Hematology, Cytochemistry and Ultrastructure of Blood Cells from Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

Abstract

Blood cells from fourteen (5 males and 9 females) adult Asian elephants were examined and cytochemical stained with Sudan Black B (SBB), peroxidase, periodic acid Schiff’s reaction (PAS), anaphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) and b-glucuronidase (b-glu). The complete blood counts were
performed using automate cell counter. There were no significant differences nearly all hematological values between the male and female elephants except the leukocyte count and fibrinogen concentration which were higher and lower, respectively, in the males than the females. Neutrophils had poorly segmented neclei and many well-differentiated granules. Neutrophils stained strongly positive to SBB, faintly stained with PAS, focal dot stained to ANAE and b-glu. Eosinophils contained 2-3 lobe nuclei, numerous small round red refractive granules with some vacuoles. Eosinophils stained moderately positive to SBB and strongly positive to ANAE but negative to b-glu. Basophils had variable number of intensely basophilic granules which did not obscure the lobed nuclei. Basophils were negative for SBB but moderately positive to ANAE and b-glu. Monocytes stained moderately positive to SBB and moderately to strongly positive to ANAE and b-glu. The bilobed cells stained moderately positive for
SBB and strongly positive for ANAE and b-glu which were similar to monocytes. Ultrastructurally, they contained a large number of mitochondria similar to those of monocytes except the shape of the nuclei. The number of bilobed cells exceeded the number of the other leukocytes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed surfaces of all blood cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed organelles within erythrocytes, platelets and all leukocytes especially bilobed cells.