PW01 Wildlife Toxicology
Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM - Wednesday, 12 November 2003
(PW003) Baseline hematology and plasma chemistry for the Western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis.
Bazar, M1, Salice, C1, Heckert, J1, Goodwin, S1, Talent, L2, 1 US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, APG, MD, USA2 Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
ABSTRACT- Toxicant-induced changes in hematological parameters can be useful indicators of sub-lethal toxicity. Importantly, a baseline of hematological parameters must be firmly established before application in toxicity studies. As part of an effort to further develop a reptilian toxicity testing system, we examined hematology and blood plasma chemistry in the Western fence lizards under both laboratory conditions and during an exposure to lead. Baseline values were determined in 11 males and 10 females maintained under identical conditions and fed daily. Blood samples were collected with heparizined capillary tubes after euthanization and decapitation. We were successful in obtaining approximately 0.20 ml of blood per individual. Parameters evaluated included total red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, total solids, albumin, calcium, glucose, phosphorus, total protein, uric acid, globulin, and electrolytes. Results indicated significant differences in calcium and globulin between male and female lizards. Generally, hematology and plasma chemistry values were similar to other squamate reptiles. Comparison of lead-exposed individuals from an approximate lethal dose study to the baseline individuals indicated differences in some hematological parameters but due to low sample number, further studies are needed to validate these results. Future studies are aimed at using hematological and blood plasma parameters as indicators of sub-lethal effects resulting from long-term, low-level lead exposure.
Key words: hematological parameters, reptile, sub-lethal effect, lead