Hematological Parameters and Iron Metabolism in Pigeons and Chickens with Phenylhydrazine-Induced Anemia

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Abstract
A single phenylhydrazine injection (1.8 mg/kg body wt in chickens and 2.2 mg/kg body wt in pigeons) was administered i.m. [as an experimental model of anemia]. The modification of hematocrit, Hb, erythrocyte number, reticulocyte concentration, plasma Fe and total Fe-binding capacity was monitored vs. time. Depression of the hematological parameters in chickens was greatest on the 2nd day (27-40%), and the values returned to normnal by day 7. The drop in pigeons was greater (28-51%) and took longer to return to normal (day 22). The highest percentage of reticulocytes was 35-37%. A plasma Fe increase was concomitant to cell destruction and decreased later. The plasma Fe clearance values showed a double slop line as a result of the presence of reticulocytes. A high correlation existed between Fe uptake by red blood cells at 5 min and the reticulocyte concentration. The responses of the 2 species to the phenylhydrazine were similar, and differences were more quantitative than qualtiative. Reticulocytes were present in normal pigeons, which introduces an important variant in Fe metaboilism in birds.

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