Haematic Parameters Research Articles

The toxic impacts of microplastics (MPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on haematic parameters in a marine bivalve species and their potential mechanisms of action

Microplastics (MPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are universally detected in the marine ecosystem and may exert adverse impacts on marine species. Although under realistic pollution scenarios, PAH pollution usually occurs as a mixture of different PAH compounds, the toxic impacts of PAH mixtures on marine organisms remain largely unknown to date, including their interactions with other emergent pollutants such as MPs. In this study, the single and combined toxic impacts of polystyrene MPs and a mixture of PAHs (standard mix of 16 representative PAHs) on haematic parameters were evaluated in the blood clam Tegillarca granosa. Our data demonstrated that blood clams treated with the pollutants examined led to decreased total haemocyte count (THC), changed haematic composition, and inhibited phagocytosis of haemocytes. Further analyses indicated that MPs and a mixture of PAHs may exert toxic impacts on haematic parameters by elevating the intracellular contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), giving rise to lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA damage, reducing the viability of haemocytes, and disrupting important molecular signalling pathways (indicated by significantly altered expressions of key genes). In addition, compared to clams treated with a single type of pollutant, coexposure to MPs and a mixture of PAHs exerted more severe adverse impacts on all the parameters investigated, indicating a significant synergistic effect of MPs and PAHs.

Changes of haematic parameters, redox status and mitochondrial complex activity in the heart and liver of broilers fed with different density diets under low ambient temperature

This experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary nutrient density on haematic parameters, oxidative status and mitochondrial complex activity in the heart and liver of broilers under low ambient temperature. Eight-day-old male ROSS-308 chickens were randomly divided into two treatments fed with normal (control) and high metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein density (H) diets. A high nutrient density diet increased body weight gain and reduced the feed conversation ratio during the first 3 weeks. Increased ascites-related mortality (weeks 4 to 6), right ventricle/total ventricle (week 6), blood haemoglobin (weeks 2 and 4) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (week 2) were observed in treatment H. Levels of malonaldehyde and protein carbonylation were increased at week 4, and activities of glutathione peroxidase at week 4 and CuZn superoxide dismutase and catalase at week 6 were decreased in the heart; only malonaldehyde (week 6) was increased in the liver in treatment H. Relative mRNA expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (heart) was increased and heme oxygenase-1 (heart and liver) was decreased at week 4 in broilers fed with high ME and protein diet. Activities of mitochondrial complex III and IV (week 6) in the heart, and complex I (week 6) and complex III and IV (week 4) in the liver were decreased in treatment H. In conclusion, high levels of dietary ME and protein resulted in oxidative stress and high incidence of ascites in broilers under low ambient temperature. Heart dysfunction was primarily attributed to ascites development, in which oxidative injury and inhibition of mitochondrial complex activity were involved.

Physiological changes in jeju crossbred riding horses by swim training.

The changes in physiologic parameters by swim exercise duration were examined in five female well-trained Jeju crossbred riding horses that had riding experience of more than three years without swim training experience. The horses were performed with swim exercise for 10 min (60.0 m/min) once a day for 14 days. Physiologic characteristics and haematic parameters were measured before swimming, immediately after swimming, and after a 10 min rest at first day (D0), 7 days (D7), and 14 days (D14) of training. After 14 days of swim training, heart rate (p<0.05), blood glucose (p<0.05), lactate concentration (p<0.001), packed cell volume (p<0.01), and hemoglobin (p<0.01) measured immediately after swim and after 10 min rest showed significant lower values than those of D0. The results illustrate the benefits of swim training for riding horses and the need for the establishment of swimming routines of appropriate duration and intensity to maximize the advantages of swim training.

Relationship between habitat, densities and metabolic profile in brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas)

Some habitat traits and haematic parameters were studied to understand the relationships between the hare densities, habitat characteristics and physiological and nutritional condition of the animals. A total of 33 protected areas, reserved for wild game reproduction, located in the Province of Florence (Central Italy), were monitored during a 2-year period. In each protected area the hares were submitted to census. The habitat features of the protected areas were studied and the following parameters were categorised: altitude; cleared-land/total-land ratio; main exposure; main ground composition; water availability; main slope; anthropogenic presence; predator presence; wooded borders; presence of trees and shrubs; surveillance against hunting; demographic predator control; kind of cultivation; unharvested crops for game. After the census the hares were captured for translocation outside in “free” hunting areas. During capture the hares were put in darkened, wooden capture-boxes and remained inside for a variable period of time (10min to 3h). A sample of 3 to 7 hares, captured per year and per each protected area, were removed from the boxes (physically restrained, with covered eyes) for blood sample collection, sex, age and live weight determination. The following analyses were performed on frozen plasma samples: ALanine aminoTransferase (ALT), ASpartate aminoTransferase (AST), glucose, cholesterol, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, and Cl concentrations. The relationship between hare density and habitat characteristics was analysed by single regressions analysis. Then the habitat characteristics were subjected to multivariate analysis in relationship to hare body condition. The haematic parameters were analysed by least square means considering habitat traits, animal density, age and sex, as main categorical factors, interaction sex*age, and “pregnant and non-reproducing” nested within sex. Results showed that the highest density and best body conditions can be found in highlands, open fields with low tree presence and wooded borders, medium mixture soils, scarce predator presence and limited anthropogenic presence and with abundant water availability and shrubbiness. The study of the absolute values of metabolic profile, indicator of the physiological and nutritional condition of the reared animals, did not show any nutritional winter deficiency in wild hares and, as census data, should be repeated for several years since, probably, only their variations can be used as indicators of preliminary problems.

Effect of lairage duration on some blood constituents and beef quality in bulls after long journey

With the aim to contribute to the determination of an adequate resting time for cattle after long transportation, the effects of different lairage times on some haematic parameters and meat quality of bulls subjected to long commercial journeys were investigated. Thirty-nine Limousine bulls supplied by one farm located near to Saragoza (Spain) were examined after 5 consignments at the final destination, following a journey of 2,550 km to the “San Giorgio” abattoir (Palermo, Italy). Transport time was of 53.6±10.9h; lairage duration for bulls of the 1st, 3rd and 5th consignments was of 31h on average (“Short Lairage” group), whereas, for those of the 2nd and 4th consignments, was of 59 and 57h, respectively (“Long Lairage” group). As regards the blood cell counts, data showed a significant effect (P>0.001) of the lairage duration on leukocyte and platelet counts. No significant effect was observed for erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and hematocrit in relation to the lairage duration, although the repeated measure analysis of variance showed that, irrespective of lairage duration, the hematocrit increased significantly between unloading and slaughter. Haematological parameters showed a significant (P>0.05) effect of the lairage time only on CK and Cortisol. CK enzyme showed an increase in the “Short Lairage” group (33.2% vs. 14.3%) whereas, Cortisol showed a decrease in the “Long Lairage” group (36.3% vs. 3.8%). The different lairage duration did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the incidence of slight and severe carcass bruises. As regards meat quality, lairage duration significantly influenced the pHu which was higher (P>0.01) in the muscle of the “Long Lairage” group, the luminosity at 24h post mortem which was significantly higher (P<0.05) in animals of the “Short Lairage” group, and the red and yellow indices which were higher in the “Long Lairage” group. The “Short Lairage” group showed a lower (P>0.01) value of cooking loss and higher (P<0.01) value of tenderness. Data show that pre-slaughter lairage duration after a long transport may influence the blood parameters as well as meat quality. On the whole, the increase in lairage duration over 36h does not determine any benefit for the animal’s well-being whereas it can cause a reduction in beef quality. For very long transports, it would be better to have an adequate organisation of the facilities in order to diminish the pre-slaughter lairage duration.

Haematic parameters of Maremmana breed

The haematic pattern of Maremmana cattle of Grosseto area was studied, to investigate the causes of the often found low reproductive efficiency. The provided data are related to some haematic parameters measured in different seasons in Maremmana cattle fed three different diets: Standard diet (pasture + hay in critical periods): diet A; standard diet integrated with mineral salts: diet B; standard diet + mineral salts + concentrated mixed feed): diet C. The season influenced all parameters, while no difference was found among diets. Among the mineral elements, phosphorous showed values always above norm.

Analysis of the IgG antibody response against Paramphistomidae trematoda in naturally infected cattle: Application to serological surveys

The IgG antibody response to Calicophoron daubneyi (Digenea: Paramphistomidae) excretory/secretory antigens was evaluated in naturally infected cattle from Lugo (Galicia, NW Spain) by using an ELISA procedure. Two studies were conducted, first a survey in 524 cattle separated into three groups according to age, G-1 (0–2 years old), G-2 (3–5 years old) and G-3 (>6 years old). In the second study, three groups of cattle were employed: G-I, naturally infected; G-T, naturally infected and treated with oxyclozanide plus levamisole (Nilzan Plus ®); G-C, cattle maintained in a farm where C. daubneyi has never diagnosed. Variations on egg-output and haematic parameters (erythrocytes, haematocrite, leukocytes and lymphocytes) were also analyzed. The ELISA procedure showed that 61.2% of the cattle in the first study had been exposed to the trematode, but only 10.1% passed eggs in the feces. Age-association with egg-output was shown but not with the IgG values. In the second experiment, the administration of the anthelmintic reduced significantly the IgG kinetic levels and the C. daubneyi-egg-output was suppressed during 12 weeks in the G-T group. The values of red cells, haematocrite, leukocytes and lymphocytes increased significantly in the treated cattle 5 weeks after chemotherapy; however, new reduction after week 5 was recorded, as results of the challenge of these cattle. This is the first investigation in which evaluation of the IgG humoral response against C. daubneyi in cattle has been carried out. We proved that a notable IgG response in naturally infected cattle is induced, and can be detected by using an ELISA procedure. The IgG antibodies did not increase after challenge infection. Our results proved an important percentage of cattle were exposed to this trematode in the area of study and suitable measures for preventing this relationship must be considered.

Stress evaluation in hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas) captured for traslocation

With the aim to evaluate the capturing techniques some haematic and physiological parameters were studied to discriminate stressed hares from non stressed hares.A total of 66 wild hares (experimental group) were sampled in 14 different non-hunting areas, where hares are usually captured for later release in low-density areas. In the same season a total of 30 hares (about 1 year old), reared in cages and thus showing a reduced fear of man, were sampled (control group). In each area the hares were captured by coursing with 3-4 dogs (greyhounds or lurches). The dogs were released by the different hunter teams to find and drive into trammel nets any hare that was seen running. After capture, the hares remained inside darkened, wooden capture-boxes for a variable period of time before blood drawing. For blood sample collection all the hares were physically restrained and their eyes immediately covered. Blood, always collected within 1-2 minutes, was drawn from the auricular vein. Blood samples (plasma) were analysed for glucose, AST, ALT, CPK and cortisol concentrations. Body temperature, heart and respiratory rate, sex, and age were evaluated in each hare. The effect of origin, sex and age on haematic and physiological parameters was analysed by ANOVA. Every measured parameter of the hares bearing to the capture group or the control group (reared) was then subjected to stepwise and to discriminant analysis, in order to select the groups of stressed (discriminated by the controls) and non-stressed hares.CPK, AST and glucose were found to be the best parameters for distinguishing stressed from non-stressed hares. The intensive exercise suffered by the wild hares induced a depletion of energetic reserves, so that most of the captured hares showed lower glucose and higher CPK activity in the plasma, probably due to muscle damage (P< 0.05). After reclassifying the hares in the two groups of stressed and non stressed hares, the reference values (means ± SE) resulted as follows: estimated non-stressed hares, glucose 234 ± 9 .4 mg/dl, AST 112 ± 22.2 U/l, CPK 1334 ± 734 U/l; estimated stressed hares, glucose 128 ± 7 mg/dl, AST 164 ± 13 U/l, CPK 4658 ± 454 U/l.These three cheap and quickly analysable analytes can be useful to the game manager in detecting stressed and non stressed hares, in order to improve the capturing techniques by the evaluation of the following relationship: (number of stressed hares + number of the dead hares during the capture)/number of total captured hares.

Gender effect on the metabolic profile of ostriches (Struthio camelus domesticus)

In order to better define the effect of the sex on the metabolic profile of young ostriches (Struthio camelus domesticus), forty birds were divided into two groups by sex (20 males vs 20 females). The animals were fed ad libitum natural pasture and corn silage. The daily ration was completed by administering 1200 g/head of a commercial concentrate with the following chemical composition expressed as a percentage of dry matter: crude protein 18.8, crude fibre 8.4, ether extract 3.6, ash 7.5. After about 12 h of fasting, in the morning the blood was collected from the wing vein. The following biochemical parameters were determined: glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, lactate (LAC), total protein (TP), uric acid, total bilirubin (Tbil), creatinine (CREA), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), natrium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), iron (Fe), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), cholinesterase (ChE); α-amylase (Amyl), lipase (LIPA); γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT).Sex significantly affected only some haematic parameters: in the females total protein and calcium were higher than in the males (TP, 43.3 vs 38.9 g/l, respectively for females and males, P< 0.05; Ca, 2.99 vs 2.59 mmol/l, respectively for females and males, P< 0.01). The other haematic parameters did not show significant differences by sex, and the average values were: glucose (9.87 mmol/l), cholesterol (1.96 mmol/l), triglycerides (1.56 mmol/l), LAC (6.60 mmol/l), uric acid (361 mmol/l), CREA (31.95 µmol/l), Na (144.8 mmol/l), K (3.27 mmol/l), Cl (109.7 mmol/l), P (1.47 mmol/l), Mg (1.10 mmol/l), Fe (9.22 µmol/l), Tbil (9.28 µmol/l), AST (341.3 U/l), ALT (11.42 U/l), AP (75.8 U/l), GGT (10.07 U/l), Amyl (6.97 U/l), LIPA (241.2 U/l), ChE (385.1 U/l).The results of our study, in agreement with previous findings, contribute to enhance the knowledge on the metabolic profile of ostriches in function of the sex.

Dietary goat milk improves iron bioavailability in rats with induced ferropenic anaemia in comparison with cow milk

Using rats with induced iron (Fe)-deficiency anaemia, this study investigated the effects of diets based on goat milk (GM) or cow milk (CM) lyophilates on the nutritive utilization of Fe, its deposit in target organs and haematic parameters involved in Fe metabolism. GM improved Fe metabolism, especially in Fe-deficient rats, leading to a higher Fe content in the spleen, liver, sternum and femur in comparison with CM. After feeding the rats for 2 weeks with the different diets, the anaemia had decreased, especially with GM, as assessed by higher haemoglobin regeneration efficiency (HRE), serum Fe, red blood cells (RBC) and packed cellular volume (PCV) levels and lower platelet count. We conclude that dietary GM improves Fe bioavailability in both control and anaemic rats, increasing Fe deposits in target organs and favouring the recovery of haematological parameters after ferropenic nutritional anaemia.

Hepatic respiratory compensation and blood volume in the frog (Rana esculenta)

In the frog, Rana esculenta (L.), the liver can change in volume by over 25%, depending on the respiratory conditions of the animal: in well‐oxygenated specimens the organ can hoard about half of the total amount of erythrocytes in its sinusoids, and release them into the bloodstream under conditions of hypoxia. This phenomenon can be observed at a temperature of 6°C by comparing the liver volumes and haematic values of chlorobutanol‐anaesthetized animals exposed to the air or submerged in still water (a condition which induces hypoxia): the blood volume remains constant, at about 5 ml per 100g of body weight, but red blood cell count and haematocrit value differ by as much as 50%. At 18°C there is an increase in oxygen demand and in anaesthetized animals, which rely totally on cutaneous respiration, the compensatory liver mechanism can no longer be observed, since all the available erythrocytes are already circulating in a blood volume which, depending on respiratory conditions, can vary between about 7 and 8ml/100g. At 30°C, cutaneous respiration alone does not allow the anaesthetized animals to survive long enough to stabilize their haematic parameters.

Haemopoietic effects of 7 alpha, 17 beta Dimethyltestosterone

Some haematic parameters were investigated in female COBS mice treated with 7 alpha, 17 beta Dimethyltestcsterone (DMT). The drug causes an increase of circulating platelets in normal mice. Bone marrow graft from DMT-treated donors facilitates in irradiated mice repopulation of white blood cells and platelets but lowers % survival. These data are interpreted on the basis of a commitment and a loss of self-maintenance induced by DMT on CFUs compartment.

Biotin as a regulator of some haematic parameters and of DNA-content of the liver of old rats.

Biotin administration to old rats (28 months) causes in the blood an increase of ATP, glucose, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase and a decrease of cholesterol and acid phosphatase; in the liver DNA and electrostatic interactions between DNA and histones are increased. Such parameters come within the values shown by adult rats.