Differences in normal values for murine white blood cell counts and other hematological parameters based on sampling...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hematology
• Animal Research

Background:

• Accurate hemogram and neutrophil function analysis is crucial in preclinical research.
• Variability in blood sampling techniques can introduce confounding factors.
• Understanding the impact of sampling site is essential for reproducible mouse studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of blood sampling location on hemogram parameters.
• To assess the effect of sampling site on neutrophil adhesion molecule expression (CD11b and CD18).
• To determine if anesthesia affects blood cell counts and neutrophil markers.

Main Methods:

• Blood was collected from BALB/c mice via tail, eye, and cardiac puncture under ketamine/xylazine anesthesia.
• Automated cell counting was used for total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts.
• Flow cytometry quantified CD11b and CD18 expression on neutrophils.

Main Results:

• WBC counts were highest in tail blood, followed by eye, and lowest in heart blood.
• Red blood cells (RBCs), platelets, and hematocrit were significantly higher in tail blood compared to heart blood.
• Neutrophil CD11b expression was significantly higher in tail blood versus heart blood, while CD18 remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

• The site of blood collection significantly affects hemogram results and neutrophil CD11b expression in anesthetized mice.
• Standardization of blood sampling site is critical for reliable and reproducible data in mouse hematology and immunology studies.
• These findings have implications for experimental design and data interpretation in preclinical research involving blood analysis.