[Hematological and blood glucose alterations in Wistar rats with acute chagasic infection during gestation]

Abstract. The present study examined hematological alterations and blood glucose levels variations in albino Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) with acute chagasic infection during gestation. Blood samples were taken from A, B, C and D groups of rats at 0, 6, 12 and 20 days after impregnation for hematological diagnosis and glycemia tests. Statistical analysis of the results showed significant changes (p < 0.05) in hemoglobin values (Hb) and highly significant differences (p < 0.01) in hematocrit variables (Hto): leukocyte count (LC), percentage of lymphocytes (L), neutrophils (N), number of platelets (P) and blood glucose levels. A differential count of monocytes (M) and eosinophils (E) showed no significant variations from normal levels. These changes represent important hematological and glycemia alterations, such as mild and moderate anemia, pronounced leukocytosis, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia and hypoglycemia. Finally, there is a discussion of some factors in acute chagasic infection in Wistar rats that might be augmented by parallel physiological effects produced by pregnancy.