Distribution of tissue enzymes in three species of pinnipeds.

In domestic animal medicine, changes in serum enzyme levels are routinely used as diagnostic tools to detect liver disease. Hepatic disease occurs in pinnipeds, but limited data are available on the tissue distribution of serum enzymes in marine mammals. The objectives of this study were to determine the tissue distribution of seven serum enzymes in three pinniped species. Enzymes evaluated were alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in tissues from California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) (n = 5), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) (n = 5), and northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) (n = 5) that stranded and then died at a rehabilitation center. Samples were evaluated in duplicate from liver, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, kidney, adrenal, spleen, pancreas, lung, lymph node, and intestine. Patterns of tissue enzyme distribution were similar in all species, with SDH activity highest in liver and kidney, CK activity highest in skeletal and cardiac muscle, ALP activity highest in adrenal, and GGT activity highest in the kidney. Aspartate aminotransferase and LDH activities were less specific, with high activity in multiple tissues. Tissue ALT activity was high in the liver of all species, but was also high in cardiac muscle (California sea lions), skeletal muscle (harbor seals), and kidney (elephant seals). These results suggest that concurrent analysis of SDH, ALT, and CK would provide high specificity and sensitivity for the detection of hepatic lesions, and allow differentiation of liver from skeletal muscle lesions in pinniped species.     

Tissue and plasma enzyme activities in juvenile green iguanas

OBJECTIVE: To determine activities of intracellular enzymes in 8 major organs in juvenile green iguanas and to compare tissue and plasma activities. ANIMALS: 6 green iguanas < 1 year old. PROCEDURE: Lysates of liver, kidney, epaxial muscle, heart, lung, spleen, small intestine, and pancreas were analyzed for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), glutamate dehydrogenase (GMD), and amylase (AMS) activities. RESULTS: In general, low tissue enzyme activity coincided with low plasma activity. The CK activity was high in epaxial muscle and the heart and low in all other tissues tested. The AMS activity was found exclusively in the pancreas. Moderate LDH and AST activities were found in all tissues. Low ALT and ALP activities were found in a variety of tissues. Plasma and tissue activities of GGT and GMD were low or undetectable. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that plasma CK activity may be muscle specific in iguanas, but high values may not always indicate overt muscle disease. The AMS activity may be specific for the pancreas, but the wide range of plasma activity would likely limit its diagnostic usefulness. Activities of AST and LDH may reflect tissue damage or inflammation, but probably do not reflect damage to specific tissues or organs.     

Plasma biochemistry of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): Effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals but limited informations are existing for camel plasma biochemistry. Eleven clinically healthy one-humped camels were blood sampled in different tubes containing different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of AST, ALT, CK, total bilirubin, and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase for CK activity and significant decrease for GGT, cholesterol, creatinine and chloride were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as an anticoagulant caused a significant difference in the amounts of some measured parameters in plasma except glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and triglyceride in comparison with serum.     

Plasma biochemistry of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals but limited informations are existing for camel plasma biochemistry. Eleven clinically healthy one-humped camels were blood sampled in different tubes containing different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of AST, ALT, CK, total bilirubin, and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase for CK activity and significant decrease for GGT, cholesterol, creatinine and chloride were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as an anticoagulant caused a significant difference in the amounts of some measured parameters in plasma except glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and triglyceride in comparison with serum.     

Increased Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Activity Associated With Muscle Necrosis in the Dog

Serum activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was consistently increased in dogs with canine X-linked muscular dystrophy (CXMD), a primary myopathy characterized by profound and on-going skeletal muscle necrosis. In order to determine whether the ALT was of liver origin, serum activity of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT, and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) obtained from dystrophic dogs was compared with enzyme activity present in clinically normal dogs. In dystrophic dogs at all ages tested, serum activity of CK, AST, and ALT was increased, and significant increases were present in dogs four weeks or older. In contrast, SDH activity in dystrophic dogs was not statistically different from values in clinically normal dogs. Ultrastructural examination of liver tissue revealed no evidence of hepatic degeneration in dystrophic dogs. It was concluded that increased serum activity of ALT in the dog may be associated with severe skeletal muscle degeneration, without concurrent hepatocellular necrosis.     

Effects of Common Anticoagulants on Routine Plasma Biochemistry of Horse and Comparison with Serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry have been studied in humans and various animals; however, limited information exists for effects on horse plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy Thoroughbred horses were blood sampled in tubes containing different anticoagulants as well as no anticoagulant. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium and iron, and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and GGT, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. When corrected for dilution, significant differences were seen for the amounts of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, bilirubin, calcium, iron, and the activity of ALT, ALP, and CK in citrated plasma. Most parameters did not show any difference; however, significant decreases in BUN, total bilirubin, ALT, and CK activity were seen when heparin was used as an anticoagulant. When compared with serum, using ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA) as an anticoagulant produced a significant difference in the amounts of measured plasma parameters with the exception of GGT, albumin, creatinine, inorganic phosphorus, and triglyceride.     

Hematology, plasma biochemistry, and tissue enzyme activities of invasive red lionfish captured off North Carolina, USA

The red lionfish Pterois volitans is important not only in the aquarium trade but also as an invasive species in the western Atlantic. Introduced to waters off the southeastern coast of the United States, red lionfish have rapidly spread along much of the East Coast and throughout Bermuda, the Bahamas, and much of the Caribbean. Hematology and plasma biochemistry were evaluated in red lionfish captured from the offshore waters of North Carolina to establish baseline parameters for individual and population health assessment. Blood smears were evaluated for total and differential white blood cell counts, and routine clinical biochemical profiles were performed on plasma samples. To improve the interpretive value of routine plasma biochemistry profiles, tissue enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], lactate dehydrogenase [LD], and creatine kinase [CK]) were analyzed from liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, gastrointestinal tract, and heart tissues from five fish. The hematological and plasma biochemical values were similar to those of other marine teleosts except that the estimated white blood cell counts were much lower than those routinely found in many species. The tissue enzyme activity findings suggest that plasma LD, CK, and AST offer clinical relevance in the assessment of red lionfish.     

Effect of nickel deficiency on biochemical variables in serum, liver, heart and kidneys of goats.

Nickel deficiency was induced in 2- to 4-year-old goats by feeding 0.1 mg Ni/kg dry matter with a semisynthetic diet. The control group consumed 5.0 mg Ni/kg d.m. Activity of several enzymes (SDH, LDH, HBDH, AST, ALT, ALD, CK, CHE) was determined in the serum, liver, heart and kidneys. Serum urea-N level was also measured and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examinations were performed. Signs characteristic of nickel deficiency (retarded growth, increased mortality of dam and offspring, parakeratosis of the skin) appeared in the low-nickel group. The activity of SDH and ALD, as well as the level of urea-N was significantly lower in the serum of Ni-deficient animals than in the control. Ni-deficient animals also had significantly lower enzyme activities in the heart (SDH, HBDH, AST, ALT, ALD and CK), liver (SDH and CHE) and kidneys (HBDH and CK). Electron micrographs showed degeneration of cardiac and skeletal muscle in the Ni-deficient animals. Ni deficiency elicited changes primarily in the heart and these resulted in depressed activity of several enzymes.     

Effect of storage on some constituents of camel serum

SUMMARY Effects of storage at room temperature (23–25°C) and refrigeration (4–5°C) on various biochemical constituents of camel serum were investigated. Albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) did not change over 9 days when stored at 4–5°C. At 4–5°C, creatinine, iron and glucose in camel sera remained stable for 6 days; total protein for 7 days; and blood urea nitrogen for 8 days. Decreased activities in creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were apparent after 1, 6 and 7 days, respectively. At room temperature, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium and phosphorus were stable throughout the 9 days. Changes in glucose and iron occurred after 3 days. Stability at room temperature for LDH was 1 day; AST, 3 days; GGT and ALT, 6 days; and AP, 8 days. CK activity had already declined by 4 hours and by 9 days, only 34% activity remained.     

Experimental paratuberculosis (Johne's disease)--studies on biochemical parameters in cattle

Ten male Holstein-Friesian calves naturally infected by Mycobacterium paratuberculosis were experimentally re-infected orally at an average of 17 days. Monthly measurements were conduced of the following activities, in the period between post infection days 160 and 400: total protein (TPR), albumin (ALB), cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TRIG), Zn and Cu concentrations as well as sorbitol dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (alpha-HBDH), gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase and fructose-1,6-diphosphate aldolase (ALD). TPR, ALB, TRIG, and CHOL were reduced by day 400, in conjunction with disorders of digestion and absorption. Increased activities of CK, ALD, LDH, alpha-HBDH, AST and ALT primarily indicated damage to skeletal muscle and/or liver. Serum CK and ALD activities as well as TRIG and TPR concentrations may serve as aids to specific diagnosis of paratuberculosis, particularly in the advanced stage of the disease.     

Hematologic characteristics of captive western barred bandicoots (Perameles bougainville) from Western Australia

BACKGROUND: The western barred bandicoot (Perameles bougainville) is an Australian marsupial species now considered endangered as a consequence of habitat destruction and predation. A recently discovered papillomatosis syndrome is hindering efforts to repopulate this species. Hematology reference intervals have been lacking for P bougainville, preventing optimal interpretation of hematology results from wart-affected and clinically normal animals. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to establish hematology reference values and describe morphologic characteristics of blood cells of healthy western barred bandicoots. METHODS: Fifty-nine whole blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture into EDTA from 47 clinically healthy captive western barred bandicoots at 3 locations on the Western Australian mainland. A CBC was performed using an ADVIA-120 analyzer. Data were compared on the basis of geographic location, sex, age, and lactation status, and reference intervals were calculated. Blood cell morphology was evaluated using light microscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Significant differences were found based on sex (RBC indices, fibrinogen), age (% polychromatophilic RBCs), and geographic location (RBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, MCHC, % polychromatophilic RBCs, fibrinogen). Combined reference intervals were calculated for hemoglobin concentration (122-165 g/L), HCT (0.36-0.49 L/L), and total WBC (2.9-14.9 x 10(9)/L), monocyte (0-0.6 x 10(9)/L), eosinophil (0-0.9 x 10(9)/L), and total plasma protein (47-63 g/L) concentrations. Leukocyte, erythrocyte, and platelet morphology were similar to those of other marsupial peramelid species. Nuclei in neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils occasionally had an annular configuration. CONCLUSIONS: Reference intervals and blood cell morphology obtained in this study will be useful for the evaluation of laboratory data from ill animals and assist with population health monitoring of western barred bandicoots.     

Biochemical serum profiles in dogs experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum (Baillet, 1866)

The biochemical profiles of crossbred dogs experimentally infected with the parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum were studied. Two groups of five dogs were experimentally inoculated with 50 and 100 third stage infective larvae (L3) of A. vasorum per kilogram of body weight. A third group of five uninfected animals were used as control. Serum from these animals were used for biochemical tests to measure total and fractioned proteins, urea, creatinine and to determine the activities of aspartate (AST), alanine (ALT) aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (PAL) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB). The alpha-1, alpha-2 and beta-globulins fractions showed alterations during acute phase of the infection. No modifications were observed in the biochemical profiles of ALT, AST, GGT, PAL, urea and creatinine. CK-MB was shown to be a good early indicator of cardiac injury in dogs experimentally infected with A. vasorum.     

Hepatic effects of halothane, isoflurane or sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs

The effects of halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane anaesthesia on hepatic function and hepatocellular damage were investigated in dogs, comparing the activity of hepatic enzymes and bilirubin concentration in serum. An experimental study was designed. Twenty-one clinically normal mongrel dogs were divided into three groups and accordingly anaesthetized with halothane (n = 7), isoflurane (n = 7) and sevoflurane (n = 7). The dogs were 1-4 years old, and weighed between 13.5 and 27 kg (18.4 +/- 3.9). Xylazine HCI (1-2 mg/kg) i.m. was used as pre-anaesthetic medication. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg/kg i.v. The trachea was intubated and anaesthesia maintained with halothane, isoflurane or sevoflurane in oxygen at concentrations of 1.35, 2 and 3%, respectively. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation (tidal volume, 15 ml/kg; respiration rate, 12-14/min) was started immediately after intubation and the anaesthesia lasted for 60 min. Venous blood samples were collected before pre-medication, 24 and 48 h, and 7 and 14 days after anaesthesia. Serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH GGT) activities and bilirubin concentration were measured. Serum AST, ALT and GGT activities increased after anaesthesia in all groups. In the halothane group, serum AST and ALT activities significantly increased all the time after anaesthesia compared with baseline activities. But in the isoflurane group AST and ALT activities increased only between 2 and 7 days, and in the sevoflurane group 7 days after anaesthesia. GGT activity was increased in the halothane group between 2 and 7 days, and in the isoflurane and sevoflurane groups 7 days after anaesthesia. All dogs recovered from anaesthesia without complications and none developed clinical signs of hepatic damage within 14 days. The results suggest that the use of halothane anaesthesia induces an elevation of serum activities of liver enzymes more frequently than isoflurane or sevoflurane from 2 to 14 days after anaesthesia in dogs. The effects of isoflurane or sevoflurane anaesthesia on the liver in dogs is safer than halothane anaesthesia in dogs.     

Effects of hemolysis on serum chemistry analytes in ratites

Since hemolysis has been a common problem in submitted ratite serum samples, a study was performed to determine interference by hemolysates. Nine chemistry analytes including glucose, total protein, albumin, creatine kinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AS7), calcium (Ca), phosphorus, and uric acid were evaluated on a wet reagent analyzer (Ciba Corning Express 550) and on a dry slide reagent analyzer (VetTest 8008). In emus, increasing hemoglobin concentrations increased total protein, albumin, and CK for both analyzers. With increasing hemoglobin concentrations, the Ciba Corning 550 analyte values were increased for AST, Ca, and uric acid and decreased for glucose and phosphorus, the opposite effect was seen in values from the VetTest 8008. GGT levels were variable or sometimes undetectable. Changes in ostrich analytes with hemolysis were similar to emus using the same analyzer. The effects of serum hemolysis often differed in magnitude and direction between the two chemistry analyzers. Interferographs were constructed to aid in rapid assessment of the effects of hemolysis on submitted serum samples.     

Application of the Vettest 8008 system for the biochemical analysis of vervet monkey plasma

A clinical biochemistry analyser designed specifically for veterinary use was used to analyse plasma samples from 24 vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). Two millilitres of heparinised blood was collected from each of the 24 monkeys on four occasions at intervals of one week. Plasma was separated and analysed for the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, globulins, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine kinase (CK). The tests were easy to perform, used small volumes of plasma, and yielded consistent results for most of the analytes. The activities of CK and AP, but not AST, appeared to be influenced by haemolysis, and there were significant individual variations in the activity of LDH.     

Serum liver enzyme activities in healthy Miniature Schnauzers with and without hypertriglyceridemia

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether hypertriglyceridemia in healthy Miniature Schnauzers is associated with high serum liver enzyme activities. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 65 Miniature Schnauzers with serum triglyceride concentrations within the reference range (group 1), 20 Miniature Schnauzers with slightly high serum triglyceride concentrations (group 2), and 20 Miniature Schnauzers with moderately to severely high serum triglyceride concentrations (group 3). PROCEDURES: Questionnaires regarding each dog's medical history were completed, and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and G-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities were measured. RESULTS: Median serum ALP activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 or 2 dogs, but was not significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 dogs. Median serum ALT activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 dogs, but was not significantly different between any of the other groups. Compared with group 1 dogs, group 2 and 3 dogs were significantly more likely to have high serum ALP activity (odds ratio, 26.2 and 192.6, respectively). Group 3 dogs also were significantly more likely to have high serum ALT activity (odds ratio, 8.0), serum AST activity (odds ratio, 3.7), and serum GGT activity (odds ratio, 11.3), compared with group 1 dogs. Group 3 dogs were significantly more likely (odds ratio, 31.0) to have > or = 2 high serum liver enzyme activities than were group 1 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that moderate to severe hypertriglyceridemia was associated with high serum liver enzyme activities in Miniature Schnauzers.     

Biochemical abnormalities observed in serum of dogs infected with large Babesia in Warsaw (Poland)

Biochemical abnormalities observed in canine babesiosis are related to the severity of the disease. The primary biochemical abnormalities found in affected dogs are: increase of the serum activity of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, azotemia, and hypoglycemia. The purposes of this study were: 1) to estimate biochemical abnormalities in dogs infected with large Babesia in Warsaw and 2) to evaluate statistically changes observed during canine babesiosis in dogs from Warsaw. Samples of serum were collected from dogs naturally infected with large Babesia. Among 2023 positive samples, 202 were randomly selected. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total serum protein (TSP), albumin and blood glucose concentration were determined with a clinical chemistry analyser. Elevated activity of ALT, AST and ALP was detected accordingly in: 64.9, 92.6 and 31.7% of dogs. Elevated creatinine concentration and BUN were detected accordingly in 30.7 and 62.4% of dogs. Decrease of TSP, albumin, BUN, and hypoglycemia was detected accordingly in: 19.8, 32.7, 1.5 and 18.3% of dogs. The most common biochemical abnormalities found in affected dogs were: increase of activity of transaminases and ALP, elevated creatinine concentration, hypoalbuminemia and hypoglycemia. These abnormalities resulted from hepatopathy, renal failure and fasting.     

Comparison of two dry chemistry analyzers and a wet chemistry analyzer using canine serum

Canine serum was used to compare seven chemistry analytes on two tabletop clinical dry chemistry analyzers, Boehringer's Reflotron and Kodak's Ektachem. Results were compared to those obtained on a wet chemistry reference analyzer, Roche Diagnostic's Cobas Mira. Analytes measured were urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol and bilirubin. Nine to 12 canine sera with values in the low, normal, and high range were evaluated. The correlations were acceptable for all comparisons with correlation coefficients greater than 0.98 for all analytes. Regression analysis resulted in significant differences for both tabletop analyzers when compared to the reference analyzer for cholesterol and bilirubin, and for glucose and AST on the Kodak Ektachem. Differences appeared to result from proportional systematic error occurring at high analyte concentrations.     

Effects of storage time and freezing temperature on clinical chemical parameters from canine serum and heparinized plasma

To assess changes in 24 blood constituents in frozen serum and heparinized plasma, blood samples were drawn from 10 clinically normal German Shepherd army dogs. The storage characteristics of nine enzymes (ALP, ALT, amylase, AST, CK, GGT, GLDH, LDH, lipase), and 15 metabolites and minerals (albumin, bile acids, bilirubin, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, fructosamine, glucose, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, triglycerides, urea) were studied. Parallel samples of serum and heparinized plasma were stored for 90 and 240 days at two different storage temperatures, -200 degrees C and -700 degrees C. Sixteen of the 24 analytes (ALP, ALT, amylase, AST, CK, GGT, GLDH, LDH, bile acids, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, fructosamine, magnesium, phosphate, urea) showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) changes during the storage period related to storage time, storage temperature, and sample type. Seven of the analytes (amylase, GGT, GLDH, LDH, bile acids, fructosamine, magnesium) showed changes of possible clinical importance with mean differences from baseline larger than 20% for the enzymes and 10% for the metabolites and minerals during the storage periods.     

Biochemical and histological responses of Rattus novergicus (Wistar) infected by Echinostoma paraensei (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae)

Tests were performed to evaluate the biochemical alterations in Rattus norvegicus after infection by the intestinal trematode Echinostoma paraensei. The rodents received 150 metacercariae each, serum samples were collected and the parasite load was quantified weekly until the fifth week of infection. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirubin, glucose, total proteins and fractions and hepatic glycogen were determined. All the animals exposed to the metacercariae were infected in the first week and worms were recovered up to the third week after infection. The levels of AST, ALT, GGT, bilirubin and globulin rose in the first and/or second week and declined thereafter to levels near those of the control group. In contrast, the level of total proteins in the plasma fell significantly in the first week while the ALKP activity went down only in the fourth and fifth weeks in relation to the control group. There was no significant difference in the levels of albumin, glycogen and glucose. Infection by E. paraensei in R. norvegicus causes changes in the hepatic function, possibly resulting from the cholestasis produced by the partial obstruction of the bile duct by the helminths.