Hematological status of the rat rattus norvegicus in hypothermia

Abstract

We investigated erythrogram and leukogram in the rats Rattus norvegicus (Wistar strain) during the short-term hypothermia under the laboratory controlled conditions. Control group of animals was anesthetized using diethylether and then heart punction was performed. Experimental group of animals was exposed to short-term hypothermia by "a'frigore" method. Once the body temperature of experimental animals decreased (rectal temperature was 15 °C), we performed punction of the heart. Hematological status was determined by the following parameters: erythrogram (red blood cell count, hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), MCV, MCH and MCHC) and leukogram (leukocytes, segmented and non-segmented neutrophils, eosinophilic and basophilic granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes). Under hypothermic conditions, a significant decrease in neutrophilic granulocytes and increase in lymphocytes were noted. The red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentrations were significantly increased while the values of MCV and MCH decreased in hypothermia.