PUBLICATION

Hematologic and serum biochemical values for zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Authors
Murtha, J.M., Qi, W., and Keller, E.T.
ID
ZDB-PUB-030312-15
Date
2003
Source
Comparative medicine   53(1): 37-41 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Murtha, Jill
Keywords
none
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Blood Chemical Analysis*
  • Erythrocyte Count*
  • Leukocyte Count*
  • Zebrafish/blood*
PubMed
12625505
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has proven an excellent model for study of vertebrate development and genetics. Mutagenesis studies have produced many blood mutants with defects ranging from hematopoiesis to coagulation. The overwhelming majority of zebrafish studies have focused on development and mutational effects in embryos, whereas effects in mature zebrafish have gone largely unexplored. We believe that zebrafish will prove a valuable model for study of aging and age-related diseases , and we have sought to characterize some of the basic features of mature zebrafish. Accordingly, blood was collected from adult zebrafish and was analyzed to determine reference hematologic and biochemical parameters. White blood cell differential counts indicated predominantly lymphocytes, with mean proportion of 82.95%. Total red blood cell counts averaged 3.02 x 10(6) cells/microl. Except for increases in alanine transaminase (ALT), amylase, and phosphorus values, serum biochemical analytes were within the range of reported values for mammals and other species of fish. Accurate analysis of the many zebrafish mutants generated requires determination of normal characteristics of zebrafish. We believe results such as these will help define normal adult zebrafish, which have a tremendous potential for use in the study of human disease and aging.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping