Diurnal variation of several blood parameters in the owl monkey, Aotus trivirgatus griseimembra

Diurnal variations in normal hemogram, total serum protein and serum iron are documented in 6 adult owl monkeys, Aotus trivirgatus griseimembra, maintained in an artificial LD 12:12 (35:0.08 lx) with light phase from 03.00 to 15.00 h Central European time. Statistically significant high amplitude rhythms occurred in total leukocyte and in eosinophil numbers with acrophases at 06.35 and 09.53 h, respectively. Erythrocyte numbers and hemoglobin concentration showed statistically significant low amplitude rhythms with almost identical acrophases. Total serum protein exhibited a 10% daily fluctuation. Serum iron concentration showed high amplitude daily variations with a 60% mean range of oscillation.