Seasonal levels of minerals, enzymes, nutrients and metabolic products in plasma of intact and castrated adult male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

1. Alkaline phosphatase (AP), cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, urea nitrogen, calcium, glucose, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) were measured in the plasma of three intact and three castrated male deer. 2. A statistically significant seasonal cycle of AP, cholesterol, creatinine and uric acid was found in intact but not in castrated animals. 3. Monthly levels of total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen, bilirubin and calcium were significantly higher in castrated deer. 4. On the other hand, monthly levels of LDH and SGOT were higher in intact animals.     

Serum chemistry profiles for Lechwe waterbucks (Kobus leche): Variations with age and sex

• 1.1. Over an 8-year period, 19 biochemical parameters have been determined at various ages in the blood serum of 92 clinically healthy Lechwe waterbucks (Kobus leche), 33 males and 59 females.
• 2.2. Significant differences have been noted with age. In neonates, the lowest values of total proteins, glucose, creatinine, urea, AST, ALT and iron have been noted; the highest ones have been seen for cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphorus.
• 3.3. With regard to sex, raised values of glucose, urea, alkaline phosphatase and ALT, and lowered values of cholesterol, have been noted in juvenile females compared with males of the same age.
• 4.4. In adult females, higher levels of urea and cholesterol and lower levels of glucose, triglycerides and natrium have been recorded compared with males.
• 5.5. With sex and age, no significant changes have been found in the levels of GGT, magnesium, chlorides and copper.
• 6.6. Out findings are discussed with those abstracted from the literature for related species.

     

Age-related changes in haematology and serum chemistry of Weiser-Maples guineapigs (Cavia porcellus)

Age-related changes in haematology and serum chemistry values were examined in male and female Weiser-Maples guineapigs (Cavia porcellus). Haematological changes that significantly (P<0.01) correlated with ageing were increased white blood cell and neutrophil counts in both sexes, decreased lymphocyte counts in both sexes, decreased reticulocyte and platelet counts in males, and decreased basophil counts in females. For serum chemistry, increases in total protein, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were seen in both sexes, along with increases in total cholesterol in males and sodium in females. Decreased alkaline phosphatase in both sexes and decreased chloride in males were significantly (P<0.01) associated with age. These age-related changes are compared with the published literature.     

Serum biochemical values in fallow deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dama dama</Emphasis> L.) from different habitats in Croatia

Serum biochemical values were determined in blood samples collected from 48 shot fallow deer from the Brijuni islands and 45 sedated fallow deer (Dama dama L.) from hunting grounds in the continental part of Croatia. The parameters were compared with regard to age, sex and habitat. Statistically significant differences were found for serum total protein concentration, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity between young and adult island deer, as well as for total protein, triacylglyceride, cholesterol concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity between young and adult continental deer. In young animals, island males had higher albumin concentrations, while continental males had higher alkaline phosphatase values than females. In adult animals, island males had a higher blood urea nitrogen concentration, while continental males had higher albumin and cholesterol concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase activities. In this group, males exhibited lower bilirubin and triacylglyceride concentrations than females. Our results indicate that besides age, sex and sampling method, nutritional and environmental factors should be considered when evaluating serum biochemical parameters of fallow deer     

An integrated assessment of lead exposure in children: Correlation with biochemical and haematological indices

BackgroundLead (Pb) is a worldwide concern due to its persistent property in the environment. However, due to diminutive evidence and elusiveness, the impact of lead exposure on the biochemical and haematological parameter in school-age children is not well established.AimThis study primarily aimed to investigate blood lead (BL) in children and its association with haematological and biochemical parameter.MethodsA total of 43 children (4–12 years) were recruited in each control and study group. Furthermore, the study group were subdivided into two groups (group A (<10 μg/dl) and group B (>10 μg/dl)). BL level, haematological parameter including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, total leukocytes count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets in the whole blood and biochemical parameter such as liver function test (total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein, albumin) and kidney function test (sodium, potassium, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine) in serum were measured using anodic stripping voltammeter (ASV), Cell-Dyn Ruby Haematology analyser, Beckman coulter Unicel Dxc 800 Synchron Clinical analyser respectively.ResultsThe arithmetical mean of BL level was 19.93 ± 9.22 μg/dl (median: 17.5 μg/dl; range 9.1–37.4 μg/dl). Only 21 % children had BL levels <10 μg/dl and there were 79 % children with BL levels >10 μg/dl. Blood mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Neutrophils, Monocytes were significantly higher between the control and study group. Additionally, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Lymphocytes and mean corpuscular volume intensities were significantly lower in >10 μg/dl group whereas total leukocytes count, neutrophils, monocytes, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets levels were statistically higher (p < 0.001).Serum alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, total protein, were higher (p < 0.05) and sodium, albumin were significantly lower in the study group. The mean value of sodium, potassium, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein and blood urea nitrogen, creatinine in two groups (<10 μg/dl and >10 μg/dl) was not significantly different. Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase level was significantly higher (p = 0.015) while albumin levels were significantly lower (p = 0.034) in >10 μg/dl group. A statistically significant correlation of BL levels with all haematological parameters was also observed. Creatinine is positively and albumin was negatively correlated with BL levels.ConclusionThe outcomes specify that high BL levels were significantly associated with higher haematological and biochemical indices in exposed children. However, lead like noxious metals severely affected the haematological, kidney and liver health of children.     

笼养绿尾虹雉血液生理生化指标分析

为了解人工饲养绿尾虹雉(Lophophorus lhuysii)血液生理生化指标及特点,以四川宝兴蜂桶寨国家级自然保护区笼养的9只成年非繁殖期绿尾虹雉为研究对象,测定了34项血液生理生化指标,按性别分组统计进行差异显著性检验。结果表明,绿尾虹雉血液生理指标不同性别间无显著差异(P0.05)。血液生化指标中的血液总蛋白雄性显著低于雌性(P0.05),血清尿素雄性显著高于雌性(P0.05),但血液中的其他有机物(白蛋白、球蛋白、肌酐、葡萄糖、尿素、酶、总胆固醇、甘油三酯等)及无机离子(钾、钠、镁、氯、钙、磷、铁)不同性别之间无显著差异(P0.05)。说明本实验条件下,笼养绿尾虹雉非繁殖期血液生理指标与性别没有相关性,血清总蛋白、血清尿素含量可能与性别有关。     

Blood serum chemistry measurements of normal and acutely stressed channel catfish

1. An automated blood serum chemistry analytical system designed for human usage was employed to establish the levels of 26 different components present in sera obtained from various experimental groups of channel catfish. 2. Comparisons of samples from feral and commercial production pond fish during warm months indicated statistically significant differences in the serum levels of sodium, CO2, urea nitrogen, direct bilirubin, cholesterol, creatinine and protein. 3. Laboratory acclimated and production pond fish exhibited differences in serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus), serum metabolites (urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglycerides), serum enzymes [gamma-glutamyl transferase, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase, and amylase], and serum iron. 4. Seasonal (temperature?) differences in production pond fish were noted for 12 serum components including potassium, magnesium, CO2, glucose, creatinine, albumin, iron, alkaline phosphatase, and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT). 5. Comparisons of samples obtained from laboratory-acclimated fish before and 18 hours after acute handling and transport stress revealed significant differences in only three serum parameters: glucose, LDH, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK). 6. These studies suggest that "normal" values established by any method of sera analysis may be different in the same species depending on the diet, season, and presence of environmental stressors.     

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.     

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.     

Physiological responses of the adult male collared peccary, Tayassu tajacu (Tayassuidae), to severe dietary restriction

Metabolic and hormonal responses of eight adult male collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) to an ad libitum diet intake, or 25% of an ad libitum intake, were examined. Blood samples for hematological, serum-biochemical and hormonal profiles were collected at three week intervals during the nine week experiment starting 4 August 1983. Males fed on the restricted diet lost an average of 26% of their body weight during the trial, compared to a slight weight gain for those fed ad libitum. Characteristics of the red and white blood cell populations were not influenced by diet intake, with the exception of mean corpuscular volume, which was consistently lower amongst males fed on the restricted diet. Restricted food intake resulted in significantly elevated serum values for urea nitrogen, urea nitrogen:creatinine, urea index, alpha globulin:beta globulin, gamma globulin:albumin, nonesterified fatty acids, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase isozymes (LD1 and LD2). Restricted food intake resulted in significantly lowered serum values for total alpha globulin, alpha-1 globulin, total beta globulin, beta-1 globulin, beta-2 globulin, glucose, triglycerides, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, copper and triiodothyronine. Serum levels of creatinine, total protein, albumin, alpha-2 globulin, uric acid, total bilirubin, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphorus, calcium:phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc and thyroxine were unaffected by diet intake level. Semen evaluation indicated spermatogenesis was not affected by dietary restriction despite reductions in scrotal circumference and ejaculate gel volume. Serum testosterone levels were significantly lower among males fed on the restricted diet after nine weeks. These data suggest male libido might be depressed during poor range conditions, while maintenance of spermatogenesis might permit them to take immediate advantage of improved range conditions. Blood analysis of metabolic and hormonal function can provide useful information for predicting the adult male's nutritional and reproductive condition.     

饲料蛋白水平对低温应激下吉富罗非鱼血清生化指标和HSP70 mRNA表达的影响

在水温27℃条件下, 分别对吉富罗非鱼(27.642.79) g投喂3组不同蛋白水平的饲料, 养殖周期56d。饲养结束后, 进行14℃低温应激实验, 研究低温应激后0-24h内, 鱼体血清生化指标与肝脏HSP70　mRNA表达量的变化。结果表明, 短期投喂50%蛋白水平的饲料可以提高罗非鱼血清中葡萄糖、总蛋白、甘油三酯与胆固醇水平以及血清谷丙转氨酶与谷草转氨酶活力。在低温应激后, 50%蛋白组血清葡萄糖、总蛋白、甘油三酯与胆固醇水平呈下降趋势, 而血清皮质醇水平与谷草转氨酶活力表现为先上升后下降变化。25%和38%蛋白组血清葡萄糖水平与谷丙转氨酶活力在应激期间呈上升趋势, 而谷草转氨酶与碱性磷酸酶活力和总蛋白与胆固醇水平呈先上升后下降变化。各实验组溶菌酶活力与肝脏HSP70 mRNA的表达量呈先上升后下降的变化。由此可知, 短期投喂高蛋白饲料可以提高罗非鱼血液中蛋白、血糖与脂肪含量, 增强鱼体抗应激能力, 同时, 高蛋白水平的饲料也会引起肝脏产生分解压力以及增加饲料成本。在生产中, 需要根据实际需要合理确定饲料的蛋白含量。       

Influences of crude extract of tea leaves,Camellia sinensis,on streptozotocin diabetic male albino mice

Natural remedies from medicinal plants are considered to be effective and safe alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypoglycemic activity of the crude tea leaves extract on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The average body weight of animals with diabetes and their percentage changes of body weight gain after 15 and 30 days were significantly lower than that of the normal control mice. In diabetic mice, supplementation with tea leaves extract decreased the loss of body weight. After 15 and 30 days, significant increases in the levels of serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, uric acid, glutamic pyruvic acid transaminase (GPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic acid transaminase (GOT) were noted in STZ-diabetic mice fed with normal diet. Also, the values of total protein in this group were statistically declined after 15 and 30 days. The levels of serum glucose and GPT were significantly elevated after 15 and 30 days in diabetic mice supplemented with tea leaves extract. Moreover, the level of serum GOT was notably increased after 30 days. Insignificant alterations were observed in the levels of serum triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, urea and uric acid in diabetic mice supplemented with tea leaves extract. Thus, the present results have shown that tea leaves extract has the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antihyperproteinemic effects and consequently may alleviate liver and kidney damage associated with STZ-induced diabetes in mice.     

Blood and urinary values in the gray squirrel

Uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, total serum protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and chloride concentrations in the blood plus pH, bilirubin, ketone, blood, protein and glucose levels in the urine were determined for gray squirrels captured in Jacksonville, Florida. Significant differences were not noted for any of these values when compared by the age or sex of the animals, by breeding or lactation status, by month of capture, or by habitat type. Depressed blood glucose and elevated blood urea nitrogen levels were observed in squirrels with shock syndrome.     

Serum chemistry of the wild caught karyotype I night monkey (Aotus nancymai).

Serum samples from 254 wild-caught Aotus nancymai were analyzed to determine the reference intervals for serum chemistry parameters in this species. Findings show values of total bilirubin, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, urea nitrogen, serum albumin, and gamma glutamic transpeptidase having a non-normal distribution. Based on nonparametric tests, significant differences between male and female values were observed for cholesterol, serum calcium, and gamma glutamic transpeptidase. Males were significantly heavier than females. The reference intervals presented were estimated by the nonparametric percentile method.     

Biomarkers of Lead Exposure Among a Population Under Environmental Stress

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between blood lead and serum creatinine and blood lead and serum urea nitrogen levels as biomarkers of lead exposure from subjects living in a historic polymetallic mining area in China. Elevated levels were found for blood lead, serum creatinine, and serum urea nitrogen in the mining area with mean values at 245.65 μg/l, 74.16 μmol/l, and 12.79 mmol/l, which were significantly higher than those in the control area, respectively. Moreover, the coefficients between paired results for blood lead and serum creatinine and blood lead and serum urea nitrogen were positively statistically significant (serum creatinine vs. blood lead, r?=?0.35, p?<?0.05; serum urea nitrogen vs. blood lead, r?=?0.48, p?<?0.05). With respect to the effects of sex and age on the blood lead, serum creatinine, and serum urea nitrogen levels, data analysis revealed there was a tendency for higher blood lead, serum creatinine, and serum urea nitrogen levels in females than in males, and the levels of blood lead, serum creatinine, and serum urea nitrogen increased among older residents. We conclude that females and the older population in the mining area are more susceptible to lead exposure. Blood lead, serum creatinine, and serum urea nitrogen can be useful biomarkers of lead exposure among populations under environmental stress.     

Ten-Year-Replicated Circadian Profiles for 36 Physiological, Serological and Urinary Variables in Healthy Men

At 3-hr intervals over a 24-hr span, 36 systemic, serologic and urinary variables were examined in 7 men in their mid 20's in the Spring of 1969, and again in the same 7 men in the Spring of 1979 under a similar chronobiologic protocol, using the same chemical and numerical analytical procedures. The variables examined for rhythms by cosinor were: vital signs--blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure), heart rate, intraocular pressure (left and right), oral temperature; serum components--albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, total bilirubin, calcium, carbon dioxide, chlorides, bilirubin, cholesterol, globulin, glucose, potassium, sodium, sodium/potassium ratio, transaminase, triglycerides, total protein, urea nitrogen; and urine components--calcium, calcium/magnesium ratio, creatinine, magnesium, pH, potassium, sodium, sodium/potassium ratio, urea clearance, urea nitrogen, volume and zinc. Although all subjects appeared clinically healthy in 1969 and in 1979, certain inter-study differences were observed in a number of rhythm parameters of different variables. Statistically significant increases in mesor for the group as a whole were observed for serum Ca, cholesterol, Cl, CO2, K, Na, and while statistically significant mesor decreases for a group as a whole were noted in serum glucose and transaminase. Statistically significant increases in amplitude for the group as a whole were observed in serum chloride and urinary Na/K ratio, while statistically significant decreases were observed in amplitude for blood pressure, heart rate, serum albumin, A/G ratio, globulin, glucose, protein, sodium and transaminase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Antibiotic decontamination of the dog and its consequences.

An isolation-decontamination regimen was developed which effectively reduced the numbers of resident flora of the dog. Bacterial counts in four dogs before treatment were 3.8 X 10(9) per gram of feces; no organisms were detectable in these same dogs after treatment, however, the intestinal flora had returned to slightly above normal levels 1 week after treatment. Decontamination was accomplished in a laminar air flow system designed to minimize the area that had to be under controlled conditions. By determining the antibiotic sensitivities of 67 isolated organisms representing eight species or groups of bacteria recovered from the four dogs, a standardized antibiotic regimen was developed consisting of bacitracin and neomycin administered as a dry powder in the food. The decontamination treatment apparently did not affect host metabolism because no alterations in serum levels of urea nitrogen, glucose, phosphate, total protein, chloride, sodium, potassium, serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, or serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase were found in the antibiotic-treated dogs. The decontamination process did, however, reduce normal granulopoietic stimulation.     

Adult Hematology and Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Reference Ranges in a Zimbabwean Population

BackgroundLaboratory reference ranges used for clinical care and clinical trials in various laboratories in Zimbabwe were derived from textbooks and research studies conducted more than ten years ago. Periodic verification of these ranges is essential to track changes over time. The purpose of this study was to establish hematology and chemistry laboratory reference ranges using more rigorous methods.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Harare, Chitungwiza, and Mutoko. A multistage sampling technique was used. Samples were transported from the field for analysis at the ISO15189 certified University of Zimbabwe-University of California San Francisco Central Research Laboratory. Hematology and clinical chemistry reference ranges lower and upper reference limits were estimated at the 2.5^th and 97.5^th percentiles respectively.ResultsA total of 769 adults (54% males) aged 18 to 55 years were included in the analysis. Median age was 28 [IQR: 23–35] years. Males had significantly higher red cell counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin compared to females. Females had higher white cell counts, platelets, absolute neutrophil counts, and absolute lymphocyte counts compared to males. There were no gender differences in eosinophils, monocytes, and absolute basophil count. Males had significantly higher levels of urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, creatinine, amylase, total protein, albumin and liver enzymes levels compared to females. Females had higher cholesterol and lipase compared with males. There are notable differences in the white cell counts, neutrophils, cholesterol, and creatinine kinase when compared with the currently used reference ranges.ConclusionData from this study provides new country specific reference ranges which should be immediately adopted for routine clinical care and accurate monitoring of adverse events in research studies.     

Hematologic and serum biochemical profile of the northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris): variation with age, sex, and season

The foraging success, and thus the survival and reproductive success, of deep-diving pinnipeds such as the northern elephant seal, Mirounga angustirostris, depends on the ability to withstand repetitive breath-hold dives. Health parameters can be incorporated as potential explanatory variables for differences observed in diving and migratory performance of individual seals. Furthermore, biomedical samples from apparently healthy individuals can provide valuable baseline data for evaluating effects of natural or anthropogenic threats to individuals and populations. We evaluated 42 blood parameters in 134 northern elephant seals during the breeding and molting seasons (1992-1999) to test for age, sex, and seasonal differences and to develop reference ranges. Adult males sampled during the breeding season differed from all other adult groups for a suite of parameters often associated with inflammation, infection, or other stressors: lower hematocrit, higher white blood cell count, higher band neutrophils, higher neutrophil count, lower albumin, and lower serum iron. Adult females during the breeding season differed from all other adult categories for two parameters (lower platelet counts, lower alanine aminotransferase activity). Molting males had higher blood urea nitrogen than all other classes; creatinine did not differ between breeding and molting adult males, but was higher in males than in females in both seasons. We found significant differences among age classes for 24 of 42 parameters measured, including higher levels of triglycerides, total protein, calcium, and iron in pups than we found in juveniles or adults. Unlike other mammals which undergo substantial decreases in energy expenditure during prolonged fasting (e.g., hibernation), northern elephant seals defend territories, give birth and suckle large offspring, mate, and molt during their bi-annual fasts. Nonetheless, many studies have described physiologic homeostasis during fasting in elephant seals. The genus Mirounga is superbly adapted to going without feeding for extended periods, and this is reflected in our hematologic and serum biochemical profiles.     

Age- and gender-related changes in body size, adiposity, and endocrine and metabolic parameters in free-ranging rhesus macaques.

Normative age- and gender-related changes in body composition, serum lipids, testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) were examined in the Cayo Santiago free-ranging rhesus macaques. In both adult males and females, body weights, crown-rump lengths, and circumference of the limbs were lowest in the oldest group (20+ years of age) as compared with other adult age classes. Body fat, as reflected in subcutaneous fatfold thickness and waist/thigh ratios, were higher in adult females than adult males. This gender dimorphism was first detectable among the 6-9 year old age group. Greatest body fat among females was observed in the 10-14 age group, whereas in males the highest values were observed in the 15-19 age group. Differences in body composition were also observed with respect to reproductive status. Although there were no gender differences in overall cholesterol levels, there were age-related differences between males and females, and only in males were cholesterol values positively related to adiposity. There were no age- or gender-related differences in triglyceride values, but levels were significantly higher in pregnant females in comparison with other reproductive states. Levels of testosterone were not significantly related to any morphometric parameter and values did not decrease significantly with age. Levels of IGF-1 exhibited a significant age-related decrease among adult males, and females had higher levels independent of age. The similarities between the present findings and human studies suggest that further studies in the free-ranging rhesus macaques would provide a bridge between studies of laboratory-housed primates and studies of human beings with respect to the etiology of obesity and life-history changes in body composition and endocrine and metabolic parameters.