Comparative study of hematologic and plasma biochemical variables in Eastern Atlantic juvenile and adult nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)

Background: Plasma biochemical and hematologic variables are important in the management of endangered sea turtles, such as loggerheads. However, studies on blood biochemistry and hematology of loggerheads are limited, and different concentrations according to variable criteria have been reported. Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish and compare baseline plasma chemistry and hematology values in Eastern Atlantic juvenile and adult nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Methods: Blood samples were collected from 69 healthy juvenile loggerhead sea turtles after their rehabilitation in captivity, and from 34 adult nesting loggerheads after oviposition. Fresh blood was used for leukocyte differential count and PCV determination. Heparinized blood was used for RBC and WBC counts. Plasma biochemical concentrations were measured using an automated biochemical analyzer. For the comparative study, nonparametric statistical analysis was done using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Results: Minimum, maximum, and median concentrations were obtained for 14 hematologic and 15 plasma chemistry variables. Statistically significant differences between juvenile and adult turtles were found for PCV; RBC, WBC, and leukocyte differential counts; total protein, albumin, globulins, calcium, triglycerides, glucose, total cholesterol and urea concentrations; and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Conclusions: Age, size, and reproductive status cause important variations in the hematologic and plasma biochemical results of loggerheads. The reference values obtained in this study may be used as a standard profile, useful for veterinary surgeons involved in sea turtle conservation.     

Comparison of biochemical values in serum and plasma, fresh and frozen plasma, and hemolyzed samples from orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica)

BACKGROUND: To the authors' knowledge, on the basis of sample type, storage condition, or hemolysis, differences in serum and plasma biochemical values have not been evaluated in orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare values for biochemical analytes in serum vs plasma, fresh vs frozen plasma, and nonhemolyzed vs hemolyzed samples in orange-winged Amazon parrots. We also compared differences in serum and plasma yield from whole-blood aliquots. METHODS: Fifteen biochemical analytes were evaluated in paired serum and plasma, fresh and frozen plasma, nonhemolyzed and hemolyzed serum and plasma samples from orange-winged Amazon parrots (n = 10) using a wet reagent analyzer. Hemolysis was assessed qualitatively (visually) and quantitatively (hemoglobin [Hgb] measured spectrophotometrically). Serum and plasma yields from 500-microl whole-blood aliquots were determined from centrifuged samples. RESULTS: Analyte values significantly differed among sample groups, but were still within published reference intervals, with the exception of increases in potassium concentration in markedly hemolyzed serum and plasma samples. Clinically important changes in hemolyzed serum and plasma samples included increases in potassium, phosphorus, and albumin concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase activity. The degree of hemolysis assigned qualitatively did not correlate with quantitative Hgb concentration. A significantly greater yield of plasma (288 +/- 13 microL) than serum (241 +/- 44 microL) was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences may occur in different sample types, however, only changes in potassium, phosphorus, albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase values in hemolyzed samples were considered clinically relevant. Lack of agreement between qualitative and quantitative Hgb concentration indicates the unreliability of visual estimation. Based on higher sample yield, and lack of clinically relevant differences from serum, plasma is a better sample choice for clinical chemistry analysis in birds.     

Changes in gas composition and acid-base values of venous blood samples stored under different conditions in 4 domestic species

BACKGROUND: The effect of storage temperature and time on blood gas and acid-base values has been investigated intensively in cattle and dogs; however, data are lacking in other species. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in gas composition and acid-base values in venous blood stored at different temperatures and for different times in 4 domestic species in Italy. METHODS: Blood samples from Comisana sheep (n = 10), Maltese goats (n = 10), Ragusana donkeys (n = 10), and Thoroughbred horses (n = 10) were analyzed after storage at 23 degrees C (room temperature) for 15 minutes (group I), 23 degrees C for 1 hour (group II), 37 degrees C for 8 hours (group III), and 4 degrees C for 24 hours (group IV). Results were analyzed using a 1-way repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: In all species no statistically significant differences in pH values were present in samples stored at 4 degrees C for 24 hours. This also was true for PCO2 in all species except the horse. Except for HCO3- concentration in the horse, significant changes in PO2, HCO3- concentration, base excess, and the standard bicarbonate concentration were observed for all species in samples stored at 4 degrees C. In samples stored for only 1 hour at room temperature, significant changes in most analytes were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study underline the need for rapid assessment of acid-base samples, because any delay, even for 1 hour, may affect the results.     

Effects of physical and chemical immobilization on hematologic and biochemical variables in captive brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

Background: Alterations in cellular and chemical constituents in blood are indicators of physical or chemical restraint in deer. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of physical and chemical restraint on hematologic and biochemical analytes in captive brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira). Methods: Six adult deer were physically restrained and randomly anesthetized in a crossover design using 3 protocols (P). In P1, anesthesia was induced directly with isoflurane using a face mask and was maintained with isoflurane delivered by endotracheal tube. In P2, oral premedication with midazolam was followed 1 hour later by induction and maintenance of anesthesia with isoflurane, as in P1. In P3, intravenous anesthesia with a combination of ketamine, xylazine, and atropine was followed by anesthesia with isoflurane, as in P1. Blood was collected immediately after physical restraint (T0) and during anesthesia at 20‐minute intervals (T15, T35, and T55). Hematologic and biochemical constituents were determined using manual methods or automated analyzers, with cortisol measured by enzyme immunoassay. Results: During physical restraint, following food and water restriction, significant hemoconcentration, increased WBC count, and lower cortisol concentration were observed compared with results at T15, T35, and T55. During anesthesia, lymphocyte count was lower in P2 than P1, urea concentration was decreased at T15 using P2, and plasma glucose concentration was increased after T0 (P<.01). Among the anesthetic protocols, there was a trend for decreased cortisol concentration using P2. Conclusions: Physical restraint and anesthesia affect some blood constituents in captive brown brocket deer, and midazolam premedication may modify the intensity of the stress response.     

Effect of specimen collection and storage on blood glucose and lactate concentrations in healthy,hyperthyroid and diabetic cats

Abstract: The objective of this study was to compare and investigate differences in glucose and lactate concentrations in sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate (NaF/Ox) plasma and serum in healthy cats and cats with metabolic disease. Glucose and lactate concentrations were determined in routinely processed serum and NaF/Ox plasma obtained from healthy (n = 30), hyperthyroid (n = 27) and diabetic (n = 30) cats, and in samples from 6 healthy cats stored at 25°C or 4°C for 0,1, 2, 4, or 8 hours. The packed cell volume (PCV) of blood collected in NaF/Ox was compared with that of blood collected in EDTA. Mean glucose concentration was significantly (P < .05) lower in NaF/Ox plasma than in serum in all groups of cats, by 0.7–2.5 mmol/L (11–45 mg/dL); the difference was greater in cats with hyperglycemia. Mean lactate concentration was significantly higher in serum than in NaF/Ox plasma in all groups of cats, by 0.4–1.2 mmol/L (3.6–10.8 mg/dL); the difference was greater in hyperthyroid and diabetic cats. In vitro, only serum stored on the clot for ≥ 1hour at 25°C had significantly lower glucose and higher lactate concentrations. The PCV of NaF/Ox-anticoagulated blood was lower than that of EDTA-anticoagulated blood, by 7.0%± 1.4% (P<.01). In conclusion, collection of feline blood in NaF/Ox was necessary to prevent in vitro increases in lactate concentration; however, NaF/Ox artifactually decreased plasma glucose concentration because of RBC shrinkage. The PCV should not be determined on blood collected in NaF/Ox.     

脾脏粗提物对肉杂鸡血液生理生化值的影响

30日龄肉杂鸡50只,随机分为试验组和对照组,每组各25只.试验组用饮水方式投服脾脏粗提物,对照组供给等量的自来水,并于第10天和第20天时采血测定其生理生化值.结果表明,试验组第10天和第20天时的血液红细胞数、总蛋白含量均高于对照组,但差异不显著(P>0.05);血液白细胞数、葡萄糖和球蛋白含量均高于对照组,且差异显著(P<0.05).     

Effects of storage times and temperatures on T3, T4, LH, prolactin, insulin, cortisol and progesterone concentrations in blood samples from cows

Little is known about stability of hormones in blood samples stored under various conditions. This study was conducted to examine stability of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, insulin, cortisol and progesterone in blood and serum samples. Experiment 1 was designed to determine if concentrations of these hormones were affected by exposure to cellular elements of anticoagulated and coagulated blood when stored at 4 C and room temperature (22 to 26 C). Jugular venous blood was collected from six diestrous Holstein cows into evacuated bottles containing sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), heparin or no anticoagulant. Subsamples of EDTA-treated and heparinized blood were stored .25, .5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24 and 72 h at 4 C or room temperature. Subsamples of blood without anticoagulant were stored in polypropylene tubes (clot tubes) or serum separator tubes for 1, 2, 4, 8, 24 ad 72 h. Mean concentrations of T3, T4, LH, prolactin and cortisol did not change in plasma or serum from either of the four types of samples stored at 4 C or room temperature for 72 h. The mean insulin concentration decreased 18% by 72 h in serum from serum separator tubes stored at room temperature. At 4 C, mean progesterone concentrations decreased 55% by 24 h and 73% by 72 h in plasma from EDTA-treated blood; 41% by 72 h in serum from clot tubes, and 26% by 24 h and 36% by 72 h in serum from serum separator tubes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)