Plasma biochemistry of ostrich (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Struthio camelus</Emphasis>): 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 information is existing for ostrich plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy ostrich were blood sampled in different tubes containing each anticoagulant and plain tube for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. The concentrations of glucose, uric acid, total protein, and calcium were significantly lower in citrated plasma than that of serum. For dilution corrected citrated plasma significant differences were only seen for the concentration of uric acid. Most parameters did not show any differences, but significant increase were seen for glucose, total protein, albumin, and phosphorus concentrations when heparin was used as an anticoagulant.     

On the clinical chemistry of the Bennett's wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus)

The following parameters were determined in blood serum of apparently healthy Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) using the Hitachi 917 (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) and/or the Vettest 8008 (IDEXX-GmbH, Woerrstadt, Germany): alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, ammonia, alpha-amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, Ca, Cl, cholesterol, cholinesterase, creatine kinase, creatinine, gammaglutamyltransferase, glucose, iron, lactate dehydrogenase, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, total bilirubin, triglyceride, and urea. The results for cholesterol, glucose, total protein, triglyceride and for the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and lactate dehydrogenase differed significantly between both methods (P < 0.05). There is a negative correlation between the age of the Bennett's wallabies and the activity of the alkaline phosphatase. Five protein fractions could be separated on cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The mean concentrations of fructosamine and beta-hydroxybutyrate were 447.3 micromol/L and 0.27 mmol/L, respectively. The estimated vitamin A intake had no influence on the vitamin A concentration in serum. The serum vitamin E concentration was in general low and vitamin E was below the detection limit of 0.82 micromol/L in 29 out of 42 serum samples. The use of these analytes is discussed concerning the knowledge about the physiology, nutrition and diseases of macropods.     

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.     

An association between the level of oxidative stress and the concentrations of NEFA and BHBA in the plasma of ketotic dairy cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative status in ketotic cows. We observed changes in the oxidative status and correlations between the oxidative and metabolic status in non‐ketotic (n = 10), subclinical ketotic (n = 10) and ketotic cows (n = 10). Plasma samples were analysed by standard biochemical techniques and ELISA to determine traditional metabolic parameters: triglyceride (TG), phosphonium (P), calcium (Ca), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), immune globulin (Ig), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); energy metabolism indices: glucose, β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA); and indices of oxidative status: malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), vitamin C, vitamin E, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), catalase (CAT), xanthine oxidase (XOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC). The results of this study showed that plasma glucose levels were lower in ketotic and subclinical ketotic cows than in non‐ketotic cows; however, the plasma NEFA and BHBA concentrations were higher. In addition, significant decreases in TC, HDL and VLDL and significant increases in AST, ALT and LDH were observed in the plasma of the ketotic cows. The ketotic cows showed decreased plasma SOD, CAT, vitamin C and vitamin E, inhibited hydroxyl radical capacity and increased plasma H₂O₂ and MDA. There were positive correlations between the plasma NEFA and ALT, AST, LDH and MDA and negative correlations between the plasma NEFA and TC, HDL, VLDL, SOD, vitamin C, vitamin E, 1542280 uric acid and inhibited hydroxyl radical capacity. In addition, there were positive correlations between BHBA concentrations and ALT, AST and LDH and negative correlations between plasma BHBA concentrations and TC, HDL, VLDL, vitamin E and inhibited hydroxyl radical capacity. Overall, ketotic dairy cows experience oxidative stress, which is presumably associated with hyperketonemia and higher NEFA.     

我国不同家养雉鸡血液生化指标测定与比较分析

对我国5个家养雉鸡种群的4项血液活性酶（乳酸脱氢酶、碱性磷酸酶、谷草转氨酶和谷丙转氨酶）和8项血浆有机物（血糖、高密度脂蛋白、低密度脂蛋白、总蛋白、白蛋白、甘油三酯、胆固醇和血清补体）的含量进行测定和系统分析。结果表明：美国七彩雉鸡血糖、高密度脂蛋白、白蛋白和胆固醇含量最高,蒙古雉鸡乳酸脱氢酶、碱性磷酸酶、低密度脂蛋白、甘油三酯和血清补体含量最高,孔雀蓝雉鸡谷草转氨酶和总蛋白含量最高,日本绿雉谷丙转氨酶含量最高。研究结果为从生化挣陛方面研究雏鸡的种质特征提供了参考依据。     

2株H5N1亚型禽流感病毒人工感染鸭的11项血液生化指标测定

鸭肌肉接种禽流感病毒A/duck/Guangdong/185/2004（H5N1）和A/duck/Guangdong/221/2004（H5N1）后,血清中的丙氨酸氨基转移酶、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶、碱性磷酸酶、总蛋白、肌酐、总胆固醇、钙和磷明显升高;葡萄糖和甘油三酯明显降低;白蛋白表现为先下降后升高的变化趋势。作者认为,检测这些血液生化指标对于诊断禽流感具有一定的参考价值。     

Effects of heparin, citrate, and EDTA on plasma biochemistry of sheep: Comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals, but limited information is existing for sheep plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy Baloochi breed of sheep were blood sampled in different tubes containing each anticoagulants and plain tube for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of GGT, bilirubin and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than that of serum. For corrected citrated plasma significant differences were seen for the concentrations of glucose, creatinine, calcium and the activity of ALP.Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase was seen for albumin concentration when heparin was used as an anticoagulant. Using EDTA as anticoagulant caused a significant difference for the concentrations of some of the measured parameters in plasma except glucose, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, bilirubin, CK, and inorganic phosphorus comparing with serum.     

Haematological and biochemical studies on experimental Theileria annulata infection in crossbred calves

Administration of ground-up tick tissue stabilate (0.75 tick equivalent) by the subcutaneous route to crossbred calves aged 1 week to 1 month led to the development of acute theileriosis. Haematological studies revealed significant progressive decreases in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and red blood cell count, whereas the total leukocyte count showed an initial non-significant leukocytosis followed by a significant leukopenia. Analysis of serum revealed significant increases in levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine kinase and -glutamyltransferase, and in the concentrations of uric acid, blood urea nitrogen and bilirubin. The concentrations of total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol and calcium showed non-significant decreases, while phosphorus decreased significantly during the terminal stages of the disease.     

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.     

Clinicopathologic study of horses surviving pyrrolizidine alkaloid (Senecio vulgaris) toxicosis

Twenty horses of various ages had inadvertently ingested alfalfa hay contaminated with Senecio vulgaris. Among them, 4 died of liver disease. Blood was collected from affected horses at monthly intervals for 7 months and at the 9th and 14th months. The following serum enzymes and chemical items were assayed: aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, BUN, glucose, cholesterol, inorganic phosphate, calcium, total protein, and albumin. Amino acid profiles, conjugated bile acids, sulfobromophthalein clearance times, and liver histopathologic changes via serial biopsies were also monitored. Liver histopathologic changes revealed lesions progressively increasing in severity. Aspartate aminotransferase and plasma amino acid ratios indicated chronic liver degeneration (0.05 level of significance). gamma-Glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase as well as BUN values fluctuated, but returned to within reference values. Horses appeared clinically normal 14 months after intoxication, but were unable to tolerate stress of exercise.     

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.     

A comparison of nutritionally-related blood metabolites among Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on sweetveld

The objective of the study was to determine monthly variations in serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein (TP), urea, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus beef steers raised on sweetveld. Twenty-five Nguni, 15 Aberdeen Angus and 15 Bonsmara 8-month old steers were studied from June 2006 until March 2007. Across the 9 months, Nguni had higher concentrations of glucose (P =0.019) and cholesterol (P =0.001) than the other two breeds. The overall glucose and cholesterol concentrations in the Nguni were 4 and 2.86mmol/L, respectively. There was a breedxmonth interaction on glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, albumin and phosphorus concentrations. Breed had no effect on TP, urea, globulin and AST concentrations. Breed and month differences obtained could be attributed to changes in environment temperature and nutrient content of the forage.     

Reference values of blood parameters in beef cattle of different ages and stages of lactation.

Reference (normal) values for 12 blood serum components were determined for 48 Shorthorn cows (2-10 years old) and their 48 calves, 357 crossbred cows (12-14 years old), 36 feedlot bulls and 36 feedlot steers. In addition, hemoglobin, hematocrit, triiodothyronine, thyroxine and cortisol levels were determined for the crossbred cows, and feedlot bulls and steers. Reference values were tabulated according to sex, age and stage of lactation. Serum concentrations of urea, total protein and bilirubin, and serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase increased with age (P less than 0.05), while calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase decreased with age (P less than 0.05) from birth to the age of ten years. The Shorthorn cows had the highest levels of glucose at parturition (P less than 0.05) with decreasing levels during lactation. Creatinine concentration decreased during lactation and increased during postweaning. Both lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase levels increased (P less than 0.05) during lactation. Urea and uric acid were present at higher concentrations in lactating than nonlactating cows (P less than 0.05). The values reported, based on a wide age range and large number of cattle, could serve as clinical guides and a basis for further research.     

Effect of bulk feeds (alfalfa hay, corn silage) on the metabolism and liver parameters of growing geese.

Rearing experiments were conducted with a total of 90 liver hybrid geese from Babat, divided into three groups of 30 birds each. The effect exerted by all-concentrate feeding (group 1), concentrate feeding supplemented with alfalfa hay (group 2) or with corn silage (group 3) ad libitum on the blood glucose level, blood plasma total lipid, total cholesterol and free fatty acid level, and on total lipid content of the liver was studied. In addition, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity of the blood plasma and carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E concentration of the blood plasma and the liver were determined. It was found that the blood and liver parameters of goose groups fed different diets changed within the physiological limits typical of the species. Excessive fibre intake resulted in reduced lipid transport within the organism at an unchanged plasma cholesterol level; at the same time, blood glucose level remained unchanged. Ad libitum feeding of alfalfa hay and corn silage enhanced carotene and vitamin A transport and carotene storage but did not affect the transport of vitamin E. The results confirm earlier data of the literature that beta-carotene and vitamin A together impair vitamin E metabolism.     

Comparison of serum and plasma for determination of blood biochemical values in Malaysian flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus).

The effects of the anticoagulant sodium heparin and time of centrifugation on 20 biochemical analytes in the blood of Malaysian flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) were evaluated. Paired plasma and serum samples were centrifuged at 1 hr and 6 hr postcollection. Heparinization and time of centrifugation did not significantly affect albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, amylase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransaminase, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, sodium, and total carbon dioxide levels. Plasma was associated with higher globulin and lower potassium values. Glucose and chloride levels decreased significantly over time, whereas phosphorus levels increased. Serum creatine kinase activity at 6 hr postcollection was significantly higher than the other creatine kinase means. Sodium levels were not significantly affected by sodium heparin as used as an anticoagulant in this study.     

Hematologic and biochemical reference ranges for captive California condors (Gymnogyps californianus).

To provide proper medical evaluation and care for the endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), veterinarians need accurate hematologic and biochemical reference ranges. A retrospective study of blood samples from captive California condors housed at the San Diego Wild Animal Park assessed the samples by sex and age of condor to determine serum biochemical and hematologic reference ranges, including lead and zinc levels. Condors were grouped by age as follows: group 1 included birds less than 30 days of age; group 2 included birds between 30 days and 6 mo of age; group 3 included birds between 6 mo and 5 yr of age; group 4 included all birds greater than 5 yr of age. Significant differences between sexes included higher chloride, cholesterol, and total plasma protein concentration in males as compared to females (P < 0.05). Significant differences between age groups were identified in glucose, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, albumin, total plasma protein, globulin, cholesterol, bile acid, and zinc concentrations, as well as aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase activities (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant differences between age groups were noted in white blood cell count, hematocrit, heterophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils (P < 0.05). A steady increase in glucose and a decrease in alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, as well as cholesterol, bile acid, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations, were correlated with age (P < 0.05). Following application of statistical analysis, condors less than 6 mo of age were identified as unique compared to older cohorts; therefore, two reference ranges are proposed by calculating a 90% confidence interval. Reference ranges obtained from other published avian data, including those for psittaciformes, ratites, galliformes, anseriformes, and raptors, were similar to condors in this study.     

Analyte comparisons between 2 clinical chemistry analyzers

The purpose of this study was to assess agreement between a wet reagent and a dry reagent analyzer. Thirteen analytes (albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, amylase, urea nitrogen, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, glucose, potassium, total bilirubin, and total protein) for both canine and feline serum were evaluated. Concordance correlations, linear regression, and plots of difference against mean were used to analyze the data. Concordance correlations were excellent for 8 of 13 analytes (r > or = 0.90); the correlations for albumin, potassium, and calcium were clinically unreliable. The linear regression analysis revealed that several analytes had slopes significantly different from unity, which was likely related to methodological differences. Compared to the wet reagent analyzer, the dry reagent analyzer showed excellent agreement for alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, amylase (feline), urea nitrogen, cholesterol, creatinine, glucose, total bilirubin (canine), and total protein. However, it showed only slight to substantial agreement for amylase (canine), calcium, albumin, potassium, and total bilirubin (feline).     

A contribution for the definition of serum chemistry values in captive adults Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus Linnaeus, 1758)

Serum chemistry analyses represents a fundamental tool for the diagnosis and understanding of diseases in marine mammals. Although several studies are being conducted within the field of clinical pathology, haematological and serum chemistry data for Antillean manatees are deficient. The purpose of this study was to determine serum chemistry values for captive Antillean manatees within the CMA/Ibama facility in Brazil. Serum samples were obtained from five captive adult Antillean manatees fed with seagrass and analysed for aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, phosphate, chloride, calcium and uric acid. Blood chemistry parameters were determined using a semi-automatic analyzer. Maximum, minimum, mean and standard deviations were calculated for each serum chemistry parameter. Differences on the values of males and females were verified using an unpaired Student's t-test. All the parameters analysed were similar between sexes, with exception of AP, which was higher in females (191.43 +/- 31.86 U/l). Alanine aminotransferase and uric acid values for Trichechus manatus manatus are reported for the first time in this paper. This study is the first to report serum chemistry parameter values for long-term captive male and female Antillean manatees. Therefore, the lower values of albumin, phosphate, chloride, cholesterol and triglycerides obtained here highlight the importance of clinical pathology during health monitoring of captive marine mammals.     

Effects of phenobarbitone on serum biochemical tests in dogs

OBJECTIVES: To investigate effects of phenobarbitone on serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase and concentrations of bilirubin, albumin, cholesterol and total protein in dogs. ANIMALS: Ten crossbreed experimental dogs and 10 client-owned dogs of mixed breeds treated chronically with phenobarbitone to control seizures. PROCEDURES: Experimental dogs were allocated to treatment (6 mg/kg oral phenobarbitone, n = 6) and control (no treatment, n = 4) groups in which serum biochemical tests were performed at intervals during a 3-month period. Biochemical tests were performed once on the 10 epileptic dogs. RESULTS: Phenobarbitone caused increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity but did not affect gamma-glutamyl transferase activity or bilirubin, cholesterol, albumin and total protein concentrations. Phenobarbitone had minimal effect on alanine aminotransferase activity. CONCLUSIONS: Individual dogs treated with phenobarbitone may have small increases in serum alanine aminotransferase activity and variable increases in alkaline phosphatase activity but are unlikely to have alterations in gamma-glutamyl transferase activity or bilirubin, cholesterol, albumin or total protein concentrations.