Renal biochemistry variables and ultrasonographic imaging in healthy Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi).

BACKGROUND: The combined use of renal biochemistry and ultrasonographic imaging may improve the correct management of renal disease. Although renal disease is frequently observed in nonhuman primates, renal function markers have not yet been studied in Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to establish normal renal biochemistry variables and ultrasonographic features in Squirrel monkeys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Renal biochemistry variables and ultrasonographic images were documented in 29 healthy Squirrel monkeys (15 males and 14 females). Urea, serum creatinine (SCr), and uric acid (UA) concentrations were measured by kinetic assay. Cystatin C (CysC) was analyzed by immunonephelometry. A multiple frequency linear array probe (5-12 MHz) was used for ultrasonographic imaging. The studied indicators of renal function were related to sex, age, and body mass. RESULTS: Serum creatinine was influenced by sex and body mass. Serum concentration of urea, UA, and CysC were not influenced by sex, age, and body mass. Ultrasonographic images provided accurate and comprehensive data for making clinical decisions for Squirrel monkeys. The total renal volume was only influenced by the body mass nested in sex and was positively correlated to body mass. Right renal volume was bigger than the left one. CONCLUSION: Normative standards for the renal evaluation, including biochemistry and ultrasonography, in the Squirrel monkey have been established correlated to age, sex, and body mass.

Effect of age and sex on bone markers in Chlorocebus aethiops raised in captivity.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the procollagen type I N-propeptide (PINP), osteocalcin (OC), ß-crosslaps (ß-CTX), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in relation to age and sex of Chlorocebus aethiops in captivity. METHODS: Seventy-three monkeys were divided into four age groups: AG1 (juvenile); AG2 (young adult); AG3 (adult); and AG4 (senile). An electrochemiluminescence immunoassay with an Elecsys 2010 analyzer was used to determine the serum markers of bone. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Sex did not influence the results of the markers. However, the variables PINP, OC, and ß-CTX were negatively correlated with age (r = -0.643; r = -0.711; r = -0.488; P < 0.001, respectively), and PTH was correlated positively with age (r = 0.418, P < 0.001). The data obtained can be used as biomarkers of bone metabolism reference intervals in healthy C. aethiops in captivity.