Goat Erythrocytes Research Articles

Evaluation of In-vitro Antioxidant Potential of Bryophillum pinnatum Leaf Juice in Phenyl Hydrazine Treated Goat Erythrocytes

Phytochemicals are known to contain a high concentration of therapeutically active principles, which, when consumed in sufficient quantities, can have drug-like effects. Bryophillum pinnatum (Lam.) is a succulent-ethno medicinal xerophyte with a long history of use in traditional Indian medicine. Because reactive oxygen species are the most common etiological factor in many degenerative diseases, controlling them with antioxidants may both treat and prevent disease progression. The current study will look at the ability of fresh leaf juice of Bryophillum pinnatum (Lam.) (FLJBP) to prevent oxidative injury and subsequent hemolysis in goat erythrocytes as a model test system. The catalytic activity of membrane bound enzymes like sodium potassium-ATPase, Ach-Ease, and metabolic enzymes like hexokinase, as well as the NO concentration in goat RBCs, were measured. Phenyl hydrazine was used first, followed by FLJBP at concentrations of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100g/ml. A dose-dependent (PHZ) increase in Pi liberation by hexokinase and Na+/K+ ATPase, as well as increased formation of thiocholine iodide and enhanced NO scavenging potential, has indicated that flip has good anti-oxidant and anti-haemolytic activity. To record the functional food status of Bryophillum pinnatum (Lam.) species, a more rigorous and stringent battery of pharmacological, phytochemical, and bio analytical studies, followed by observational studies in humans, will be conducted.

Antibacterial activity of GVL,a lectin isolated from marine algae Gracilaria verrucosa

Lectins are univalent or polyvalent carbohydrate-binding proteins of non-immune origin that are widely distributed in the marine ecosystem. A lectin was isolated from marine algae Gracilaria verrucosa by G-100 gel filtration chromatography. This lectin was named GVL, agglutinated rat, rabbit, goat, chicken and human ABO erythrocytes. The antibacterial activity of this algal lectin was studied using disc diffusion method. GVL exhibited potent antibacterial activity against bacteria such as E.coli, S.pyogenes, S.aureus, E.faecalis, B.subtilis and coagulase-negative Staphylococci(CoNS) by disc diffusion method. Also, the results were compared with the standard antibiotic Ampicillin. These findings indicate that GVL is having therapeutic applications with great importance in clinical microbiology.

Morphology of the blood of dairy goats in the summer

In order to evaluate the health of animals, clinical and hematological indicators of various breeds of goats are being increasingly studied. The purpose of the research was to carry out a comparative evaluation of some morphological indicators of blood in dairy goats in the summer period. A comparative assessment of the morphological parameters of the blood of goats of Saanen, Czech and Gorky breeds during the summer period of housing under the conditions of the Altai Territory has been presented in the article, in order to determine the functional dynamics of the vital activity of the organism. Regardless of breed the season of the year has a signifi cant impact on changes in metabolism: the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin content, value of hematocrit and the total amount of circulating blood in goats. Analysis of the parameters of erythrocytes of goats of diff erent breeds in the studied groups showed that the maximum values were in the goats of Saanen breed – 11,89±0,89 ×1012/l, in comparison with the goats of Czech and Gorky breeds – 9,03±1,32 and 10,36±2,03 ×1012/l, respectively. The average volume of erythrocytes of the studied goats was 15,73±1,19 fl in the Gorky breed, which was more than in goats of Saanen (14,63±0,55 fl ) and Czech breeds (14,70±0,30 fl ) by 7,52 and 7,01 %, respectively. The hemoglobin in the studied goats of Czech breed was below the normal limit by 7,9 %. The average hemoglobin content in the erythrocyte in the studied breeds of dairy goats ranged from 8,13±0,38 p/g (Czech breed) to 8,93±0,87 p/g (Gorky breed), which slightly exceeded the upper limit of the norm. The highest hematological indicators were observed in lactating goats of Saanen breed, this causes a greater adaptability of this breed to breeding conditions in the Altai Territory.

Rare transition metal doped hydroxyapatite coating prepared via microwave irradiation improved corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and anti-biofilm property of titanium alloy

Here, we synthesized niobium doped hydroxyapatite (Nb-HAP) coatings on grade-5 titanium (Ti6Al4V) alloy sheets via microwave irradiation for the improvement of its biocompatibility and corrosion resistance with excellent antibiofilm function. The functionalized coated sample confirmed the presence of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (HAP) containing niobium (Nb). The coating was observed to be denser, thicker and crystalline after doping. The average roughness of the surface was enhanced and became more hydrophilic with the functionalization of Nb. Moreover, the doping was found to have greatly improved the corrosion resistance of the substrates. The apatite layer on the Ti alloy surface revealed to adsorb more protein and enhanced the cell survival by more than 30 %. The presence of Nb in the coating ensured anti-biofilm property against both gram -ve and gram +ve bacteria strains. An improved hemocompatibility towards goat erythrocytes and cytocompatibility towards human keratinocyte cells were also evident in the post coating state. Hence, the microwave-assisted preparation of Nb doped HAP coating not only could improve the physical traits of the substrate, but could enhance the biocompatibility of bone implant as well. Furthermore, the microwave irradiation techniques used here might make the process faster and economical for efficient bioactive HAP coating deposition on Ti alloy. • Microwave assisted niobium doped HAP coating was deposited on Ti alloy sheet. • The doping improved crystallinity and hydrophilicity of the coated surface. • Reinforcement of niobium improved the corrosion resistance of the metal alloy. • The coatings were noncytotoxic, hemocompatible and resistant to bacterial growth.

Screening of mushrooms from the woodlands of Zimbabwe: Occurrence of lectins and partial purification of a mucin specific lectin from Boletus edulis.

Mushrooms are known to possess a diversity of bioactive compounds that include lectins, which are proteins or glycoproteins that bind specifically to cell surface carbohydrates, culminating in cell agglutination. The present study describes the screening of lectin activity from ten local mushrooms, namely, Amanita zambiana, Boletus edulis, Cantharellus heinemannianus, Cantharellus miomboensis, Cantharellus symoensii, Lactarius kabansus, Amanita sp., Coprinus sp., Ganoderma lucidum and Trametes strumosa. The lectin content was detected by the haemagglutination activity of mushrooms against sheep and goat erythrocytes. Among the different mushrooms screened Amanita sp., Boletus edulis and Lactarius kabansus showed high lectin activity (39, 617 and 77 HAU/mg mushroom, respectively). Boletus edulis was used for the haemagglutination inhibition assay. A total of twenty sugars and sugar derivatives, namely, α-lactose, D-glucose, D-mannose, D-raffinose, N-acetyl glucosamine, maltose, melibiose, D-ribose, porcine mucin, D-cellobiose, D-arabinose, α-methyl-D-glucoside, methyl-α-D-mannopyranoside, D-trehalose, L-arabinose, L-sorbose, L-lyxose, β-lactose, DL-xylose, and D-galactose, were used for the haemagglutination inhibition assay. Of the various carbohydrates tested, only porcine mucin was found to be the most potent inhibitor of Boletus lectin. The lectin from Boletus mushroom was partially purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation. The highest lectin activity was observed in the 30%-60% fraction. This study revealed for the first time the occurrence of lectins in the local Zimbabwean mushrooms studied as well as isolation of a novel mucin-specific lectin. The information obtained can be used for further investigation of cell surface sugars, purification and characterisation of glycoproteins and their contribution towards the medicinal properties of local mushrooms.

Evaluation of low-grade In Vitro Oxidative Stress in Goat Erythrocytes ‎Exposed to Hydrogen Peroxide and Dexamethasone ‎

Under conditions of oxidative stress, erythrocytes of goats could be predisposed to haemolysis. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of oxidant exposure to goat erythrocytes using an in vitro model. Blood samples from 10 goats were incubated with 0.06 – 0.18 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) either singly or in combination with 0.02 µM dexamethasone for 60 min, and erythrocyte parameters such as packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and percentage haemolysis in hypotonic sucrose solution (250 mOsmol/L) were determined thereafter. No significant changes in the mean values of all parameters were observed. The in vitro model indicated that erythrocyte parameters remained stable under low-grade oxidant exposure in goats. Therefore, plasma H2O2 concentration of ≤ 0.18 mM, whether in the presence or absence of 0.02 µM dexamethasone, may not induce apparent oxidative damage in goat erythrocytes that could be estimated by PCV, RBC, MCV and sucrose-based osmotic fragility at low hypotonicity.

Mechanism of CuSO4 cytotoxicity in goat erythrocytes after high-level in vitro exposure to isotonic media

Copper (Cu) is a common environmental pollutant in nature. Cu-poisoning can cause liver damage and erythrocytes hemolysis. To evaluate the effect of CuSO4 poisoning on the morphological and functional characteristics of goat red blood cells. Five 10–14-month-old goats were selected for jugular vein blood sampling to obtain erythrocytes, and then the erythrocytes were processed with different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 μmol/L) of CuSO4 for 48 h, and 40 μmol/L doses CuSO4 incubated for different time (12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h) to process erythrocytes. We observed the changes in erythrocyte morphology through scanning electron microscopy, and detected the antioxidant function and activities of three ATPases. Additionally, biological properties were examined from the perspectives of phospholipids and membrane protein components, permeability fragility, and fluidity in erythrocytes. We found that after CuSO4 treatment, the antioxidant capacity of erythrocytes decreased, which was manifested as increased MDA content and decreased CuZn-SOD and GSH-Px activities (p < 0.05). In addition, we also found that erythrocyte fluidity decreased, osmotic fragility increased, membrane phospholipid percentage and protein composition changes abnormally, and Na+/K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase activities decreased (p < 0.05). From the results, it can be concluded that CuSO4 exposure causes hemolysis of goat erythrocytes through oxidative stress to the structure and function of erythrocytes, showing a dose-time effect.

Anaplasma ovis infection in goat flocks around Gaborone, Botswana

Anaplasma is a genus of gram-negative, intracellular bacteria infecting different blood cells in animals. A. ovis infects erythrocytes of sheep and goats, inducing clinical signs that include haemolytic anaemia, icterus and loss of production. Aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in goats in smallholder flocks around Gaborone, Botswana. Whole blood and serum samples were collected from 100 goats coming from 10 smallholder goat flocks from three villages around Gaborone, Botswana. Body condition and FAMACHA© scores were estimated. Blood was used for packed cell volume (PCV), blood smears, PCR, including species-specific PCR assays for A. marginale and A. ovis, and serum samples were analysed by Anaplasma spp. cELISA. Each farmer was interviewed about management, health and treatment of the goats. Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears showed inclusion bodies in 53% of the samples. A seroprevalence of 88% was found on cELISA and 76% of the goats were positive by PCR using general primers for Anaplasma spp. All PCR positive goats were infected with A. ovis and no goats were positive for A. marginale. Positive animals were found in all areas and in all flocks. There was no correlation between infection and clinical signs. In Botswana, A. ovis in goats does not seem to pose a significant problem even though the pathogen is endemic in the goat population, or perhaps, because of being endemic, herd immunity leads to less severe clinical signs.

New Rabbit Erythrocyte Specific Mycelial Lectins from Fusarium sp. with Complex Saccharide Specificity

Eight Fusarium sp. namely, F. acutatum, F. globosum, F. graminearum, F. lactis, F. nivale, F. proliferatum, F. pseudoanthophilum and F. robustum were screened for the presence of lectins by hemagglutination activity using human ABO, porcine, ovine, goat and rabbit erythrocytes. Mycelial extracts of all the fungal cultures except F. graminearum displayed unique lectin activity with only rabbit erythrocytes. Enzymatic treatment of rabbit erythrocytes with neuraminidase has significantly enhanced the titre of all the lectin positive extracts of fungal cultures. In contrast, most of the lectins showed a decline in lectin activity with protease treated rabbit erythrocytes. Saccharide specificity studies have shown that majority of the lectins were inhibitory towards O-acetyl sialic acids. None of the lectins from Fusarium sp. were inhibited by dextran, meso-inositol and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Most of the fungal cultures displayed highest hemagglutination activity during 10th day of growth in broth cultures. The unique saccharide specificity of Fusarium sp. lectins can be used for elucidating their clinical role in glycobiology research.

Comparative ameliorative effect of vitamin C, electrolyte and jaggery on transportation stress at different flocking densities in hot humid and winter seasons on erythrocytes of goats

ABSTRACTComparative study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal effects of transportation of goats (Alpine × Beetle) at different flocking densities, supplemented with vitamin C in group I, vitamin C + electrolyte in group II and jaggery in group III, 3 days before transport of animal, during winter and hot humid (HH) seasons. Goats of 10–12 months old were selected from Livestock Research Centre (LRC), National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, India, consisted of 25 goats each, divided into high flocking density (hfd; 15) and low flocking density (lfd; 10), transported for 8 h with average speed of 25 km/h. All the animals were kept off-feed and deprived of water during the transportation period. Blood samples were taken just before transportation, immediately after transportation, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 2 days post-transportation from all the three groups. The blood samples were further analysed for estimation of different haematological parameters (haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC)). Maximum values (P < 0.05) of Hb, PCV and RBC were observed just after unloading which then returned to normal values within 6–12 h post-transportation at lfd and hfd in both the seasons. Supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin C + electrolyte, and jaggery aided in reducing transportation stress but vitamin C + electrolyte combination proved more beneficial in alleviating transportation stress in the goats.Abbreviation: Hb: haemoglobin; PCV: packed cell volume; RBC: red blood cells; HH: hot humid; AA: ascorbic acid; lfd: low flocking density; hfd: high flocking density; LRC: Livestock Research Centre

Removal enactment of organo-phosphorous pesticide using bacteria isolated from domestic sewage

Three bacteria (MS I, II and III) i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa (KY781886), Enterobactor ludwigii (KX881423) and Enterobacter cloacae (KX881513) isolated from domestic sewage were identified on the basis of 16S rDNA sequencing and are capable to growth in the presence of organo-phosphorous pesticide (chlorpyrifos). The mega plasmid size >23 kb was found in MS I and III. Biosurfactants of the significant amount were produced by three isolates. The ability of the isolates to degrade pesticide over 3 days in the presence of pesticides containing chlorpyrifos as the active component was estimated. Results of UV–visible, FTIR spectroscopy and GC–MS studies confirmed the removal of chlorpyrifos rather than degradation. Pesticide uptake results showed chlorpyrifos in intracellular components and bound to the cell surface in its native state. Removal of pesticide from soil was also recorded by these bacteria. Microbial treated pesticide did not have any effect on Vigna radita seedlings and goat erythrocytes.

Bifidobacterium breve IPLA20005 affects in vitro the expression of hly and luxS genes, related to the virulence of Listeria monocytogenes Lm23.

Mechanistic features that characterize the interaction and inhibition of the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes by members of the genus Bifidobacterium still remain unclear. In the present work, we tried to shed light on the influence that co-cultivation of L. monocytogenes with Bifidobacterium breve may exert on both microorganisms and on virulence of the pathogen. Production of acetate and lactate was measured by gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively; bacterial counts were obtained by plate count; gene expression was determined by RT-qPCR; and haemolytic activity was analyzed against goat erythrocytes. We found slightly but significantly lower final counts of Listeria and Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05) and lower haemolytic efficiency in L. monocytogenes cells from cocultures than in those from monocultures. In contrast, the hly and luxS genes, which code for the cytolysin listeriolysin O and participate in biofilm formation, respectively, were overexpressed when L. monocytogenes was grown in coculture. This indicates that the presence of Bifidobacterium is able to modify the gene expression and haemolytic activity of L. monocytogenes when both microorganisms grow together.

Preparation of Low Cost Affinity Chromatographic Matrix and Its Application in Purification of a Lectin Isolated from Mulberry Seeds

Objective: Uniform sized agarose gel beads were prepared from agarose by emulsification technique. The prepared matrix has been attached with commercially available concanavalin A (conA) and finally it has applied to purify mulberry seed lectin. The present work shows a simple and inexpensive method for the preparation of an affinity matrix for purification of conA specific mulberry seed lectin. Method: Firstly, conA was immobilized on agarose gel beads and coupled to hexadiamine by using amino reactive bifunctional crosslinker (2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-trizine). Then it used as affinity matrix for the purification of mulberry seed lectin (designated as MSL). In purification protocol initially conA has been immobilized with agarose. Then MSL have been purified from the seeds of Morus alba L. Result: The agarose beads showed the best uniformity when 2-2.5% concentration of Tween 80 was used. The newly prepared affinity matrix agarose gel was able to purify MSL with the molecular weight of 22 kDa in a single step. The purified lectin strongly agglutinated with mice, chicken, bovine and human blood types A, B and O erythrocytes respectively. There was no activity found on goat erythrocytes. Conclusion: The present work shows a simple and inexpensive method for the preparation of an affinity chromatographic matrix. The prepared matrix was applied to purify mulberry seed lectin.

Comparative evaluation of haematological parameters and erythrocyte membrane stability in pregnant and lactating goats in different seasons of tropical Savannah

Haematological parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) are commonly used as indicators of health status and erythrocyte membrane integrity. Variations in haematological parameters and EOF in late gestation and early lactation during the cold-dry (CDS), hot-dry (HDS) and rainy (RAS) seasons were studied in sixty (n = 60) Red Sokoto goats (20 goats for each season). The ambient temperatures and temperature-humidity index recorded were higher in the afternoon hours of the HDS and RAS, but lower in the morning hours of the CDS as compared with the thermoneutral zone of goats. Results revealed that the pregnant goats had significantly (P < 0.05) lower PCV and RBC, but higher haemoglobin parameters (Hb, MCH and MCHC) in RAS. Unlike in the pregnant goats, higher (P < 0.05) values of PCV and RBC were observed during the HDS as compared with the CDS and RAS in lactating goats. The EOF was significantly higher during lactation than pregnancy in the CDS and HDS. Similarly, the magnitude of the left shift in fragiligram during the CDS was more marked in pregnant compared with lactating goats. During gestation, the CDS had lower (P < 0.05) EOF than HDS and RAS, with a marked left shift in the fragiligram of both pregnant and lactating goats during the CDS. In conclusion, seasonal variations exist in physiology of erythrocytes of goats during the peri-partum period, with an increase in PCV and RBC, but a decrease in haemoglobin parameters in pregnant compared with lactating goats during the RAS. Erythrocyte stability and membrane integrity were higher in pregnant than lactating goats, and also higher during the CDS than the HDS and RAS, irrespective of reproductive status. This information may be useful in the design of animal breeding and is of value in animal welfare, research, diagnosis and management of haematological conditions during the peri-partum period.

Phenotypic homogeneity with minor deviance in osmotic fragility of Sahel goat erythrocytes in non-ionic sucrose media during various physiologic states.

Erythrocyte swelling in non-ionic sucrose media and the subsequent osmotic lysis are influenced by mechanisms of regulatory volume adjustment and osmotic water permeability. Kinetics of transmembrane water and ion fluxes in varied physiologic states may determine the phenotype of erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) and affect estimates of EOF. Effects of sex, age, late pregnancy (third trimester) and lactation on the haemolysis of Sahel goat erythrocytes incubated in a series of hyposmotic non-ionic sucrose media were investigated. The fragiligram was sigmoidal in 72 (97%) out of 74 goats. Two male (3%) goats with low and high extreme median erythrocyte fragilities (MEF), had non-sigmoidal curves. The mean fragilities at osmolarities of 30-300 mosmol/L of sucrose and the mean osmolarities responsible for 10%-90% haemolysis (CH10-CH90) were not significantly different between males and non-pregnant dry (NPD) females, amongst the age groups and between pregnant or lactating and NPD female goats. The MEF (CH50) of the goats were at osmolarities of 126-252 mosmol/L (median of data: 171 mosmol/L) with a mean of 175.24±16.20 mosmol/L. Therefore, phenotypic homogeneity of EOF occurred with minor deviance, since EOF variables were not differentiated by sex, age, late pregnancy or lactation. Physiologic states of the goat did not affect EOF phenotype in non-ionic sucrose media. Sigmoidal fragility phenotype seemed to be homogeneously conserved by osmoregulatory mechanisms not partitioned by sex, age, late pregnancy or lactation, but a minor non-sigmoidal curve might have occurred due to altered erythrocyte osmotic behaviour that would require further investigation.

Phenotypic variations in osmotic lysis of Sahel goat erythrocytes in non-ionic glucose media.

Erythrocyte osmotic lysis in deionised glucose media is regulated by glucose influx, cation efflux, and changes in cell volume after water diffusion. Transmembrane fluxes may be affected by varied expression of glucose transporter protein and susceptibility of membrane proteins to glucose-induced glycosylation and oxidation in various physiologic states. Variations in haemolysis of Sahel goat erythrocytes after incubation in hyposmotic non-ionic glucose media, associated with sex, age, late pregnancy, and lactation, were investigated. The osmotic fragility curve in glucose media was sigmoidal with erythrocytes from goats in late pregnancy (PRE) or lactation (LAC) or from kid (KGT) or middle-aged (MGT) goats. Non-sigmoidal phenotype occurred in yearlings (YGT) and old (OGT) goats. The composite fragility phenotype for males and non-pregnant dry (NPD) females was non-sigmoidal. Erythrocytes with non-sigmoidal curves were more stable than those with sigmoidal curves because of inflectional shift of the curve to the left. Erythrocytes tended to be more fragile with male than female sex, KGT and MGT than YGT and OGT, and LAC and PRE than NPD. Thus, sex, age, pregnancy, and lactation affected the haemolytic pattern of goat erythrocytes in glucose media. The physiologic state of the goat affected the in vitro interaction of glucose with erythrocytes, causing variations in osmotic stability with variants of fragility phenotype. Variations in the effect of high extracellular glucose concentrations on the functions of membrane-associated glucose transporter, aquaporins, and the cation cotransporter were presumed to be relevant in regulating the physical properties of goat erythrocytes under osmotic stress.

Isolation and Characterization of Midgut Lectin From Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)

The present investigation deals with the isolation and characterization of a lectin from Aedes aegypti (Ae aegypti) female mid gut extract that agglutinates various mammalian red blood cells (RBCs) such as human three groups A, B, and O (RH+), mouse, rat, guinea-pig, sheep and goat erythrocytes. The highest activity of both crude and isolated mid gut lectins were detected against sheep RBCs. Using (NH4)2 SO4 fractionation, ion-exchange and mannose-CNBr-Sepharose 6B affinity chromatography techniques, Ae. aegypti midgut lectin (Aelec) was purified to homogeneity.Isoelectric focusing (IEF) and reducing SDS/PAGE revealed that the isolated mid gut lectin had isoelectric point (PI) of 5.90, and subunits approximate molecular weights of 35.50 and 27.35 KDa. The hemagglutination (HA) of lectins were Ca2+ - independent and heat-resistant. The sugar specificity of the purified Aelec was strongly inhibited by D (+)-mannose and raffinose, followed by D (+) glucose. N-acetyl-D-manosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine were moderate inhibitors. None of the lectins were inhibited by the disaccharides such as galactose, lactose, trehalose (IC50 up to 200 mM or fetuin up to 1%) but the glycosubstances mucin and laminarin were strong inhibitors up to very low concentrations (0.030 - 0.003%).

Phenotypic drift in osmotic fragility of Sahel goat erythrocytes associated with variability of median fragility

A typical mammalian erythrocyte fragility phenotype (EFP) exhibits a sigmoidal curve of the dependence of fragilities (% haemolysis) on hypotonic saline concentrations, but the goat EFP tends to be hyperbolic. Physiological variation in median erythrocyte fragility (MEF) and the associated EFP of Sahel goats was investigated. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) was determined in hypotonic saline using heparinized venous blood from 47 goats (23 males and 24 non-pregnant dry females) aged 1-4 years and weighing 18.87 ± 6.32 (930) kg. Packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte count and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were also estimated. Low, medium and high EFP were based on MEF of 8 g/L, respectively. MEF of all the goats was 7.5 ± 0.6 (5.9-8.4) g/L. Phenotypic drift from sigmoidal to hyperbolic EOF curve was observed at the lower and upper limits of the phenotypic variation. Frequencies of occurrence of low, medium and high EFP were not different (p > 0.05) between males and females. Fragiligrams of low, medium and high EFP separated at erythrocyte fragilities of 10-70% and saline tonicity of 7-8 g/L. The saline concentrations causing fragilities of 10-70% differed (p 0.05) between MEF and MCV or PCV, and between PCV and MCV. In conclusion, phenotypic drift in EOF occurred in Sahel goats without influence by erythrocyte parameters and represented the physiological variability of EOF endpoint estimates that would serve as reference limits in evaluation of erythrocyte membrane defects.

Effects of sex and age on the osmotic stability of Sahel goat erythrocytes

Adaptation of goats to the arid and semi-arid environments may involve adjustments in erythrocyte osmoregulation. Sexual dimorphic and age-related effects on osmotic stability of the goat erythrocyte were investigated to determine physiological variations. Apparently healthy male (n = 23) and non-pregnant dry female (n = 24) Sahel goats, aged 1½–2, >2–2½, and >2½ years with mean body weights of 10.35–27.21 kg, were selected for the study from a semi-intensively managed flock. Heparinised venous blood of each goat was used to determine packed cell volume, erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular volume and osmotic fragility. Erythrocyte parameters did not vary with sex or age of the animal. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF), determined in hypotonic buffered saline, did not show sexual difference, but age elicited significant (p 1½–2 years, respectively. Body weights increased (p < 0.05; r = 0.96) with age, and 85.8 % weight gain occurred in the transition from age of <1 to 1–1½ years, whereas subsequent weight gains in other age transitions were 8.3, 18.8 and 9.9 %, respectively. Sex and age did not influence saline tonicities at the median erythrocyte fragility. The effect of age on EOF at minimal hypotonicity, occurring after a period of rapid growth, seemed to associate the change in membrane stability with actions of growth-promoting hormones on lipid metabolism which could have altered the lipid content and permeability of erythrocyte membrane.

Biological and Biochemical Potential of Sea Snake Venom and Characterization of Phospholipase A2 and Anticoagulation Activity.

This study is designed to isolate and purify a novel anti-clotting protein component from the venom of Enhydrina schistosa, and explore its biochemical and biological activities. The active protein was purified from the venom of E. schistosa by ion-exchange chromatography using DEAE-cellulose. The venom protein was tested by various parameters such as, proteolytic, haemolytic, phospholipase and anti-coagulant activities. 80% purity was obtained in the final stage of purification and the purity level of venom was revealed as a single protein band of about 44kDa in SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis under reducing conditions. The results showed that the Potent hemolytic activity was observed against cow, goat, chicken and human (A, B and O positive) erythrocytes. Furthermore, the clotting assays showed that the venom of E. schistosa significantly prolonged in activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and prothrombin time. Venomous enzymes which hydrolyzed casein and gelatin substrate were found in this venom protein. Gelatinolytic activity was optimal at pH 5-9 and (1)H NMR analysis of purified venom was the base line information for the structural determination. These results suggested that the E. schistosa venom holds good promise for the development of novel lead compounds for pharmacological applications in near future.