Age-related changes in serum chemistry and hematology values in normal Sprague-Dawley rats.

Age-related changes in serum chemistry and hematology values in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats 2 to 29 months of age are described. The number of values per determination (N) ranged from 554 to 1126. Serum chemistry parameters demonstrating changes with time included inorganic phosphorus, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, and alkaline phosphatase. There was little or no sex difference among these parameters. Hematologic parameters demonstrating changes with time included leukocyte elements (lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes), erythrocyte parameters (red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin), and platelet count. Most trends in erythrocyte parameters were more marked in males than in females. To visualize the effect of age of these parameters, the data were plotted vs time, and fitted models were superimposed on the graphs. Comparisons with available literature values are made, and the value of an age-related data base when conducting long-term toxicity studies is discussed.

Reference range data base for serum chemistry and hematology values in laboratory animals.

A reference range data base containing serum chemistry and hematology values on over 3000 animals is described. Data listed include the mean, standard deviation, and 10th and 90th percentiles for each of the following parameters. Serum chemistry: sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, urea nitrogen, creatinine, total bilirubin, total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase (monkey only), lactate dehydrogenase (dog only), and creatine kinase (dog only). Hematology: hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cells, reticulocytes, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin percent, platelets, white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and stabs. The species included are mouse, rat, hamster, rabbit, beagle dog, and cynomolgus monkey. The use of the reference ranges in routine computerized data collection is discussed.