Morphological Changes In Erythrocytes Research Articles

The effect of preanalytical phase on the stability of the osmotic fragility and morphological changes in erythrocytes in cattle (Bos taurus)

Hereditary spherocytosis in cattle is a disorder that results from a nonsense mutation in SLC4A1 gene that encodes band 3 membrane protein. This membranopathy leads to a production of spherically-shaped RBCs with reduced deformability and shorter lifespan in circulation. The laboratory diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis commonly rely on erytrocyte osmotic fragility test (OFT), which is time and work consuming and can be influenced by the preanalytical factors. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the preanalytical phase on the stability of the osmotic fragility and morphological changes of bovine erythrocytes. The blood was collected from the tail vein from Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 20) into tubes with EDTA or lithium heparin. The erythrocyte resistance to hemolysis was measured by osmotic fragility test immediately after blood collection and 24, 48 and 72 hours after storage at 4oC or room temperature. The thin blood smears were also prepared, stained and examined for cell morphology.The results showed that bovine erythrocyte osmotic fragility remains stable during 24 hours storage at 4oC regardless of the anticoagulant used. It suggests the possibility of performing OFT the day after blood collection when storing blood at 4oC. It was also found that bovine erythrocytes stored at room temperature have reduced osmotic resistance. However, heparin better preserves osmotic resistance of bovine erythrocytes at room temperature. Erythrocytes that are stored undergo changes during the storage period. The microscopic examination of cell morphology revealed the transformation of bovine discocytes into different stages of echinocytes, which rapidly occurs during the first three days of storage.

Effect of Storage Period on Platelet Count and Erythrocyte Morphology in Whole Blood Bags

Platelets and erythrocytes undergo transformation during storage, which may cause them to become inactive or non-functional. In transfusion medicine, the storage period of platelets and erythrocytes is very important because they change shape during storage, such as during echinocytosis, spherocytosis, and crenation. This study aims to determine the effect of storage period on platelet count and erythrocyte morphology in whole blood samples. Methods: This study used simple random sampling method to determine the effect of time on the occurrence of a disease. The study was conducted from January to April 2022 at the Semarang Regency Blood Donor Unit. This study focuses on the effect of time on the occurrence of a disease in whole blood samples. This study used automated sampling with hematology analyzer to analyze the data. Data collection was done with informed consent from donors and laboratory data from Blood Donor Unit Semarang Regency. The results showed a significant difference in changes in platelet count and erythrocyte morphology between day 0 and day 30 storage periods, with a p value of 0.014. Conclusions. There is a significant difference in changes in platelet count and erythrocyte morphology between day 0 and day 30 storage periods with a p value of 0.014. It is recommended that in the process of storing blood bags in the Blood Donor Unit, excessive shelf life is avoided to maintain blood quality.

Morphological Changes in Erythrocytes of Newborns after Perinatal Hypoxia

Morphological Changes in Erythrocytes of Newborns after Perinatal Hypoxia

SARS-CoV-2 Impact on Red Blood Cell Morphology.

Severe COVID-19 alters the biochemical and morphological characteristics of blood cells in a wide variety of ways. To date, however, the vast majority of research has been devoted to the study of leukocytes, while erythrocyte morphological changes have received significantly less attention. The aim of this research was to identify erythrocyte morphology abnormalities that occur in COVID-19, compare the number of different poikilocyte types, and measure erythrocyte sizes to provide data on size dispersion. Red blood cells obtained from 6 control donors (800-2200 cells per donor) and 5 COVID-19 patients (800-1900 cells per patient) were examined using low-voltage scanning electron microscopy. We did not discover any forms of erythrocyte morphology abnormalities that would be specific to COVID-19. Among COVID-19 patients, we observed an increase in the number of acanthocytes (p = 0.01) and a decrease in the number of spherocytes (p = 0.03). In addition, our research demonstrates that COVID-19 causes an increase in the median (p = 0.004) and interquartile range (p = 0.009) when assessing erythrocyte size. The limitation of our study is a small number of participants.

Construction of a visualized liver-targeting siRNA delivery system

A visualized liver-targeting small-interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery carrier, glycyrrhetinic acid-modified lipid-[poly(aspartate-graft-polyethyleneimine)]-modified superparamagnetic nanoparticles (GLPPS), was prepared for focus on improving the siRNA delivery efficiency and diagnostic capability for hepatocellular carcinoma. Agarose gel electrophoresis, cytotoxicity, and in vitro gene silencing experiments were conducted to determine the optimal carrier formulation. The results showed that the best formulation of the carrier was a weight ratio of LPPS to siRNA of 30:1 and a molar ratio of LPPS to DSPE-PEG-GA of 65:3. Prussian blue staining and in vitro magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments further confirmed that GLPPS had a significant liver-targeting effect. The carrier's biocompatibility was tested both in vitro and in vivo, and the results showed no hemolysis or morphological changes of erythrocytes when the carrier was incubated with rabbit blood cells. Following injection of GLPPS into the tail vein of mice, the hematoxylin and eosin staining of the liver, spleen, and kidney showed normal tissue morphology with no inflammation or injury. Taken together, these results indicated that GLPPS is a safe drug carrier. In vivo MRI showed that GLPPS significantly reduced tumor signal intensity and improved MRI contrast. In conclusion, GLPPS may be a promising liver-targeting siRNA delivery and MRI monitoring carrier.

Effect of hypersalinic stress on hemocyte morphology and hemolymph cellular composition of the ark clam (Anadarakagoshimensis).

Bivalve mollusks as typical osmoconformers are unable to maintain a constant level of internal osmolarity in conditions of salinity stress. Adaptation to fluctuations of environmental salinity is achieved through cellular osmoregulatory responses, which are accompanied with a substantial shift in functional state of cells. In the present work we investigated the effect of hypersalinity stress on hemolymph cellular composition and morphology of the ark clam (Anadara kagoshimensis) hemocytes. Ark clams were subjected to a gradual increase of environmental salinity from 18‰ to 35‰ and 45‰ and maintained at those conditions for two days. Exposure to hypersalinity 35‰ induced changes in erythrocyte morphology and led to a decrease of their diameter. At salinity 45‰ a substantial increase of hemocyte average diameter was observed, whereas the shape of cells did not change (18‰). Hyperosmotic stress was not associated with changes in hemocyte viability as well as changes in hemolymph cellular composition. The results of the present work demonstrate high tolerance of A. kagoshimensis to short-time exposure to hypersalinic conditions.

Morphological Changes of Erythrocytes in Neonates with Perinatal Hypoxia

Morphological Changes of Erythrocytes in Neonates with Perinatal Hypoxia

Parameters and Morphological Changes of Erythrocytes and Platelets of COVID-19 Subjects: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Information about dynamic changes occurring in the parameters and morphology of erythrocytes and platelets during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and convalescence is scarce. To explore potential associations between dynamic erythrocyte and platelet parameters, morphological changes, and the course or severity of the disease is essential. From January 17th, 2020, to February 20th, 2022, we followed up on 35 patients with non-severe and 11 patients with severe COVID-19 following their discharge. We collected clinical features, dynamic complete blood count (CBC), and peripheral blood smears (PBS) and analyzed parameter and morphological changes of erythrocytes and platelets depending on the course or severity of the disease. The course of the disease included four periods, namely onset (T1), discharge (T2), 1-year follow-up (T3), and 2-year follow-up (T4). Red blood cell (RBC) counts and hemoglobin were the lowest in T2, followed by T1, and lower in T1 and T2 than in T3 and T4. Inversely, the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) was the highest in T2, followed by T1, and higher than in T3 and T4. Compared to non-severe patients, the platelet of severe patients was lower in T1 and T2. In contrast, the mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) tended to be higher in severe patients. Similarly, anisocytosis was more common in peripheral blood smears at early stages and in severe patients. Finally, large platelets were more common in severe patients. Anisocytosis of erythrocytes and large platelets are found in patients with severe COVID-19, these changes may help primary hospitals to identify patients with a high risk of severe COVID-19 at an early stage.

Coarse-grained model of whole blood hemolysis and morphological analysis of erythrocyte population under non-physiological shear stress flow environment

Erythrocyte dynamics and hemorheology exist inextricably connection. In order to further explore the population dynamics of erythrocytes in non-physiological shear stress flow and its microscopic hemolysis mechanism, this study improved the coarse-grained erythrocytes damaged model and established the hemoglobin (Hb) diffusion model based on the transport dissipative particle dynamics. The whole blood hemolysis simulation results showed that the red blood cells near the active shear side were more likely to be damaged, and most of the escaping cytoplasm was also concentrated in this side. After the destruction and relaxation of erythrocytes, the cell membrane presents a pathological state of relaxation and swelling. Moreover, we built a deep learning network for recognizing erythrocyte morphology and analyzing the erythrocyte population change rule in non-physiological shear stress flow. In this study, the clues of the blood shear-thinning effect were found from erythrocyte dynamics and coarse-grained simulation. After the shearing starts, the coin-stacked erythrocytes are depolymerized. Then, the overturned double concave erythrocytes changed into multilobe erythrocytes. When the flow shear stress gradually increases, most erythrocytes show an ellipsoidal tank-treading movement along the shear direction. Changes in erythrocyte morphology can reduce flow resistance, showing a phenomenon of the whole blood shear-thinning effect.

A mathematical model of fibrinogen-mediated erythrocyte–erythrocyte adhesion

Erythrocytes are deformable cells that undergo progressive biophysical and biochemical changes affecting the normal blood flow. Fibrinogen, one of the most abundant plasma proteins, is a primary determinant for changes in haemorheological properties, and a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the adhesion between human erythrocytes is measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and its effect observed by micropipette aspiration technique, in the absence and presence of fibrinogen. These experimental data are then used in the development of a mathematical model to examine the biomedical relevant interaction between two erythrocytes. Our designed mathematical model is able to explore the erythrocyte–erythrocyte adhesion forces and changes in erythrocyte morphology. AFM erythrocyte–erythrocyte adhesion data show that the work and detachment force necessary to overcome the adhesion between two erythrocytes increase in the presence of fibrinogen. The changes in erythrocyte morphology, the strong cell-cell adhesion and the slow separation of the two cells are successfully followed in the mathematical simulation. Erythrocyte-erythrocyte adhesion forces and energies are quantified and matched with experimental data. The changes observed on erythrocyte–erythrocyte interactions may give important insights about the pathophysiological relevance of fibrinogen and erythrocyte aggregation in hindering microcirculatory blood flow.

Effects of hemodialysis on hematological indices in Egyptian end-stage kidney disease patients

Abstract Background Worldwide, chronic kidney disease is a serious health issue. Changes in erythrocyte morphology and function are induced by hemodialysis (HD), which affects the efflux of water over the membrane of erythrocytes. Objective This study aimed to demonstrate alterations in red cell indices and hematocrit (HCT) in chronic kidney disease patients receiving maintenance HD. Patients and methods The cross-sectional study consisted of 120 known end-stage kidney disease patients receiving maintenance HD at Ain Shams University Hospitals. Complete blood count by automated analyzer were used to compare blood counts before and after HD. Statistical approaches were used to examine the data (paired sample t test). Results There was a dramatic increase in HCT in the postdialysis state as opposed to the predialysis state HCT level (P<0.001). The change in HCT level is in a close proximity to and a good correlation with interdialytic weight gain and the duration of HD. Conclusion Important alterations in hematological parameters were observed in patients receiving maintenance HD, according to the findings of this study. Some of these changes can be attributed to ultrafiltration during session while others have yet to be explored.

The effect of the Satureja montana ethanol extract on the morphological changes of erythrocytes

The present study investigated the antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of the leaves of Satureja montana and their influence on the membrane stability of erythrocytes ex vivo. The ethanol extracts showed a very potent antioxidant activity of EC50 = 0.055mg/ml. Rat blood samples were treated with 96% ethanol extracts in different concentrations of 100 ?g/ml, 200 ?g/ml, and 300 ?g/ml, and morphological analyses were carried out. The results showed significant differences in the shape of the erythrocytes incubated with higher extract concentrations. Considerable morphological changes were observed at a concentration of 200 ?g/ml which was characterised by the highest percentage of stomatocytes, while the highest percentage of echinocyte formation was observed at a concentration of 300 ?g/ml. The results of this investigation indicated that the ethanol extracts of S. montana exhibited a possible protective effect on the membrane stability of erythrocytes.

Protective Effects of Auraptene against Free Radical-Induced Erythrocytes Damage.

Auraptene is the most abundant natural prenyloxycoumarin. Recent studies have shown that it has multiple biological and therapeutic properties, including antioxidant properties. Erythrocytes are constantly subjected to oxidative damage that can affect proteins and lipids within the erythrocyte membrane and lead to some hemoglobinopathies. Due to the lack of sufficient information about the antioxidant effects of auraptene on erythrocytes, this study intended to evaluate the potential of this compound in protecting radical-induced erythrocytes damages. The antioxidant activity of auraptene was measured based on DPPH and FRAP assays. Notably, oxidative hemolysis of human erythrocytes was used as a model to study the ability of auraptene to protect biological membranes from free radical-induced damage. Also, the effects of auraptene in different concentrations (25-400 µM) on AAPH-induced lipid/protein peroxidation, glutathione (GSH) content and morphological changes of erythrocytes were determined. Oxidative hemolysis and lipid/protein peroxidation of erythrocytes were significantly suppressed by auraptene in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Auraptene prevented the depletion of the cytosolic antioxidant GSH in erythrocytes. Furthermore, it inhibited lipid and protein peroxidation in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Likewise, FESEM results demonstrated that auraptene reduced AAPH-induced morphological changes in erythrocytes. Auraptene efficiently protects human erythrocytes against free radicals. Therefore, it can be a potent candidate for treating oxidative stress-related diseases.

Mikroangiopathien in der Schwangerschaft

Das Wissen um die Differentialdiagnose der Mikroangiopathien ist auch für Geburtshelfer:innen wichtig. So ist die Kombination aus einer Thrombopenie und Hämolysezeichen wegweisend in der Erkennung der Erkrankung. Es sollten die Differenzialdiagnosen bekannt sein, da diese zu unterschiedlichen Therapienotwendigkeiten führen und Langzeitschäden, beispielsweise für die Niere, vermieden werden müssen. Die Differenzialdiagnosen der Thrombopenie stellen den Einstieg für die weitere Diagnostik dar. In der Kombination mit Hämolysezeichen und Veränderungen der Erythrozytenmorphologie (Fragmentozyten) liegen unterschiedliche Ursachen für die Mikroangiopathie vor. Eine thrombotisch-thrombozytopenische Purpura (TTP) kann während der gesamten Schwangerschaft, aber insbesondere im letzten Trimenon, die Ursache für solche Veränderungen sein. Bei dieser finden sich häufig gastrointestinale oder auch zusätzliche neurologische Symptome. Die Präeklampsie, insbesondere beim HELLP(„hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and a low platelet count“)-Syndrom, kann ebenfalls zu einer Mikroangiopathie führen, dieses i.d.R. mit entsprechender Erhöhung des Blutdrucks und insbesondere mit einer deutlichen Erhöhung der Lebertransaminasen, ebenfalls typischerweise im letzten Trimenon kombiniert. Wenn entsprechende Veränderungen nach der Geburt auftreten und diese neben der Hämolyse mit einem Nierenversagen verbunden sind, kann es sich hierbei um ein atypisches hämolytisch-urämisches Syndrom (aHUS) handeln, das spezifisch durch Antikörper therapiert werden sollte. Neben der typischen Gerinnungsaktivierung im Sinne einer Thrombosierung findet sich bei COVID-19 („corona virus disease“) auch das gesamte Bild einer entsprechenden Mikroangiopathie, zum Teil durch entsprechende Aktivierung des Gerinnungssystem, zum Teil durch eine Verstärkung der anderen Mikroangiopathien. Für alle Bereiche werden die Differenzialdiagnosen und mögliche Therapien skizziert.

Increased acid sphingomyelinase levels in pediatric patients with obesity

The level of secretory acid sphingomyelinase (S-ASM), a key enzyme in the sphingolipid metabolism, is elevated in a variety of human diseases, including in the serum of obese adults. Alterations in S-ASM were also found to induce morphological changes in erythrocytes. Consequently, the inhibition of S-ASM by functional Inhibitors of ASM (FIASMA) may have broad clinical implications. The purpose of this study was to assess S-ASM activity in pediatric patients with obesity and healthy matched controls, as well as to investigate the erythrocyte morphology using transmission electron microscopy. We recruited 46 obese patients (mean age 11 ± 2.9 years) and 44 controls (mean age 10.8 ± 2.9 years). S-ASM activity was significantly higher (Wilcoxon signed-rank test p-value: 0.004) in obese patients (mean 396.4 ± 49.7 pmol/ml/h) than in controls (mean 373.7 ± 23.1 pmol/ml/h). No evidence of morphological differences in erythrocytes was found between the two populations. We then carried out a case–control study based on the spontaneous reporting system database to compare FIASMAs with NON-FIASMAs in terms of weight gain risk. Children who received FIASMA had a significantly lower frequency of weight gain reports than patients who took NON-FIASMA agents (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest there is an intriguing possibility that S-ASM may play a role in pediatric obesity. This pilot study could serve as the basis for future studies in this interesting field of research.

Acetochlor Affects Bighead Carp (Aristichthys Nobilis) by Producing Oxidative Stress, Lowering Tissue Proteins, and Inducing Genotoxicity.

Acetochlor is persistently used in the agroproduction sector to control broadleaf weeds. Due to frequent and continuous applications, this herbicide can reach nearby water bodies and may induce deleterious changes in aquatic life. Therefore, investigation of harmful impacts of different environmental pollutants, including herbicides, is vital to knowing the mechanisms of toxicity and devising control strategies. The current experiment included bighead carp (n = 80) to estimate adverse impacts. Fish were randomly placed in 4 different experimental groups (T0-T3) and were treated for 36 days with acetochlor at 0, 300, 400, and 500 μg/L. Fresh blood without any anticoagulant was obtained and processed for nuclear and morphological changes in erythrocytes. At the same time, various visceral organs, including the gills, liver, brain, and kidneys, were removed and processed on days 12, 24, and 36 to determine oxidative stress and various antioxidant biomarkers. Comet assays revealed significantly increased DNA damage in isolated cells of the liver, kidneys, brain, and gills of treated fish. We recorded increased morphological and nuclear changes (P ≤ 0.05) in the erythrocyte of treated fish. The results on oxidative stress showed a higher quantity of oxidative biomarkers and a significantly (P ≤ 0.05) low concentration of cellular proteins in the gills, liver, brain, and kidneys of treated fish compared to unexposed fish. Our research findings concluded that acetochlor renders oxidative stress in bighead carp.

The Relationship between Hemoglobin Levels and Erythrocyte Morphology on the Third Day of Menstruation for Students in The Faculty of Health

Menstruation is the process of releasing the endometrial lining of the uterus due to the release of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, causing bleeding after ovulation from the uterus for approximately fourteen days at regular intervals. The first three days of menstruation is a condition where there is heavy bleeding, so there is iron loss, which can cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels and there is a risk of causing anemia. The occurrence of anemia gives an illustration of morphological changes of erythrocytes. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between hemoglobin levels and erythrocyte morphology on the third day of menstruation. This type of research is analytic observational with a cross-sectional approach. The sample in this study were 30 students from the Health Faculty of Nahdlatul Ulama University Surabaya who experienced menstruation on the third day. The hemoglobin level was analysed using the Hematology Analyzer Xp-300 method. A blood smear test with Giemsa stain were used for abnormalities erythrocytes morphology observation. The results of the statistical analysis used the chi-square test showed there was no relationship between hemoglobin levels and erythrocyte size (p-value = 0.836), erythrocyte shape (p-value = 0.416). However, there was a relationship between hemoglobin levels and erythrocyte colour (p&lt;0.05). Based on the study result, it can be concluded that there is no relationship between hemoglobin levels and erythrocyte morphology on the third day of menstruation.

The effects of extended feeding of florfenicol coated medicated diets on the safety, serum biomarkers and blood cells morphology of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.).

Tilapia is one of the most consumed farmed fish, which requires the use of antibiotics in certain phases of its production. This study assessed the safety of 30days of oral florfenicol (FFC) dosing at 0-10 times the therapeutic dose (1 × : 10mg/kg biomass/day) in Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. Behavioural changes, feed consumption, mortality and biomass were evaluated. Besides, the levels of serum glucose, calcium, chloride, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and blood cell morphology were determined at scheduled intervals. The 30days of oral FFC dosing caused 3.33% (1 ×) to 18.33% (10 ×) mortalities, reduced feed intake and biomass in a dose-dependent manner. The fish fed the therapeutic dose recorded 1.25-fold increase in biomass, while the control group recorded 1.45-fold increase in 30days. No significant erythrocyte morphological alterations were observed in the 1 × group compared to the control. However, marked morphological alterations like tear-shaped, spindle-shaped and degenerative erythrocytes in higher dosing groups indicated FFC cytotoxicity. All the serum biomarkers of O. niloticus increased significantly on day 10 and day 30 FFC dosing in a dose-dependent manner, except for calcium and chloride, which reduced significantly during the dosing period. Within 2weeks of suspension of FFC dosing, the serum biomarker levels became normal except for alkaline phosphatase and creatinine. The recovery of biomass, feed intake, serum biomarker levels and erythrocyte morphological changes suggested that the FFC-induced changes are reversible. This study has, thus, proclaimed the safety of FFC at the therapeutic dose in O. niloticus.

Response and recovery of Nile tilapia exposed to diesel oil – Behavioral, hemato-biochemical and morphological changes of erythrocytes

Pollution caused by petroleum oil in several manners is becoming a threat to aquatic ecosystem. Hence, we carried out an experiment to investigate how diesel oil affects biota behavior, physiological attributes and how they recover by using Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as a model organism. Nile tilapia of two different treatment groups were exposed to 0.1 mL/L and 0.5 mL/L diesel oil for 7 days. Then both groups were kept in completely diesel oil-free water for 14 days. A control group was maintained throughout the experimental period. We examined the behavioral attributes, hemato-biochemical parameters: hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and glucose (Glu), and morphological changes of erythrocytes after diesel exposure and at the end of recovery phase. Our results revealed that there were abnormalities in behavior and significant changes in Hb, RBC, WBC and Glu level in both of the treatment group after 7 days of exposure. Frequencies of erythrocytic cellular abnormalities (ECAs), for example, twin, spindle, elongated, tear drop and erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENAs) like notch nuclei, karyopyknosis, nuclear bud and nuclear bridge were prominent in both groups. However, the amount of anomalies was higher in most if not all the cases in 0.5 mL/L treatment group. Nile tilapia of both groups were quick to recover but the 0.1 mL/L group showed profound recovery than the 0.5 mL/L group. However, in the cases of ECAs and ENAs, recovery of the 0.5 mL/L group was insignificant. Hence, our experimental study concluded that the higher the exposure to diesel oil, higher incidences of major health problems are recorded, seriously piercing the healing system of Nile tilapia.

THE IMPACT OF TWO ANTICOAGULANTS ON ERYTHROCYTES MORPHOLOGY IN DIFFERENT VERTEBRATE SPECIES

In this study, we aimed to highlight the influence of anticoagulants on erythrocyte morphometry in different vertebrate species. Anticoagulants are a category of substances that inhibit blood clotting through various mechanisms. Due to this property, they are used to collect blood samples for a wide range of laboratory tests. The literature mentions that the use of anticoagulants produces morphological changes of erythrocytes, thus influencing results. Blood samples were collected from three warm-blooded vertebrate species (horse, rabbit, and chicken) and one lower vertebrate species with nucleated erythrocytes (fish) in vacutainers with Heparin and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), in a normal concentration and a double concentration. At the time of harvesting, control smears were performed. In order to be able to compare the effects produced by anticoagulants on the morphology of erythrocytes, they were evaluated morphometrically at intervals of 3, 6, and 24 hrs. after harvest. The following features were evaluated using the Toup View software: length, width, surface and perimeter of erythrocytes for species with anucleated erythrocytes. The same characteristics were evaluated in the nucleus for species with nucleated erythrocytes. The data obtained were processed with statistical programs to highlight changes in erythrocyte morphology produced by anticoagulants.