection in the cynomolgus monkey in laboratories having no containment unit for handling HBV.     

Age and gender related changes in hematological parameters of thoroughbred foals

Abstract

Hematological and biochemical profiles commonly are required in equine medicine. We studied hematological parameters including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (PCV), differential leukocyte counts, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in thoroughbred foals at different ages and for both sexes. Sixty healthy thoroughbred foals, 1 day, 3 days and 1 year old were used. Each age group consisted of 10 male and 10 female animals. We found significant differences related to age in RBC values of females, PCV, MCV values of males, WBC, neutrophil percentages, lymphocyte percentages, monocyte percentages of females, and eosinophil percentages and basophil percentages. Significant differences related to gender were found only with regard to PCV at 1 year and WBC at 1 day. The hematological parameters of thoroughbred foals up to one year old may be useful for evaluating and monitoring the health of these animals.     

Comparison of total nucleated cell measurements of UC blood samples using two hematology analyzers

BACKGROUND: The total nucleated cell (TNC) content of umbilical cord blood (UCB) units currently serves as the most important measure for determining suitability for transplantation. Hence it is important that TNC measurements are performed in an accurate manner. TNC content is evaluated routinely by hematology analyzers (HA) as WBC counts. The objective of the study was to compare TNC content utilizing two different HA, one utilizing an impedance channel and optical channel, and the other using only an optical channel. METHODS: The HA utilized in this study used two different modes of operation for lysis, regular mode (RM) and extended lysis mode (ELM). Cell-Dyn 3200 (CD3.2) utilizes optical technology for WBC measurements, involving WBC optical count (WOC) and nuclear optical count (NOC), whereas the Cell-Dyn 3700 (CD3.7) utilizes both the impedance (WIC) and optical technology (WOC) for WBC measurements. TNC content was determined with 17 identical samples using CD3.2 in one laboratory and CD3.7 in the other laboratory. Cord blood samples processed to concentrate nucleated cells by either of the laboratories were sent by overnight courier and assays were performed on the same day by both laboratories. RESULTS: For CD3.7, the WOC values were consistently lower than the WIC using the regular mode, but showed no significant differences (P>0.05). The WIC and WOC values were comparable on using the ELM and RM. For CD3.2, WOC values using RM and NOC values using ELM showed no significant differences (P>0.05), even though the WOC measurement was lower than the NOC values for most samples. The best comparison of TNC measurement between the two HA could be achieved by comparing CD3.7-WIC with CD3.2-NOC values. The results were equivalent (P>0.05) and 12 of 17 samples had equal to or less than 10% difference (mean 9.5%). DISCUSSION: TNC measurements of UCB samples were essentially identical using the WIC channel of the Cell-Dyn 3700 and the NOC channel of the Cell-Dyn 3200.     

Effects of chronic elevated levels of CO2 on the concentration of blood cellular elements and plasma corticosterone in the male rat

The mean CO2 concentration on the Space Shuttle is 0.3% and has reached 0.7%, for extended periods of time. Following space flight, it has been shown that both humans and animals have significant changes in red blood cell counts (RBC) and white blood cell counts (WBC). In other studies, where no difference occurred in total WBC, a significant change did occur in the distribution of WBC. WBC are affected by circulating levels of glucocorticoids, which often increase when animals or humans are exposed to adverse and/or novel stimuli (e.g. elevated CO2 levels or weightlessness). The purpose of this study was to determine if elevations in CO2 concentration produce changes in total WBC and/or their distribution.     

Serum and urine biochemical diversity among wild-caught and colony-born Aotus nancymae

Serum and urine analytes were compared between adult wild-caught and adult colony-born owl monkeys (Aotus nancymae), to determine if normative clinical pathology data were similar. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were noted in serum protein, glucose, sodium, urine calcium, calcium clearance, and fractional clearance of calcium between the two groups. The results suggest that reference data for feral owl monkeys is not completely applicable to colony-born animals, however, the differences are too small to be of clinical significance.     

Long-term effects of human butyrylcholinesterase pretreatment followed by acute soman challenge in cynomolgus monkeys

Human serum butyrylcholinesterase (Hu BChE) was demonstrated previously to be an effective prophylaxis that can protect animals from organophosphate nerve agents. However, in most of those studies, the maximum dose used to challenge animals was low (<2x LD(50)), and the health of these animals was monitored for only up to 2 weeks. In this study, six cynomolgus monkeys received 75mg of Hu BChE followed by sequential doses (1.5, 2.0, 2.0x LD(50)) of soman 10h later for a total challenge of 5.5x LD(50). Four surviving animals that did not show any signs of soman intoxication were transferred to WRAIR for the continuous evaluation of long-term health effects for 14 months. Each month, blood was drawn from these monkeys and analyzed for serum chemistry and hematology parameters, blood acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and BChE levels. Based on the serum chemistry and hematology parameters measured, no toxic effects or any organ malfunctions were observed up to 14 months following Hu BuChE protection against exposure to 5.5x LD(50) of soman. In conclusion, Hu BChE pretreatment not only effectively protects monkeys from soman-induced toxicity of the immediate acute phase but also for a long-term outcome.     

Hematological and serum biochemical effects of nursing on the mother in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)]

The effects of nursing on maternal hematological and serum biochemical values were analyzed in cynomolgus monkeys reared in indoor cages at Tsukuba Primate Center. In our breeding system, infants are usually separated from their mothers at the age of 121 to 180 days. Mother monkeys of such infants were studied hematologically and biochemically (Group B), as were mother monkeys who happened to have nursed their infants past 181 days after parturition (Group A). During the period with their infants, mother monkeys in the latter group showed lower white blood cell counts (WBC) and higher red blood cell counts (RBC), hematocrit values (Ht) and blood urea nitrogen concentrations (BUN) than the mother monkeys who had been separated from their infants. Also, serum calcium concentrations (Ca) were decreased with prolonged nursing periods, indicating that lactation by the mother monkey probably continues even for a period from 181 days to about one year after parturition if she nurses her infant. Lactation during this period may accelerate hematogenesis and protein metabolism in the mother monkey.     

Seasonal hematology and serum chemistry of wild beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Bristol Bay, Alaska, USA

We collected blood from 18 beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), live-captured in Bristol Bay, Alaska, USA, in May and September 2008, to establish baseline hematologic and serum chemistry values and to determine whether there were significant differences in hematologic values by sex, season, size/age, or time during the capture period. Whole blood was collected within an average of 19 min (range=11-30 min) after the net was set for capture, and for eight animals, blood collection was repeated in a later season after between 80-100 min; all blood was processed within 12 hr. Mean hematocrit, chloride, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly lower in May than they were in September, whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, monocytes, phosphorous, magnesium, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, and creatinine kinase were significantly higher. Mean total protein, white blood cell count, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were significantly higher early in the capture period than they were later. No significant differences in blood analyte values were noted between males and females. Using overall body length as a proxy for age, larger (older) belugas had lower white blood cell, lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts as well as lower sodium, potassium, and calcium levels but higher creatinine levels than smaller belugas. These data provide values for hematology and serum chemistry for comparisons with other wild belugas.