Plasma Biochemistry Research Articles

Plasma zonulin levels forecast sarcopenia and physical performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disease in the elderly; however, its causative factors remain poorly elucidated. We investigated the potential contribution of intestinal mucosal disruption to the severity of KOA and physical capacity. We recruited women, healthy controls (age = 65.3 ± 6.6 years, n = 75) and patients with mild (age = 70.5 ± 3.8 years), moderate (age = 68.3 ± 5.5 years), and poor KOA (age = 73.8 ± 4.5 years, n = 43-50/group), characterized on oxford knee scoring (OKS) system. We also measured plasma zonulin as a marker of intestinal mucosal disruption alongwith plasma biochemistry, body composition, short physical performance battery (SPPB) score, gait speed, and hand grip strength (HGS) in control and KOA patients. KOA patients had elevated plasma zonulin levels, along with lower appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMI), and higher body fats than controls (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, KOA patients had lower SPPB scores, gait speed, and HGS than controls (all p < 0.05). Simple regression analysis revealed robust negative correlations of plasma zonulin with OKS, HGS, gait speed, and SPPB scores in KOA patients. These patients also exhibited higher levels of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Zonulin also exhibited significant areas under the curve in diagnosing low OKS scores, reduced physical capacity, and muscle weakness in KOA patients. Taken together, increased intestinal permeability may contribute to the reduced functional performance in KOA, and plasma zonulin may be a useful diagnostic tool in KOA.

Rebound tonometry intraocular pressure reference values for conscious adult Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus).

To obtain standard reference values of intraocular pressure measured with rebound tonometry in conscious healthy Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus). 17 Egyptian vultures presented for a routine health check, involving a full physical examination, blood film examination, Hct, manual total leukocyte count, and plasma biochemistry. 15 animals considered healthy and with no signs of stress underwent an ophthalmic examination, including observation of facial symmetry, adnexa, and direct fundoscopy to screen for ocular disease. Healthy animals, with no evidence of ocular disease and no signs of stress, were included in the study. The birds were manually restraint in an upright position for rebound tonometry of the right and left eyes. Mean and SD of intraocular pressure were 27.33 ± 3.54 mm Hg for the right eye and 27.00 ± 4.11 mm Hg for the left eye. There was no statistical difference when comparing the right and left eyes. The combined mean ± SD for both eyes was 27.2 ± 3.76 mm Hg. Rebound tonometry was well tolerated in all animals included in the study. The results of intraocular pressure with rebound tonometry can be used as reference values during the ophthalmological examination of Egyptian vultures. The investigation of vision threatening diseases in Egyptian vultures may necessitate rebound tonometry as part of a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination. Rebound tonometry values obtained from anesthetized Egyptian vultures, or Egyptian vultures restrained in lateral, dorsal, or sternal positions, may differ from those reported here.

Comparison of Baseline Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Health Assessments at a Confined Disposal Facility and a Protected Coastal Marsh in Southwestern Lake Erie, Ohio, USA.

Dredging is commonly used to maintain navigational channels in freshwater lakes such as Lake Erie, and the dredged material may be discarded in confined disposal facilities (CDFs). The effects of these CDFs on wildlife health are largely unknown. We compared health assessments of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) at two sites in southwestern Lake Erie, Ohio, USA in May 2022: CDF for dredged material (n=27), and a protected coastal marsh (PCM; n=24). Each turtle underwent a physical examination, blood collection for hematology and plasma biochemistry profiles, and testing for Chlamydia spp., herpesviruses, ranavirus (frog virus 3), and Mycoplasmopsis spp. via oral and cloacal swabs. Six turtles were positive for Chlamydia spp. (11.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4%-23.9%), two from the CDF and four from the PCM. One Chlamydia-positive turtle was co-infected with herpesvirus (2.0%; 95% CI: 0%-10.5%) with 96.3% homology with emydid herpesvirus. No ranavirus or Mycoplasmopsis species were detected (0%, 95% CI: 0%-6.7%). Turtles captured from the CDF had significantly higher heterophil percentages, heterophil/lymphocyte ratios, and glucose levels, but significantly lower total protein and calcium/phosphorus ratios than turtles from PCM. Turtles living in the CDF were hyperglycemic, potentially indicating increased stress levels compared to the normoglycemic turtles from PCM. As humans continue to alter wetland habitats, the impact of anthropogenic sites such as CDFs on freshwater chelonian health and welfare should be monitored.

BLOOD AND TISSUE ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN BEARDED DRAGONS (POGONA VITTICEPS).

Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are a common reptile species kept under human care and suffer from a wide range of diseases for which plasma biochemistry is used as a first-line diagnostic test. There is limited information available regarding tissue enzyme activities and origin that could assist in interpreting the bearded dragon plasma biochemistry enzymology profile. The aim of this study was to characterize the tissue activities of seven enzymes routinely used in the reptile biochemistry panel: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) in 12 adult inland bearded dragons in 13 tissues, plasma, and red blood cells. CK activity was highest in skeletal muscle followed by cardiac muscle; ALT and AST were distributed in several tissues and were relatively non-specific for all organs, additionally hepatic fat accumulation reduced AST hepatic activity on a weight per weight basis. ALP and GGT activities were mostly high in the kidneys; LDH activity was elevated in cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle followed by liver; and GLDH had primarily high enzyme activities in liver. Low red blood cell enzyme activities suggest that hemolysis is unlikely to artifactually increase AST or LDH plasma concentrations. These results provide a stepping stone to improve the interpretation of biochemistry results in bearded dragons, especially as it compares to other reptile species.

Diet type, fasting duration, and computed tomography hepatic attenuation influence postprandial plasma lipids, β-hydroxybutyric acid, glucose, and uric acid in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

To evaluate the effect of fasting duration and diet types (plant-based and crickets) on plasma glucose, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and bile acids in bearded dragons after a single feeding. Hepatic fat content was estimated by a CT scan. Animals were randomly divided into 2 groups, each receiving either a plant-based or cricket diet. Following a 72-hour fasting period, animals were gavage fed their respective diets. Blood samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postfeeding for biochemistry analysis. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. 22 bearded dragons were used. Plasma glucose, uric acid, bile acid, nonesterified fatty acid, and BHBA concentrations varied significantly over time between the 2 diets. Cholesterol and triglycerides remained stable throughout the fasting period. Glucose peaked for 48 hours in the plant-based group. Uric acid increased in the cricket group but declined in the plant-based group. Bile acids increased in both groups, with a more pronounced and sustained increase in the cricket group. Nonesterified fatty acid and BHBA decreased within the first 12 hours in both groups, with a subsequent rebound, except for BHBA in the plant-based group. Hepatic CT attenuation significantly influenced multiple analytes. A fasting period of 48 to 72 hours depending on analytes is recommended in bearded dragons before biochemistry analysis. Fasting periods shorter than 48 to 72 hours may lead to erroneous interpretation of plasma biochemistry in bearded dragons. The findings of this study also suggest a feeding frequency of 2 to 3 days for adult bearded dragons.

Yogurt Supplementation Can Ameliorate Fatty Liver Diseases and Metabolic Syndrome in High Fat-Induced Conditions in Mice.

Hepatic steatosis/non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a major public health delinquent caused by the excess deposition of lipid into lipid droplets (LDs) as well as metabolic dysregulation. Hepatic cells buildup with more fat molecules when a person takes high fat diet that is excessive than the body can handle. At present, millions of people in the world are affected by this problem. So, it is very important to know the effects of factors responsible for the disease. Here, the role of lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis and metabolism was analyzed and intended to investigate if defects in biogenesis/metabolic enzymes are responsible for the accumulation of lipids other than LDs in fatty liver disease in high-fat-induced conditions in mice model. To explore it, high-fat diet (HFD), fast food (FF), and soft drinks (SD) were administered to wild-type Swiss albino mice for 14 weeks following yogurt supplementation. After experimental period, glucose tolerance, enzyme function, lipid profile, plasma biochemistry, and other analytical tests were analyzed by auto-analyzer including different oxidative stress markers. Lipids from hepatic tissues were extracted, and purified by Floatation Assay and subsequently analyzed by different biochemical and chromatographic techniques. Histological architecture of hepatocytes was performed using Zeiss microscope. Finally, increased amount of lipids biogenesis/accumulation was found in liver tissues that causes Fatty liver disease. Significantly, HFD, FF, and SD were identified as factors for the increased LD biogenesis and or lipid metabolic disorder. Nevertheless, yogurt supplementation can homeostasis those LD formation and metabolic syndrome as it increases the down regulation of lipid biogenesis as well as lipid metabolic rate. So, yogurt supplementation was considered as a novel agent for decreasing LD biogenesis as well as excessive accumulation of fat in hepatocytes which can be used as therapeutics for the treatment of NAFLD.

Hematology, Plasma Biochemistry, Protein Electrophoresis, and Pathogen Surveillance in Headstarted and Wild-Reared Populations of Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) in Three Northern Illinois, USA, Counties.

Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) are a species of conservation concern throughout their natural range. Headstarting is a common chelonian conservation technique in which neonates are reared in managed-care settings before release, but health assessments are rarely incorporated. From 2020 to 2021 we assessed headstarted turtle health pre-release and 1 mo, 1 yr, and 2 yr after release using physical examination, hematology, plasma biochemistry, protein electrophoresis, and pathogen detection. Results were compared to wild-reared juveniles in the same habitats. Overall, 767 assessments from 561 turtles were included. Wild-reared and 2 yr post-release headstarts had higher incidence of hemoparasites, asymmetrical nares, and increased creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase activities (P<0.05) compared to all other groups. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio were greater, while total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were lower (P<0.05) in pre-release headstarts compared to wild-reared juveniles. Total solids, albumin, and beta globulins were higher, while the calcium:phosphorous ratio was lower (P<0.05) in pre-release headstarts and wild-reared juveniles vs. other groups. Bile acid levels were highest in pre-release headstarts (P<0.05). Body condition and gamma globulins increased following release, while alpha globulins and the albumin:globulin ratio decreased following release (P<0.05). Two pre-release and one post-release headstart tested positive for Emydomyces testavorans, one post-release headstart was positive for Mycoplasmopsis sp., and nine post-release turtles were positive for adenoviruses. Overall, rearing conditions have a profound and temporally dynamic impact on Blanding's health assessment parameters. Future studies should evaluate long-term impacts on morbidity and mortality to support positive health status and conservation outcomes.

Shape and Size Dependence of Pharmacokinetics, Biodistribution, and Toxicity of Gold Nanoparticles.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are extensively utilized in biomolecular sensing, photothermal therapy, drug delivery, and various imaging techniques like photoacoustic and fluorescent imaging. Despite their diverse applications, inconsistent findings from previous toxicity studies underscore the critical need for standardized methodologies. This study introduces ten distinct types of AuNPs─cubes, stars, rods, dumbbells, and bipyramids at sizes of 50 and 100 nm, to systematically assess their toxicity under controlled conditions both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings reveal a clear correlation between cytotoxicity and the morphology, size, incubation duration, and concentration of AuNPs. Anisotropically shaped nanoparticles, such as nanorods, nanodumbbells, and nanobipyramids, tend to exhibit higher cytotoxicity compared to more spherical forms like nanocubes and nanostars. Interestingly, while in vivo plasma biochemistry parameters show minimal variation, biodistribution, histopathological alterations, and pharmacokinetics are notably influenced by the shape and size of AuNPs. In most instances, smaller and anisotropic AuNPs that remain in the bloodstream for extended periods are observed. This research offers significant insights into the design of AuNPs with specific morphologies and sizes, particularly for their application in drug delivery systems via intravenous injection. These outcomes emphasize the nuanced toxicity profiles of AuNPs, necessitating tailored approaches in preclinical and clinical research.

Evaluation of Nutritional and Health Status in Captive Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi) in Response to Formulated Sausage Diet.

The federally threatened eastern indigo snake (EIS; Drymarchon couperi) is an active ophiophagous snake once found throughout the southeastern US that is now restricted to southeastern Georgia and peninsular Florida. There are concerns regarding the potential impact of overconditioning or nutrient imbalances on the reproductive fitness of breeding programs due to the occurrence of dystocia in nulliparous dams and the differing nutritional profiles of domestic and free-range prey species. We examined the blood cell counts, plasma biochemistry, and circulating plasma levels of nutrients in snakes consuming standard or experimental diets over a one-year period. Treatments included mixed whole laboratory animal prey (rodents, birds), whole prey ground into sausage, or a sausage with similar nutrient profiles measured in prey found in free-ranging EIS stomach contents. Plasma concentrations of vitamin E (maximum = 0.80 mg/mL) and selenium (maximum = 371 ng/mL) were within range of and exceeded values reported in free-ranging EIS (0.0365 mg/mL and 107.45 ng/mL), while plasma vitamin D3 concentrations (maximum = 64.1 ng/mL) were typically below minimum values observed in free-ranging EIS (46 ng/mL). Additional dietary studies initiated on juvenile subjects throughout reproductive maturity would provide an ideal experimental design for studying the linkage between reproductive health and nutrition.

Effect of Stocking Density on Selected Blood Physiological, Biochemical and Enzymatical Variables of Broilers Grown to 3 kg under Antibiotic-free Conditions

Background: Reducing stocking densities may play a key role in minimizing difficulties such as physiological welfare when reducing or ending antimicrobials in poultry diets. As the demand for poultry and associated products increases, one of the major concerns centers on the question of whether stocking density influences welfare responses that are characteristic of physiological welfare. This study investigated the effect of stocking density on selected blood physiological variables along with plasma biochemistry variables and enzymes activities of broilers fed antibiotic-free diets grown to 3 kg. Methods: A total of 888 1-d-old Ross ´ Ross 708 chicks were randomly distributed into 24 pens based on stocking density treatments assignment. The treatments consisted of 4 densities (29, 33, 39 and 42 kg/m2) with six replicates. Treatments were blocked within the room to account for any variations in room conditions. Treatment assignments were randomized within each block. Used litter bedding was obtained from commercial farms to mimic commercial conditions and litter microflora. Birds were provided a three phase-feeding program (Starter: 0-14 d, Grower: 15-28 d and Finisher: 29-42 d) antibiotic-free diets. Feed and water provided ad libitum. Blood samples were collected from the brachial wing vein of 3 males and 3 females’ birds per pen on d 28 and 42 and analyzed immediately for blood physiological variables. Blood plasma samples were analyzed for T3, T4, corticosterone, biochemical variables and enzyme activities. Result: The only effect of stocking density was observed on partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and uric acid which were within physiological ranges for this species. However, blood glucose and plasma corticosterone concentrations were not affected by stocking density, suggesting no signs of physiological stress. Stocking densities up to 42 kg/m2 with proper environmental management may be suitable for both poultry integrators and contract growers to enhance broilers production efficiency without compromising the welfare of broilers grown to 3 kg body weight.

Interactions between blood lead (Pb) concentration, oxidative stress, cellular immune response and reproductive status in livestock from a mining area

Chronic exposure to lead (Pb) in livestock grazing in abandoned mining areas affects animal welfare and productivity, as well as represents a significant food safety risk. Here, we evaluate the physiological effects of Pb exposure in goats maintained under extensive farming conditions in a non-remediated mining area. We monitored blood, fecal, and milk Pb levels in two groups of goats, pregnant (n = 17) and lactating (n = 24), kept in different enclosures with high soil Pb concentrations (geometric means of 270 and 143 μg/g, respectively) in Sierra Madrona mining district (Spain). We also studied the influence of Pb exposure on the ability to mount a cellular immune response, and on oxidative stress and biochemical biomarkers measured in blood. Blood Pb concentration was higher in pregnant than in lactating goats, but this difference was not observed in fecal Pb concentration. Pb levels in feces and milk concentrations were correlated with those measured in blood, with 11% of milk samples showing Pb concentrations above the maximum level (ML) for Pb in raw milk established by the EU (0.02 μg/g wet weight). Animals with increased blood Pb levels showed reduced concentrations of retinol in plasma, but these Pb levels did not affect the cellular immune response. The stimulation of the cellular immune response in lactating goats was associated with an increase in blood Pb and calcium levels. The reproductive status and age of goats significantly affected several oxidative stress, antioxidants and plasma biochemistry variables. Goats grazing on soils contaminated by past Pb mining activities may be susceptible to detrimental health effects mediated by retinol deficiency. In view of the detected transfer of Pb through milk, special attention should be paid to the food safety of derived products (i.e. cheese).

Effect of a microencapsulated complex of biofactors and antioxidants on the growth performance, plasma biochemistry, intestinal health, and immune and antioxidant status of broiler chickens challenged with cold stress

The study examined the effects of a microencapsulated complex of biofactors and antioxidants (P(BF + AOx)) on growth and health status of broiler chickens challenged with cold stress. Day-old broilers were allotted to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two dietary treatments: (1) Control (CON; corn–wheat–soybean-based) and (2) CON + 0.015% P(BF + AOx), and two thermal treatments: (1) Thermoneutral (TN; 29 °C ± 1 on days 8–10, 54 h) and (2) Cold stress (CS; 20 °C on days 8–10, 54 h). Treatments were allocated to six replicates, with eight chicks/replicate. Growth performance was measured weekly from days 0–21. On day 14, two birds/cage were euthanized. Cold stress reduced ( P &lt; 0.05) total antioxidant capacity (TAC), serum IgM, jejunal villus height (VH), villus width (VW), and VH:crypt depth (VH:CD). Irrespective of CS, P(BF + AOx) improved ( P &lt; 0.05) feed intake (631 vs. 592 g/bird), body weight (BW) (383 vs. 349 g/bird), BW gain (337 vs. 301 g/bird) up to day 14, and plasma TAC. Regardless of the challenge model, P(BF + AOx) increased ( P &lt; 0.05) duodenal VW, VH:CD, jejunal, and ileal VH:CD, and the relative abundance of cecal Intestinimonas and Colidextribacteria, compared to the CON. In conclusion, CS altered broiler blood parameters and gut morphology, but 0.015% P(BF + AOx) improved early life growth performance, TAC, and gut health, irrespective of CS, suggesting that it could be an effective strategy to support overall health and performance.

Hematologic and plasma biochemistry values of an Antarctic seabird at two sites with different histories of commercial fish exploitation

Hematologic and plasma biochemistry values of an Antarctic seabird at two sites with different histories of commercial fish exploitation

Acute and sub-acute toxicity of ethanol leaf extract from Acrostichum aureum in rats

Acrostichum aureum L. (A.aureum) is a medicinal plant that has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial activities and has been widely used traditionally in the treatment of many diseases. However, there is a dearth of information on the plant's safety. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of ethanol leaf extract of A. aureum (ELAA) in female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Oral acute toxicity was studied in female SD rats administered a single dose of 5000 mg kg-1 body weight ELAA. The sub-acute toxicity evaluation was also conducted orally with 100, 200, 500, and 750 mg kg-1 body weight of ELAA for 28 days in female SD rats. The impact of sub-acute treatment on body weight, gross histology, relative organ weight, urinalysis, hematology, plasma biochemistry, and histopathology was assessed following treatment. The ELAA did not cause death or signs of toxicity after acute treatment. Similarly, all the parameters evaluated during acute and sub-acute administration of ELAA did not significantly differ from the control. Therefore, the median lethal dose (LD50) of the ethanol extract of Acrostichum aureum is greater than 5000 mg kg-1 body weight. Its oral sub-acute administration is also non-toxic and safe at the tested doses.

Successful Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Surgical Removal of a Nonmetastatic Testicular Round Cell Tumor in a Solomon Island Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis).

An intracoelomic mass was palpated on an annual exam of a 24-year-old male Solomon Island eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis). The initial diagnostic workup included a complete blood count, plasma biochemistry panel, and coelomic ultrasound. Computed tomography was highly suggestive of a testicular mass. Tamoxifen and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists leuprolide and deslorelin were administered as neoadjunctive endocrine therapies. Biopsy and histologic examination confirmed a testicular mass consistent with a round cell tumor. Four doses of carboplatin 15 mg/kg IV were administered as neoadjunctive chemotherapy, and testicular size decreased by approximately 95%. The remaining gross tumor was removed via orchidectomy with clean but narrow margins. Seven months following surgery, a contrast CT scan did not show any evidence of recurrence of or metastasis from the original mass. This is the first report of successful treatment of a testicular tumor in a psittacine with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and orchidectomy.

Testing Green Tea Extract and Ammonium Salts as Stimulants of Physical Performance in a Forced Swimming Rat Experimental Model.

The study of drugs of natural origin that increase endurance and/or accelerate recovery is an integral part of sports medicine and physiology. In this paper, decaffeinated green tea extract (GTE) and two ammonium salts-chloride (ACL) and carbonate (ACR)-were tested individually and in combination with GTE as stimulants of physical performance in a forced swimming rat experimental model. The determined parameters can be divided into seven blocks: functional (swimming duration); biochemistry of blood plasma; biochemistry of erythrocytes; hematology; immunology; gene expression of slow- and fast-twitch muscles (m. soleus, SOL, and m. extensor digitorum longus, EDL, respectively); and morphometric indicators of slow- and fast-twitch muscles. Regarding the negative control (intact animals), the maximum number of changes in all blocks of indicators was recorded in the GTE + ACR group, whose animals showed the maximum functional result and minimum lactate values on the last day of the experiment. Next, in terms of the number of changes, were the groups ACR, ACL, GTE + ACL, GTE and NaCl (positive control). In general, the number of identified adaptive changes was proportional to the functional state of the animals of the corresponding groups, in terms of the duration of the swimming load in the last four days of the experiment. However, not only the total number but also the qualitative composition of the identified changes is of interest. The results of a comparative analysis suggest that, in the model of forced swimming we developed, GTE promotes restoration of the body and moderate mobilization of the immune system, while small doses of ammonium salts, especially ammonium carbonate, contribute to an increase in physical performance, which is associated with satisfactory restoration of skeletal muscles and the entire body. The combined use of GTE with ammonium salts does not give a clearly positive effect.

Impact of regression modeling on the assessment and harmonization of a point-of-care analyzer and commercial laboratory analyzer for feline plasma biochemistry testing.

Regression describes the relationship of results from two analyzers, and the generated equation can be used to harmonize results. Point-of-care (POC) analyzers cannot be calibrated by the end user, so regression offers an opportunity for calculated harmonization. Harmonization (uniformity) of laboratory results facilitates the use of common reference intervals and medical decision thresholds. Our aims were to characterize the relationship of results for multiple biochemistry analytes on a POC and a commercial laboratory analyzer (CL) with three regression techniques and to use regression equations to harmonize the POC results with those of the CL. Harmonized results were assessed by recognized quality goals. We used harmonized results to assess the regression techniques. After analyzer imprecision assessments, paired clinical samples were assessed with one dataset to calculate regression parameters that were applied to a second dataset. Three regression techniques were performed, and each was used to harmonize the POC results with those from the CL. POC results were assessed for bias and the number of results reaching quality goals before and after harmonization. All regression techniques could be used to harmonize most analytes so that 95% of results were within ASVCP TEa guidelines. Harmonization could be further improved with alternate regression techniques or exclusions. Regression offers a means to harmonize POC and CL analyzers. Further work is needed to assess how few samples can reliably be used and to assess likely species differences. No regression technique reliably describes the relationship between methods when correlation is poor.

Subcutaneous amikacin administration in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) produces prolonged detectable plasma concentrations without biochemistry evidence of impaired renal function.

To establish pilot data on the plasma concentrations of SC amikacin at 2 doses in red-eared sliders and evaluate concurrent plasma biochemistry parameters. 8 adult red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). Amikacin was administered SC at target doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg with a 3-week washout period. Blood samples were collected at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours postadministration. Plasma amikacin concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma biochemistry analyses were performed before amikacin administration, 1 week post 5-mg/kg administration, and 1 week post 10-mg/kg administration. Mean maximum amikacin plasma concentrations were recorded 24 hours after 5-mg/kg and 10-mg/kg dosing and were 17.5 ± 2.32 µg/mL and 23.6 ± 2.92 µg/mL, respectively. Mean plasma concentrations after 5-mg/kg dosing steadily decreased to 9.1 ± 0.92 µg/mL by 96 hours postadministration. Amikacin remained detectable in all plasma samples 3 weeks post 5-mg/kg dosing with a mean plasma concentration of 1.04 ± 0.22 µg/mL. Mean plasma concentrations after 10-mg/kg dosing did not decrease over the 96-hour study period. There were no clinically relevant changes in biochemistry parameters. Amikacin persists at detectable plasma levels for at least 3 weeks after SC administration of a 5-mg/kg dose in red-eared sliders, which has not previously been reported in any species. No biochemistry changes consistent with renal toxicity occurred after either dose. Use caution with repeated amikacin dosing in this species until further studies can better characterize cumulative amikacin pharmacokinetics and toxic threshold.

HEMATOLOGIC AND PLASMA BIOCHEMICAL REFERENCE VALUES FOR CAPTIVE LEOPARD SHARKS (TRIAKIS SEMIFASCIATA).

Leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) are temperate, Eastern Pacific elasmobranchs popular in public aquariums. Blood analysis is commonly used for assessing animal health, yet reference values have not been established for this species. This study analyzed T. semifasciata population data to characterize blood reference values for a collection of T. semifasciata housed at a public aquarium. Twenty-one captive leopard sharks were sampled. Blood was collected during annual health examinations from sedated animals. After collection, blood samples were anticoagulated with lithium heparin, and hematocrit and plasma biochemistry values were analyzed. The minimum-maximum ranges were hematocrit 11-31%, buffy coat 1-2%, glucose 4.94-9.38 mM/L, sodium 244-272 mM/L, potassium 3.7-5.5 mM/L, chloride 214-246 mM/L, aspartate aminotransferase 5-31 U/L, creatine kinase 36-1,136 U/L, calcium 3.65-3.95 mM/L, phosphorus 1.13-2.23 mM/L, total protein 21-38 g/L, and total CO2 12-18 mM/L. The values identified will contribute to a better understanding of captive leopard shark physiology and to improved veterinary care for captive leopard sharks. Further research can examine the validity of machines like the Vetscan VS2, which will expand the resources available to care professionals.

Transport of American Bullfrogs with Moistened Foam and without Foam: Plasma Biochemistry and Erythrogram Responses

This study aimed to evaluate two transportation methods (with moistened foam and without foam) for 10 h on blood parameters of bullfrogs 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after transportation. There was no mortality. The glucose increased at 0 and 12 h after transportation and returned to baseline at 24 h in both transportations. Triglycerides increased at 0 and 6 h in both transportations and were restored 12 h after transport with foam and 24 h in transport without foam. Plasma proteins and globulins increased at 0 h after transportation under both transportations. After 48 h, there was a reduction in transport without foam. Globulins decreased 48 h under both transportations. Albumin increased at 12, 24, and 48 h after both transportations. Transport with foam had high albumin. The albumin/globulin ratio increased 24 and 48 h after both transportations. The number of erythrocytes increased at 0 h and recovered after 6 h in transport with foam and 12 h in transport without foam. Hematocrit and hemoglobin increased at 0 h and recovered at 6 h in both transportations. MCV increased 48 h after transportation with foam. MCHC decreased 12, 24, and 48 h after both transportations. MCH was lower in the transport carried out with foam.