Erythrocyte Count

Neonatal nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) are generally found in the cord blood, and an elevated count could be considered a marker of fetal hypoxia. Increased NRCB count is related to Rhsensitization, ABO incompatibility, anemia, diabetes mellitus, twin pregnancy, preterm birth, and intra-uterine growth restriction [1,2]. This study compared NRBC counts among 3 groups of newborns, 21 who were delivered for pre-eclampsia, 25 born after spontaneous-onset preterm labor, and 50 born at term with no pregnancy complications. Newborns with other perinatal risk factors for intrauterine asphyxia or altered erythropoiesis known to affect NRBC count were excluded.

Ineffective erythropoiesis is a prominent defect leading to anaemic status in thalassaemic patients. Reticulocyte enumeration in the peripheral blood is a non-aggressive method of measuring bone marrow erythropoietic activity. We used an automated reticulocyte counter (Sysmex R-3000) to determine the number and maturation level of circulating reticulocytes among various types of thalassaemia: non-splenectomized beta-thalassaemia/haemoglobin E (beta E) and splenectomized cases (beta E-S), classical haemoglobin H disease (H), haemoglobin H disease with haemoglobin Constant Spring (H/CS), homozygous haemoglobin Constant Spring (CS/CS), homozygous haemoglobin E (EE), heterozygous thalassaemics and other rare combinations. Haemoglobin H disease has a higher absolute count than beta-thalassaemia (beta E), indicating relatively better compensatory erythropoiesis in haemoglobin H disease. Those with CS genes (H/CS and CS/CS) have poorer reticulocyte maturation than any other type of thalassaemia with rather high absolute numbers, especially in H/CS. This indicates a severer degree of ineffective erythropoiesis in beta-thalassaemia (beta E), which reflects an insufficient rise in reticulocyte number in comparison with alpha-thalassaemia (H). The presence of haemoglobin Constant Spring is associated with abnormally low reticulocyte maturation due to enhanced erythrocyte production or direct effect of Constant Spring globin itself, both still unexplained with the current information. The splenectomized beta E has increased reticulocyte number and cells with high DNA content, probably nucleated red cells, designated as the upper particle count parameter. However, there is the same degree of reticulocyte maturation in non-splenectomized and splenectomized beta E patients, suggesting a role for splenic pooling of reticulocytes.

A 27-year-old woman was maintained in an isolated state for 131 days in Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico. Her diet was vitamin D-depleted. Determinations on the effects of such isolation on levels and activities of peripheral blood cells that are important for hematological homeostasis and immunological function were carried out. Throughout the duration of the study, the percentage of lymphoid cells that expressed CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, Leu 8, and other markers remained relatively constant although the absolute numbers of these cells varied. Although the percentage of natural killer (NK) cells did not vary, the activity of these cells did change. NK cell activity became elevated as the isolation study progressed. Production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in response to mitogen stimulation was higher than expected throughout the isolation periods, but returned to the normal range after termination of the isolation. Red and white cell counts dropped significantly upon entering isolation, but soon returned to normal.

OBJECTIVE We have already reported that A1C is elevated because of iron deficiency in late pregnancy among nondiabetic pregnant women. This report examined whether the same phenomenon is observed in pregnant women with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This longitudinal study was conducted in 17 pregnant women with diabetes (20–35 weeks of pregnancy). A1C, serum glycated albumin, erythrocyte indexes, and iron metabolism indexes were measured. RESULTS A1C levels were significantly increased in late pregnancy, whereas serum glycated albumin showed no significant changes. Glycated albumin/A1C ratio, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, serum transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin were significantly decreased in late pregnancy. Serum transferrin saturation showed a significant positive correlation with glycated albumin/A1C ratio. CONCLUSIONS A1C levels, but not serum glycated albumin levels, are elevated in late pregnancy because of iron deficiency in diabetic women. Serum glycated albu...

Although the knowledge of morphometrics and hematology of reptiles in health has grown substantially in recent years, there are still knowledge gaps in many species and from different geographical regions. The objectives of this study were to document morphometrical measurements and hematological data of clinically healthy free-ranging adult Mesopotamian spiny-tailed lizards (Saara loricata), the Iraqi Mastigure or Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard, from Khuzestan Province, Iran, and to investigate sex differences in evaluated parameters. Although we did not observe any gender differences in morphometrical measurements, the visually larger genital pores of males allowed for differentiation of study animals into females (n = 6) and males (n = 5). We obtained femoral vein blood samples for hematological analysis, including detailed red blood cell (RBC) measurements, RBC count, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) counts, and blood film review. Gender differences were identified in some RBC measurements, notably length and width of erythrocytes and nucleus width, as well as RBC and WBC counts. Gametocytes of hemogregarines varied from absent to frequent. The information presented herein will be useful for interpretative considerations of health assessment data for this species from Iran in comparison to data from the same and closely related species from other geographical regions

Several studies on babies have shown that the type of delivery can influence the hematological and immune status of the newborn. In bovine medicine, some authors reported the hematological pattern of the newborn calf, but never related it with the calving process or other perinatal factors. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the hematological profile in newborn calves in relation to the type of delivery. A total of 41 healthy calves were enrolled; 16 Friesian calves which were born by vaginal delivery without assistance (VD), and 25 Belgian Blue calves that were born by elective Caesarean section (CS). As soon as the calves were born, a complete clinical examination was performed to verify viability and maturity. At 10 min after birth, 2 mL venous blood was collected to perform the blood gas and acid-base evaluation. Blood samples were subsequently collected from the jugular vein within 30 min after birth, and at 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 days of age. An automatic analyzer was used to determine hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), and red and white blood cell counts, while differential leukocyte count was performed microscopically. Statistical analysis was applied to assess differences between the groups and within the group for all parameters between each sampling time (P Յ 0.05). All the calves were born alive, viable, and mature. There were no acidotic calves, but statistical analysis revealed many differences, as higher pH, base excess (BE) (P Յ 0.05), PO 2 (P Ͻ 0.001), and sO 2 (P Ͻ 0.0001) in the VD group. Levels of hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and red blood cell number were constantly higher in CS calves (P Ͻ 0.001). In comparison with the VD calves, white blood cell and neutrophil absolute number were higher at birth and at 14 days of age in the CS group (P Ͻ 0.001 and P Յ 0.05). The mode of delivery, therefore, seems to have an influence on the oxygenation levels and on the hematological and nonspecific immunity profile of the newborn calf.

In the instrument vs 400-cell manual differential comparison, the DxH 800 and Sapphire showed comparable performance for nearly all parameters except for NRBCs, for which the DxH 800 correlated better (r = 0.989) than the Sapphire (r = 0.906). We also compared clinical efficiency by determining whether flagged specimens showed abnormalities on a peripheral blood smear as defined by International Council for Standardization in Haematology criteria. The efficiency of the DxH 800 was 78.0% vs the Sapphire at 68.1%. Both instruments showed identical sensitivity (91.1%), but the specificity for the DxH 800 (71.9%) was higher than that of the Sapphire (57.3%).

Copper sulphate was administered by the oral or intravenous route to five dromedary camels. Two camels (1 and 2) receiving copper sulphate at 200 mg per kg per day by drench died within 8 days and camel 3, receiving 100 mg per kg per day by the same route, was slaughtered on day 172. Intravenous injection of 2 mg per kg per day caused the death of camel 4 on day 95 and camel 5, treated similarly, was slaughtered on day 138. Anorexia, dullness, diarrhoea, dehydration and recumbency in camels 1 and 2 were probably clinical signs of copper toxicity. Camels 3, 4 and 5 lost weight. Jaundice was not a prominent clinical sign. The main lesions in camels 1 and 2 were fatty change and necrosis of the liver cells, dilatation and necrosis of kidney tubules, catarrhal abomasitis, enteritis and congestion of the blood vessels of the heart. In camels 3, 4 and 5 the hepatic lesions were mild, with leucocytic infiltration and gastrointestinal and heart lesions were either mild (camel 3) or absent (camels 4 and 5). Cytoplasmic copper granules in hepatic cells were generalized in distribution but more concentrated in the centrilobular zone. In the kidney these granules were confined to the cells of the proximal convoluted tubules. Copper accumulated in the liver and kidneys of all the camels and zinc accumulated in the liver and kidneys of those receiving copper sulphate intravenously. Macrocytic hypochromic anaemia developed in camels 3, 4 and 5 and haemoconcentration in camels 1 and 2. The concentration of serum copper, zinc and iron increased in animals 1, 2 and 4, and unbound iron binding capacity decreased in four camels. There was a rise in the activity ofyGT, GOT, LDH and CPK in the serum of all the animals. Serum ALP activity, however, increased in camels 1 and 2 and decreased in camels 3, 4 and 5. small ruminants. Chapman el al.

The study provides information on the blood fluidity in healthy, juvenile sheep and rabbits during growth (n = 18), and shows also data from fetal rabbits and cats. In the fetal rabbit (n = 3) and cat (n = 2), whole blood viscosity (WBV; LS30, Contraves, Switzerland) and plasma viscosity (PV; OCR-D, Paar, Austria) was low (WBV (0.7 s(-1)): rabbit: 3.28/3.00/2.44; cat: 7.87/10.88; WBV (94 s(-1)): rabbit: 2.57/2.48/2.39; cat: 2.75/3.73 mPa s) (PV: rabbit: 1.10/1.10/1.05; cat: 1.27/1.39 mPa s), which was associated with a low plasma protein concentration and a low erythrocyte count despite a high erythrocyte volume. After parturition, blood viscosity increased in rabbits in parallel with hematocrit, while MCV decreased (WBV (0.7 s(-1)): 9.28 (8.07/10.88); WBV (94 s(-1)): 3.67 (3.62/3.82); PV: 1.15 (1.15/1.25) mPa s). In contrast, in the sheep, whole blood and plasma viscosity decreased after delivery (WBV (0.7 s(-1)): 1.31 (0.94/1.88); WBV (94 s(-1)): 2.45 (2.43/2.85) PV: 1.24 (1.23/1....

The present experiment was executed to determine the pathological effects induced by concurrent feeding of butachlor (chloroacetanilide herbicide) in male Japanese quail. For this purpose mature male quail about 4-5 weeks of age were procured from the local market and randomly divided into six equal groups (A-F). Butachlor was mixed in corn oil and administered orally for 30 days using crop tube. Four birds from each group were killed at day 10, 20 and 30 of the experiment and blood was collected with and without anticoagulant. The birds in groups (A-D) did not reveal any clinical and behavioral alterations. Clinical signs like watery droppings, dullness, ruffled feather, depression, decrease frequency of crowing, mounting with pen mates and foam production were observed. Maximum intensity of these clinical signs and behavioral alterations were observed in group F throughout the experiment. Significant lower values of erythrocytes, hematocrit percent and hemoglobin were recorded. Significantly increased numbers of erythrocytes with micronuclei, lobed and notched nuclei were observed. Histopathologically, enlarged intertubular space, fewer numbers of round spermatids, necrotic spermatids and admixture of dead spermatids were observed in testes. The results revealed significant increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and urea concentrations. The results of present experimental study indicated that butachlor induces hematobiochemical and testicular changes in birds.

Kratak sadr`aj: Tokom inflamacije dolazi do aktivacije endotela i ispoljavanja njegove proadherentne sposobnosti. Sinteza reaktivnih metabolita kiseonika koja prati imuno-lo{ke procese mo`e pokrenuti oksidativno o{te}enje mikrovaskularnih endotelnih }elija, {to se klini~ki manifestuje pojavom razli~itih ko`nih manifestacija. U radu je pra}ena aktivnost antioksidativnih enzima (superoksid-dizmutaza, kata laza, glutation-peroksidaza) kao i vrednosti malondialde hida kod 36 dece sa inflamatornim o{te}enjem endotelnih }elija. Na osnovu prisutnih klini~kih manifestacija ispitanici su podeljeni u 4 grupe (I grupa-makulozne promene na ko`i, II grupa-makulo-papulozne, III grupa-papulozne i IV grupa-eritematozne promene na ko`i). Svi paci jen ti su pre ispoljavanja manifestacija na ko`i imali simp tome inflama cije (uglavnom infekcije respiratornih puteva) i kod svih su u krvnoj slici registrovane leukocitoza i monocitoza. U tri grupe ispitanika aktivnost superoksid-diz mutaze bila je zna~ajno sni`ena, sem u grupi ispitanika sa eritematoznim promenama na ko`i, dok je aktivnost kata laze u svim ispiti vanim grupama bila zna~ajno povi{ena u odnosu na vred no sti u kontrolnoj grupi. Vrednosti malondial dehida bile su zna~ajno povi{ene u grupi dece sa makulopapuloznim i eritematoznim ko`nim promenama. Dobijeni rezultati po tvr|uju prisustvo oksidativnog stresa tokom inflamatornog o{te}enja endotelnih }elija, ali se malon dialdehid, kao parametar lipidne peroksidacije, nije pokazao adekvatnim za procenu inflamatornog endotelnog o{te}enja.

Red blood cell (RBC) anomalies are significant symptoms for identification of health disorders and several blood diseases, which involve the modification of the parameters and biophysical characteristics of such cells. The aim of this study is to measure the three-dimensional phase information of healthy RBCs and their parameters, such as cell diameter, thickness, and hemoglobin (Hb) content, using Talbot-projected fringes. The Talbot image of linear grating is projected onto an RBC slide. The deformed grating lines due to the shape and refractive index of RBCs are recorded by a CCD camera through a 20× microscope objective. Hilbert transform is used to extract the phase image from the deformed projected grating lines. Experimentally calculated values of diameter (8.2  μm), thickness (2.7  μm), and Hb content (28.7  pg/cell) are well within the limits available in the literature. The proposed system is robust and user-friendly and performs the imaging of RBCs with high axial and lat...

Compliance is a key component in successful implementation of the delivery of micronutrients among children. The present study evaluates the compliance with two home-based food fortification strategies (fortified complementary food or sprinkle) for providing iron and zinc among children aged 6-24 months. A total of 292 children were randomly allocated to receive either rice-based fortified complementary food and nutrition education (Cf = 101), sprinkle and nutrition education (Mp = 97), or nutrition education alone as control (Ed = 94). All the enrolled children were breastfed at the beginning of the study and were advised to continue breastfeeding. Biweekly information on compliance and anthropometry was collected. Complete haemogram estimation was conducted at baseline and end of the study. Compliance with the fortified complementary food was higher compared to sprinkle (Cf = 81%, Mp = 64% child-days). Consumption of the fortified complementary food for 6 months resulted in a sign...

Circumstances can occur that prevent timely analysis of blood samples. The purpose of this study was to characterize artifactual changes in rat hematologic parameters after storage of samples at 3 and 21 °C and to document the effects of storage on peripheral blood smear findings. EDTA-treated blood samples were collected from 12 male Sprague–Dawley rats. Samples were analyzed on an impedance hematology analyzer within 5 min after collection and then at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after storage at 3 °C or 21 °C. Corresponding blood smears were examined microscopically. RBC count and hemoglobin concentration had not changed after 72 h at either temperature. At 3 °C, the instrument-derived hematocrit and manually measured PCV remained unchanged for 72 h. Compared with 0-h values, platelet counts and MCV at 6 h and MPV at 24 h were higher at either temperature. In general, WBC count and neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages were unchanged for at least 48 h at either temperature. Prominent blood smear findings were smudge cells, pyknotic leukocytes, echinocytes, and spheroechinocytes. Although some observed changes were within analytic variability or clinically negligible, the best practice likely is to measure hematologic parameters within 6 h after collection. In the event of delayed analysis, specimens should be stored in the refrigerator, and care must be taken not to misinterpret artifactual changes as pathologic findings.

Microcytic anemia is frequently encountered in clinical practice. The two main causes of microcytic anemia are iron deficiency (IDA) and thalassemia. The differentiation between thalassemic and nonthalassemic microcytosis has important clinical implications (Hallberg, 1992). World Health Organization (WHO) has recently highlighted the growing concern about anemia, affecting an estimated 2000 million people, 50% of the cases caused by iron deficiency (WHO, 2004). Microcytic anemia in the case of thalassemia results from impaired globin chain synthesis and decreased Hb synthesis. Thalassemia syndromes are among the most common genetic disorders worldwide, with

In the present study the acute toxicity of arsenic trioxide in fingerlings of Catla catla an Indian major carp was evaluated with renewal bioassay method. The median lethal concentration of arsenic trioxide to the fish C. catla for 96 h was found to be 20.41 ppm (with 95% confidence limits). From this a non-lethal dose of (2.041 ppm; 1/10th of LC 50 96 value) was selected and fingerlings were exposed to 35 d and hematological, biochemical and ionoregulatory responses were studied at days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Arsenic trioxide produced a significant increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC count, plasma GPT levels and reduction in RBC count, plasma sodium, chloride, potassium, glucose, protein, GOT, LDH levels as compared to the control group. Gill Na + /K +-ATPase activity was influenced by arsenic trioxide exposure. A biphasic response was noted in the value of MCH and MCV. However the MCHC level was not altered in arsenic trioxide treated fish throughout the study period. Results of the present investigation suggest that arsenic trioxide affects the hematological, biochemical and ionoregulatory parameters of fish and alterations of these parameters can be useful in environmental biomonitoring of arsenic contamination.

Clinical laboratory reference intervals used in a specific area should be derived from the local population as they are influenced by many factors. The purpose of this quantitative cross sectional study was to establish hematological reference intervals for healthy adults in Asmara and to determine whether the currently used reference interval do represent the adult population in the city. In addition, the established reference intervals were compared to findings from similar studies conducted in selected countries in Africa. There was a significant difference between males and females in the reference intervals for erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration and differential white blood cell count. All the evaluated hematological analytes were found to be higher in males than in females except for platelet count. The out of range percentage for the parameters extends from 3.5 to 46.7%; with red blood cell cou...

The incidence of functional asplenia in sickle-hemoglobin C (SC) disease has not been defined, and the use of prophylactic penicillin t o prevent life-threatening septicemia in this disorder is controversial. The percentage of red blood cells with pits (pit count) is a reliable assay of splenic function in other disorders but has not been validated in hemoglobin SC disease. To address these issues, we conducted a prospective, multicenter study of splenic function in persons with hemoglobin SC disease. Baseline clinical data were recorded, and red blood cell pit counts were performed on 201 subjects, aged 6 months t o 90 years, with hemoglobin SC; 43 subjects underwent radionuclide liver-spleen scanning. Pit counts greater than 20% were associated with functional asplenia as assessed by liver-spleen scan, whereas pit counts less than 20% were found in subjects with preserved splenic function. Pit counts greater than 20% were present in 0 of 59 subjects (0%) less than 4 years of age, in 19 of 86 subjects (22%) 4 t o 12 years of age, and in 25 of 56 subjects

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic values of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentration, transferrin-ferritin index (soluble transferrin receptor concentration/log ferritin), ferritin levels and other related parameters in geriatric patients with anemia of chronic disease (ACD) and iron deficiency (IDA). Forty-four elderly subjects (median age 73 [63-94]) and twenty healthy subjects (median age 49 [44-56]) were enrolled into this study, divided into four groups: twenty middle aged healthy subjects (group A), fifteen elderly patients with IDA (group B), fourteen elderly patients with ACD (group C) and fifteen nonanemic geriatric subjects (group D). Hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation levels of the patients in IDA group were found significantly lower than those in both non-anemic group and healthy subjects. Serum sTfR concentrations of the patients in IDA group were significantly higher than those in non-anemic geriatric group, ACD group and healthy subjects. Transferrin-ferritin index of the patients with IDA was significantly higher than that in non-anemic geriatric and ACD group. Serum ferritin levels of the patients in IDA group did not show any differences when compared with the other groups. Serum ferritin was highly specific for IDA (95%) when compared with ACD, although its sensitivity was low (38%). STfR values were negatively correlated with both transferrin and ferritin levels (p=0.042 r=−0.40; and p=0.034 r= −0.41, respectively). In conclusion, serum soluble transferrin receptor and transferrin-ferritin index may be used together with serum ferritin to distinguish the iron deficiency state in the elderly. soluble transferrin receptor; transferrin-ferritin index; iron deficiency; elderly

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a serious health problem in Suriname. To expand the diagnostic options, two newly developed diagnostic tests, i.e. the rapid diagnostic test CL Detect™ Rapid Test (CL Detect) and the Loopamp™ Leishmania Detection Kit (Loopamp) were evaluated. Methods: Diagnostic test performance was compared to the routine diagnostic approach in place, i.e. clinical symptoms combined with microscopy, and to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which was used as a reference standard. The study population (n = 93) was a typical representation of the CL affected population in Suriname and mainly infected with Leishmania guyanensis. Results: CL Detect had a very low sensitivity compared to microscopy (36.7%) or PCR (35.8%), due to a high number of false negative results. The specificity of the CL Detect compared to microscopy and PCR was 85.7 and 83.3% respectively. Loopamp sensitivity was 84.8% compared to microscopy and 91.4% compared to PCR. The Loopamp test had a moderate specificity (42.9%) compared to microscopy, but a good specificity compared to PCR (91.7%). Conclusion: The CL Detect is not likely to be a good replacement for the routine diagnostic procedure for CL in Suriname. The high sensitivity of the easy to perform Loopamp enables the implementation of sensitive molecular diagnosis in resource limited settings.

Background: Growing evidence indicates that iron-deficiency anemia is common in patients with congenital heart diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize hematologic changes and iron metabolism in adult Fontan patients. We also searched for the associations between these parameters and physical performance in the study group. Methods and results: Thirty-two white Fontan patients with a mean age of 25 ± 4.5 years and 30 healthy control subjects matched for age and sex were studied. Complete blood count together with iron-related parameters was determined in plasma of peripheral venous blood. The cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed. The Fontan patients had higher red blood cell counts (6.0 ± 2.1 × 10 9 /l vs. 4.8 ± 0.4 × 10 9 /l, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (16.7 ± 1.4 g/dl vs. 14.2 ± 1.3 g/dl, p < 0.001), hematocrit (49 ± 3.4% vs. 42.1 ± 3.1%, p < 0.001), red cell distribution width (RDW) (14.3 ± 2.4% vs. 12.8 ± 0.5%, p < 0.001), while mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were similar in both the groups. Compared to the controls, the Fontan patients had higher unsaturated iron binding capacity (46.1 ± 12.6 mol/l vs. 38.4 ± 11.9 mol/l, p = 0.02), total iron-binding capacity (62.8 ± 9.8 mol/l vs. 57.8 ± 8.5 mol/l, p = 0.04), lower transferrin saturation (27.4 ± 11.4% vs. 34.6 ± 13.4%, p = 0.03), and oxygen uptake, while iron and ferritin levels were comparable in both the groups. The multivariate model showed that SatO 2 and cystatin C were independent predictors of RDW, and alanine aminotransferase was an independent predictor of ferritin level. Interestingly RDW was an independent predictor of oxygen uptake. Conclusion: Adult patients after Fontan operation despite having increased hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells have insufficient iron stores. Red cell distribution width is an indicator of iron deficiency in adult Fontan patients and it correlates with lower exercise capacity. Elevated ferritin levels in adult patients after Fontan surgery are associated with liver failure.

Study objectives: To determine whether, in patients with bilateral pleural effusions, the main cellular and biochemical features of the pleural fluid on the right side differ from or correlate with those on the left side. We examined lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose, and total protein (TP) levels, RBC count, nucleated cell count (NCC), and differential cell count. Patients and methods: Twenty-seven patients with bilateral pleural effusions, including 13 patients with effusions after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, 12 patients with congestive heart failure, 1 patient with malignant pericarditis, and 1 patient with renal failure, were studied retrospectively. Results: The right-sided and the left-sided pleural effusions did not differ in the mean TP (p ‫؍‬ 0.38), glucose (p ‫؍‬ 0.31), and LDH (p ‫؍‬ 0.39) levels, RBC count (p ‫؍‬ 0.31), NCC (p ‫؍‬ 0.96), and the percentage of neutrophils (p ‫؍‬ 0.22), lymphocytes (p ‫؍‬ 0.73), mononuclear cells (MNCs) [p ‫؍‬ 0.49], and eosinophils (p ‫؍‬ 0.65). The bias ؎ precision was 0.1 ؎ 0.64 g/dL for TP, ؊ 2.7 ؎ 23 mg/dL for glucose, 41 ؎ 362 IU/L for LDH, 6,100 ؎ 62,900 cells/L for RBC count, ؊ 36 ؎ 1,043 cells/L for NCC, ؊ 2.9 ؎ 11.6% for the percentage of neutrophils, 1.15 ؎ 17% for the percentage of lymphocytes, 2.3 ؎ 17% for the percentage of the MNCs, and ؊ 0.15 ؎ 5.4% for the percentage of eosinophils. Moreover, there was a close correlation between the right-sided and the left-sided pleural effusions concerning TP level (r ‫؍‬ 0.85, p < 0.001), glucose level (r ‫؍‬ 0.78, p < 0.001), LDH level (r ‫؍‬ 0.71, p < 0.001), RBC count (r ‫؍‬ 0.66, p < 0.001), NCC (r ‫؍‬ 0.60, p ‫؍‬ 0.001), and the percentage of neutrophils (r ‫؍‬ 0.77, p < 0.001), lymphocytes (r ‫؍‬ 0.77, p < 0.001), MNCs (r ‫؍‬ 0.74, p < 0.001), and eosinophils (r ‫؍‬ 0.84, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Since the pleural fluid findings tend to be similar in both sides of patients with bilateral pleural effusion, we suggest that diagnostic thoracentesis may not need to be performed on both sides, unless there is a specific clinical indication.

Background: Hematological reference values are important for the clinical decisions in laboratory diagnosis and monitoring of patients. The correct interpretation of laboratory results depends entirely on the reference intervals that have been established for the locality. But, in sub-Saharan African countries particularly in Ethiopia, locally derived reference intervals were not established and they are forced to use intervals established from western population. Thus this study aimed to establish locally derived hematological reference values that could be used in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from April to May 2014 with 120 male and 120 female apparently health adult blood donors at Gondar University Hospital. A structured pretested questionnaire was used for socio demographic and clinical data collection. About 4 ml of blood was collected with EDTA test tube and analyzed using Cell-Dyn 1800 to enumerate the hematological parameters. The data were collected and entered into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine reference intervals and Harris and Boyd test was used to determine the reference intervals that need partition. The 95th percentile of measurements was taken as a reference interval. Results: Median and 95th percentile of WBC for general population were lower than Caucasian population, Addis Ababa, Burkina Faso and Kenya of similar studies. The RBC, Hgb and PCV lower 95% limit values of both sex were lower than studies in Addis Ababa, Kenya, Burkina Faso and text book. While PCV upper limit values higher than the above countries. MCV values of the current study were higher than those countries while MCHC values were lower. Similarly, the absolute values of neutrophils in the current study were lower than Caucasian and Afro Caribbean but higher than African countries and Jamaica but lymphocyte count was higher. Conclusions: The hematological reference intervals established in this study was different from those reported in other part of Ethiopia or African countries as well as Caucasian population. The RBC, PCV, Hgb and MCHC reference intervals were different in gender. Thus, using of locally determined reference range is advisable.

A randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel-group, single-center study to determine biomarkers of exposure to nine selected harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHC) in cigarette smoke and urinary excretion of mutagenic material in 160 male and female subjects smoking Marlboro cigarettes (6 mg tar, 0.5 mg nicotine, and 7.0 mg CO) at baseline. Subjects were randomized to continue smoking Marlboro cigarettes, or switch to using an Electrically Heated Cigarette Smoking System (EHCSS) smoking one of two EHCSS series-K cigarettes, the EHCSS-K6 cigarette (5 mg tar, 0.3 mg nicotine, and 0.6 mg CO) or the EHCSS-K3 cigarette (3 mg tar, 0.2 mg nicotine, and 0.6 mg CO), or switch to smoking Philip Morris One cigarettes (1 mg tar, 0.1 mg nicotine, and 2.0 mg CO), or to no-smoking. The mean decreases from baseline to Day 8 were statistically significant (p 6 0.05) for all determined HPHC including benzene and CO (the primary objectives), and urinary excretion of mutagenic material in the EHCSS-K6 (range À35.5 ± 29.2% to À79.4 ± 14.6% [mean ± standard deviation]), EHCSS-K3 (range À41.2 ± 26.6% to À83.1 ± 9.2%), and PM1 (range À14.6 ± 24.1% to À39.4 ± 17.5%) groups. The largest reductions in exposure occurred in the no-smoking group (range À55.4 ± 45.0% to À100.0 ± 0.0%).

Timed-pregnant Fischer 344 rats and New Zealand White rabbits were exposed to ethylene glycol monobutyl ether vapors by inhalation on gestational days 6 through 15 (rats) or 6 through 18 (rabbits) at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100 or 200 ppm. The animals were sacrificed on gestational day 21 (rats) or 29 (rabbits). In rats, exposure to 200 or 100 ppm resulted in maternal toxicity (clinical signs, decreased body weight and weight gain, decreased absolute and relative organ weights, decreased food and water consumption and evidence of anemia), embryotoxicity (increased number of totally resorbed litters and decreased number of viable implantations per litter) and fetotoxicity (reductions in skeletal ossification). No increase in fetal malformations was observed in any exposure group relative to controls. At 50 or 25 ppm, there was no maternal, embryo or fetal toxicity (including malformations) in rats. In rabbits, exposure to 200 ppm resulted in maternal toxicity (apparent exposure-related increases in deaths and abortions, clinical signs, decreased weight during exposure and reduced gravid uterine weight at sacrifice) and embryotoxicity (reduced number of total and viable implantations per litter). No treatment-related fetotoxicity was seen. No treatment-related increases in fetal malformations or variations were seen at any exposure concentration tested. There was no evidence of maternal, embryo, or fetal toxicity (including malformations) at 100, 50 or 25 ppm in rabbits.

Metabolic effects of dietary macronutrients on diet-tissue isotopic discrimination factors were investigated in harbor seals. Three seals were fed either high fat/low protein herring (H), or low fat/high protein pollock (P), and switched to the alternative every 4 months. This allowed each seal to be subjected to two dietary treatments in each of three metabolically defined seasons (breeding from May to September, molting from September to January, and late winter/early spring period from January to May) over a 2 year cycle, and function as its internal control regardless of physiological changes over season. One seal was fed a constant equal mix of H and P over the entire trial. Up to 1‰ differences in serum δ 15 N values of one seal fed alternatively on H and P were observed. Progressively more enriched serum δ 15 N values as diet switching from H to P might link to changes in seal digestive physiology and protein metabolism in response to very high protein intake on P diet. These findings demonstrate that dietary macronutrients of prey species and protein intake level of consumers also play important roles in shaping isotopic patterns of a consumer's tissues, and thus influence accurate data interpretation of stable isotope techniques in ecological applications.

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) in red blood cells of rats infected with Trypanosoma evansi and establish its association with haematocrit, serum levels of iron and zinc and lipid peroxidation. Thirty-six male rats (Wistar) were divided into 2 groups with 18 animals each. Group A was non-infected while Group B was intraperitoneally infected, receiving 7·5×106 trypomastigotes per animal. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups of 6 rats and blood was collected during different periods post-infection (p.i.) as follows: day 5 (A1 and B1), day 15 (A2 and B2) and day 30 PI (A3 and B3). Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture to estimate red blood cell parameters (RBC), δ-ALA-D activity and serum levels of iron, zinc and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Rats in group B showed a significant (P&lt;0·05) reduction of RBC count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit at days 5 and 15 p.i. The ...

Objective-To test the hypothesis that inflammation modulates fetal erythroblastosis and/or the release of NRBCs independent of hypoxia or fetal stress. We sought to determine if fetal inflammation is associated with an elevation in neonatal NRBC count in the setting of inflammation-associated preterm birth. Study Design-The relationships between peripheral NRBC count, histological chorioamnionitis, umbilical cord interleukin-6 (IL-6), erythropoietin (EPO), cortisol and acid-base status were analyzed in 68 preterm singletons, born to mothers who had an amniocentesis to rule out infection. Proteomic profiling of amniotic fluid identified presence of intra-amniotic inflammation according to established parameters. NRBC counts were assessed within 1-hour of birth. Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) was established based on hematological and microbiological indices. IL-6, EPO and cortisol levels were measured by immunoassays. Fetal acid-base status was determined within 10 minutes of delivery. Parametric or nonparametric statistics was employed. Results-Fetuses with EONS (n=19) were delivered at earlier gestational ages (mean±SD: 27.1±2.8 weeks, P=0.001) and more often by mothers with intra-amniotic inflammation (P=0.022) and histological chorioamnionitis (P<0.001). Neonates with EONS had higher absolute NRBCs

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two levels of inclusion of xylan oligosaccharides (XOS) extracted from corncob on growth, feed utilization, immune status and disease resistance of Mediterranean sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fingerlings. Specimens of 4.75 ± 0.69 g at initial density of 2.7 ± 0.13 kg/m(3) were fed during 12 weeks at 0 g kg(-1) diet, 5 g kg(-1) diet and 10 g kg(-1) diet, dietary XOS level of inclusion in a commercial sea bass diet. Feeding the fish at both XOS dietary inclusion levels significantly increased weight gain, protein efficiency ratio and feed conversion ratio. Feeding of supplemented diets to fish led to reducing mortalities after challenging with A. hydrophila. The haematological and immunological parameters were assayed in both pre-challenged and post-challenged groups. There was an increased trend in red blood corpuscles, white blood corpuscles, pack cell volume, haemoglobin (Hb %) and serum protein content in treated groups over the control as time elapsed with the feeding trials. The serum immunoglobulin level and lysozyme activity showed an increased trend in the fed groups. Histological features of the liver showed lower lipid vacuolization and regular-shaped morphology of hepatocytes around the sinusoidal spaces denoting a better utilization of dietary nutrients supported with the morphometric data. In conclusion, XOS added at a designated dose (5 g kg(-1) diet) in the diet improves growth and stimulates the immunity and makes D. labrax fingerlings more resistant to infection by A. hydrophila.

It has been shown that static magnetic field (SMF) of moderate intensity produces considerable impact on biological systems. SMF can be homogeneous or inhomogeneous. In many studies, inhomogeneous SMF was employed. Aware that inhomogeneous SMF could result in experimental variability, we investigated the influence of a vertical homogeneous SMF of different orientation. Male Swiss-Webster 9- to 10-week-old mice were subacutely exposed to upward- and downward-oriented SMF of 128 mT generated by a cyclotron for 1 h/day during a 5-day period. We found that SMF affected various organs and that these effects were, to some degree, dependent on SMF orientation. Both upward- and downward-oriented SMF caused a reduction in the amount of total white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes in serum, a decrease of granulocytes in the spleen, kidney inflammation, and an increase in the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition, upward-oriented SMF caused brain edema and increased spleen cellularity. In contrast, downward-oriented SMF induced liver inflammation and a decrease in the amount of serum granulocytes. These effects might represent a specific redistribution of pro-inflammatory cells in blood and among various organs. It appears that homogeneous SMF of 128 mT affected specific organs in the body, rather than simultaneously and equally influencing the entire body system.

Preliminary reference intervals for hematologic and total plasma protein profiles were determined for nine adult Red-capped parrots (Pionopsitta pileata) (six males and three females) and six Vinaceous Amazon parrots (Amazona vinacea) (two adult males, two adult females, one juvenile, and one nonsexed) from the Curitiba Zoo, Paraná, Brazil. For both Red-capped parrots and Vinaceous Amazon parrots, adult males had higher red blood cell counts than adult females. Regarding white blood cell distribution, differences due to gender were also found for both species of parrots.

Systemic and respiratory tract (RT) toxicity of triethanolamine (TEA) was assessed in a 28-day nose-only inhalation study in Wistar rats (10 animals/sex, concentrations: 0, 20, 100, 500 mg/m 3 ; 5 days/week, 6 h/ day). In two nose-only 90-day inhalation studies, with similar exposure design, Wistar rats were exposed to 0, 15, 150, 400 mg/m 3 diethanolamine (DEA) (DEA Study 1:13 animals/sex, general subchronic study) and to 0, 1.5, 3, 8 mg/m 3 (DEA Study 2:10 animals/sex) to specifically investigate respiratory tract toxicity. Only DEA induced systemic toxicity at or above 150 mg/m 3 (body and organ weight changes, clinical-and histo-pathological changes indicative for mild blood, liver, kidney and testicular effects). Neurotoxicity was not observed for both substances. Exposure to both substances resulted in laryngeal epithelial changes starting from 3 mg/m 3 for DEA (reversible metaplasia at the base of the epiglottis, inflammation at higher concentrations extending into the trachea) or from 20 mg/m 3 for TEA (focal inflammation, starting in single male animals). TEA appears to be less potent with respect to systemic toxicity and RT irritancy than DEA. The 90-day no adverse effect concentration" (NOAEC) for changes due to TEA exposure in the respiratory tract was 4.7 mg/m 3 derived by extrapolation from the NOAEC of the 28 day study.

Compliance is a key component in successful implementation of the delivery of micronutrients among children. The present study evaluates the compliance with two home-based food fortification strategies (fortified complementary food or sprinkle) for providing iron and zinc among children aged 6-24 months. A total of 292 children were randomly allocated to receive either rice-based fortified complementary food and nutrition education (Cf = 101), sprinkle and nutrition education (Mp = 97), or nutrition education alone as control (Ed = 94). All the enrolled children were breastfed at the beginning of the study and were advised to continue breastfeeding. Biweekly information on compliance and anthropometry was collected. Complete haemogram estimation was conducted at baseline and end of the study. Compliance with the fortified complementary food was higher compared to sprinkle (Cf = 81%, Mp = 64% child-days). Consumption of the fortified complementary food for 6 months resulted in a sign...

Sickle red blood cells (RBC) are subject to a number of important cellular changes and selection pressures. In this study, we validated a biotin RBC label by comparison to the standard 51 Cr label, and used it to study changes that occur in sickle cells as they age. Sickle RBC had a much shorter lifespan than normal RBC, but the two labels gave equivalent results for each cell type. A variable number of sickle, but not normal, RBC disappeared from the circulation during the first few hours after reinfusion. The number of biotinylated sickle reticulocytes was decreased by 50% after 24 h and 75% after 48 h, with a gradual decrease in the amount of reticulum per cell. The labeled sickle cells exhibited major density increases during the first 4-6 d after reinfusion, with smaller changes thereafter. A small population of very light, labeled sickle RBC was essentially constant in number after the first few days. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) content was determined in isolated biotinylated sickle RBC after reinfusion, allowing an estimate of lifespan for RBC containing HbF (F cells) and non-F cells. The lifespan of sickle biotinylated RBC lacking HbF was estimated to be ‫ف‬ 2 wk, whereas F cells survived 6-8 wk.

The lethal concentration for 50% of fish for 96h (96h LC 50) of copper (Cu 2?) was estimated for the Nile catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in extreme seasons, winter and summer, 4.31 and 4.79 mg/l, respectively. The Nile catfish was exposed to 96h LC 50 of copper for 7 days in extreme winter and summer. The body indices, haematological parameters as well as some plasma and liver enzyme activities and metabolite level were significantly differed in fish exposed to copper over than those of the control fish. Most of the tested parameters were not significantly different between the control fish of winter and summer (winter, water temperature 18 ± 2°C and summer, 27 ± 2°C). The effect of two ration sizes on copper toxicity in two different seasons on C. gariepinus was justified. It was found that the haematological parameters and the tested plasma activities of enzymes were significantly valid due to season differences. The blood parameters as well as plasma activities of enzymes were significantly differed in fishes fed elevated ration (3%) and exposed to copper challenge. On the other hand, the exploit of low feeding ration (0.5%) along with copper exposure during the examined seasons induced non-significant differences of the tested parameters, from those of the corresponding control. Therefore, the low feeding ration provides some tolerance against the possible water-borne copper exposure.

Anemia is a feature of CKD and a complication of renal transplantation, often caused by impaired production of erythropoietin. The kidney is a target organ for human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) in such patients, but it is not known whether hCMV effects erythropoietin production. We found that kidneys from patients with CKD were positive for hCMV protein and that blood levels of hCMV IgG inversely correlated with red blood cell count. In mice, systemic murine cytomegalovirus infection decreased serum erythropoietin levels. In human erythropoietin-producing cells, hCMV inhibited hypoxia-induced expression of erythropoietin mRNA and protein. hCMV early gene expression was responsible, as ultravioletinactivated virus had no effect and valganciclovir treatment showed that late gene expression was nonessential. Hypoxia-induced gene transcription is controlled by the transcription factors hypoxiainducible transcription factor (HIF)-1a and HIF2a, which are constitutively produced but stable only under low oxygen conditions. We found that hCMV inhibited constitutive production of HIF2a mRNA. HIF2a is thought to be the master regulator of erythropoietin transcription. Single-cell analysis revealed that nuclear accumulation of HIF2a was inhibited in hCMV-infected cells, and the extent of inhibition correlated with hCMV protein expression. Our findings suggest that renal hCMV infection could induce or exacerbate anemia in patients.

Polycythemia and hyperhomocysteinemia are risk factors for thrombosis. Since red blood cells actively metabolize methionine to homocysteine, we investigated whether or not patients with polycythemia have increased plasma levels of homocysteine, which might contribute to their increased thrombotic risk. In ten patients with polycythemia, the plasma homocysteine levels were measured before phlebotomy, three days after the procedure and 1-2 months later. The baseline mean plasma homocysteine levels in patients (9.7 +/- 1.6 mumol/L [+/-SD]) did not differ significantly from that found in 30 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (12.2 +/- 6.9). Despite a fall in the patients&#39; mean [+/-SD] hematocrit from 0.50 +/- 0.02 at baseline to 0.47 +/- 0.03 three days after phlebotomy (significant at 95%) and to 0.48 +/- 0.02 after 1 to 2 months (not significant), the mean plasma homocysteine levels did not change significantly (9.9 +/- 2.3 mumol/L at 3 days and 9.7 +/- 2.1 mumol/L at 1-2 month...

This study was undertaken to investigate the hematological and biochemical changes in experimentally infected goats with Besnoitia caprae from the time of infection till 360 days post-infection (PI). Six male goats were inoculated subcutaneously with 13× 10 7 bradyzoites of B. caprae, and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein. The total erythrocyte and total leukocyte counts, hematocrit value, and differential leukocyte counts were determined. Serum biochemical analysis, including the total protein, albumin, total globulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, chloride, testosterone, calcium (Ca 2+), inorganic phosphorus, sodium (Na +), potassium (K +), iron (Fe 2+), glucose, serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase, was undertaken. Skin biopsy from the limbs were collected at weekly intervals and histologically examined for Besnoitia cysts. Cysts were present in the skin biopsies of the leg of the infected goats from day 28 PI. There were variations in hematological analyses, but no significant difference was seen. From day 30 to 360 PI, results showed that SAA, Hp, fibrinogen, and ceruloplasmin concentrations increased, whereas testosterone concentrations decreased. Infected goats exhibited decrease of albumin and increase of serum total protein and globulin concentrations. By contrast, there were no significant differences in the remained analyses concentrations.

780 hematology analyzers using 430 adult specimens. The DxH 800 provided a CBC and differential that correlated well with those of the Sapphire and LH 780, with most parameters showing correlation coefficients (r) of more than 0.97. In the instrument vs 400-cell manual differential comparison, all 3 instruments showed similar and acceptable accuracy to the reference method except for nucleated RBC (NRBC) enumeration, in which the DxH 800 and Sapphire outperformed the LH 780. We also compared clinical efficiency by determining whether flagged specimens showed abnormalities on a peripheral blood smear as defined by International Council for Standardization in Haematology criteria.

To evaluate the effects of normal vaginal delivery (NVD) on oxygen transport to the fetus. Study group and methods: Fifty newborn infants born by NVD and as a control group 50 infants born by elective Cesarean section (ECS) were studied. Factors reflecting oxygen transport to the fetus were measured in venous and arterial cord blood: pH, partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and carbon dioxide (pCO2), oxygen saturation (SO2), blood oxygen content, base deficit, and lactic acid concentrations, erythropoietin concentrations, number of nucleated red blood cells and haemoglobin concentrations. There was no significant difference in venous blood oxygen content between the two groups of infants. However, arterial blood oxygen content was significanlty lower in the infants born by ECS than in those born by NVD (p&lt;0.001). Infants born by NVD had significantly lower pH (p&lt;0.001), greater base deficit (p&lt;0.001), higher lactic acid (p&lt;0.001) and erythropoietin concentrations (p=0.01), m...

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a type of therapy used primarily for analgesia, but also presents changes in the cardiovascular system responses; its effects are dependent upon application parameters. Alterations to the cardiovascular system suggest that TENS may modify venous vascular response. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of TENS at different frequencies (10 and 100 Hz) on venous vascular reactivity in healthy subjects. Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers were randomized into three groups: placebo (n=10), low-frequency TENS (10 Hz, n=9) and highfrequency TENS (100 Hz, n=10). TENS was applied for 30 min in the nervous plexus trajectory from the superior member (from cervical to dorsal region of the fist) at low (10 Hz/200 ms) and high frequency (100 Hz/200 ms) with its intensity adjusted below the motor threshold and intensified every 5 min, intending to avoid accommodation. Venous vascular reactivity in response to phenylephrine, acetylcholine (endothelium-dependent) and sodium nitroprusside (endothelium-independent) was assessed by the dorsal hand vein technique. The phenylephrine effective dose to achieve 70% vasoconstriction was reduced 53% (P,0.01) using low-frequency TENS (10 Hz), while in high-frequency stimulation (100 Hz), a 47% increased dose was needed (P,0.01). The endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine) and independent (sodium nitroprusside) responses were not modified by TENS, which modifies venous responsiveness, and increases the low-frequency sensitivity of a1-adrenergic receptors and shows high-frequency opposite effects. These changes represent an important vascular effect caused by TENS with implications for hemodynamics, inflammation and analgesia.

The incidence of asthma in pregnant women is approximately 1% to 4%. 1 It has been reported that maternal asthma contributes to fetal morbidity in terms of a slightly reduced birth weight, a higher rate of low-birthweight deliveries, and possibly an increased rate of prematurity. 2-5 Severe asthma in pregnancy may even affect neonatal deaths. 6 The mechanisms by which asthma affects the fetus have not been elucidated completely and may involve relative fetal hypoxia. We hypothesized that specific markers of fetal hypoxia (the absolute number of circulating nucleated red blood cells [RBCs] and lymphocyte counts), 7-9 measured at birth, would be increased in infants of mothers with asthma. Material and methods We prospectively studied two groups of term infants (38-41 weeks of gestation by last menstrual period, confirmed by early ultrasound scans), appropriate for gestational age (by Lubchenco intrauterine growth charts 10) who were born vaginally at the

Benzene and xylene are used by the chemical industry as raw materials for the manufacturing of paints, insecticides, gums, resins and other compounds. Through its myelotoxic actions, benzene produces hematologic changes ranging from pancytopenia to total bone marrow aplasia. The present investigation studied the possible effects of xylene on rat peripheral blood and compared these effects to those produced by benzene. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were injected s.c. with 2 ml benzene, xylene or saline/kg body weight 3 times a week at 2-3 d intervals for 5 w. The animals were lightly anesthetized and blood was collected by puncture of the retro-orbital plexus before the first administration of the solvents on d 7, 14, 21 and 35 of dosing, and 14 d after dosing was discontinued. Xylene induced leukocytosis as an increase in absolute neutrophil numbers, whereas benzene caused leukocytopenia due to decreases in absolute lymphocyte number. The 2 solvents reduced erythrocyte counts, hematoc...

Hunteria umbellata (K. Schum.) Hallier f. (family: Apocynaceae) is reputed for the folkloric management of labour, pain and swellings, stomach ulcers, diabetes, obesity, and anaemia, with no scientific report of its toxicity and reversibility profile. The present study was, therefore, aimed at investigating the in vivo toxicity and reversibility profile of the aqueous seed extract of Hunteria umbellata (HU). The acute oral and intraperitoneal toxicity studies of HU were determined in Swiss albino mice while its 90-day oral toxicity and toxicity reversibility profile on anthropometric, biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters were also assessed using standard procedures. Results showed that the LD 50 values for the acute oral and intraperitoneal toxicity studies for HU were estimated to be 1000 mg/kg and 459.3 mg/kg, respectively. Visible signs of immediate and delayed toxicities including starry hair coat, respiratory distress, and dyskinesia were observed. For the chronic oral toxicity study, HU administered for 90 days produced significant (p<0.001) reductions in the weight gain pattern and significant (p<0.001) and dose related increases in the relative weights of liver, stomach, spleen, testis, lungs and heart, at the 100 and 500 mg/kg of HU. Chronic HU treatment also produced significant (p<0.05, p<0.001) dose related reductions in the serum levels of fasting blood glucose, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine while causing non-significant (p>0.05) alterations in the serum levels of sodium, potassium, alaninine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total and conjugated bilirubin, total protein and albumin. Also, chronic oral treatment with HU produced significant (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001) and dose-related increases in the red cell count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, platelet count, total leucocyte count and lymphocyte differential while producing significant (p<0.05) reductions in neutrophil and granulocyte differentials. HU also produced histological features of proliferations of the stomach epithelia, lung tissues, splenic white and red pulps, and testicular spermatogenic series. Following 14 days of oral toxicity reversibility test, there was no significant (p>0.05) reversal in the serum levels of the biochemical and haematological parameters investigated, including the HU-induced histological lesions. Overall, results of this study showed that HU has a relatively low oral toxicity profile but its prolonged use, particularly, at high doses should be with great caution.