title: Quantitative and qualitative morphologic, cytochemical, and ultrastructural characteristics of blood cells in captive Asian water monitors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) is the most common monitor lizard in Thailand. Reported data regarding hematology and morphology of blood cells for this species are scarce.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to assess routine hematologic variables and characterize the morphology, cytochemical staining, and ultrastructural features of blood cells in the Asian water monitor.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blood samples from 55 monitors (22 males and 33 females) were obtained for a CBC. Cytochemical staining (Sudan black B [SBB], peroxidase [PO], α-naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], and beta-glucuronidase [BG]), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed using standard methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Determined mean (range) hematologic results of all monitors included PCV 0.32 L/L (0.20-0.44 L/L), HGB 106 g/L (62-157 g/L), WBC 15.9 × 10(9) /L (4.0-34.0 × 10(9) /L), heterophil 6.3 × 10(9) /L (1.5-17.1 × 10(9) /L, azurophil 2.6 × 10(9) /L (0.7-9.5 × 10(9) /L), basophil 0.1 (0.1-0.5 × 10(9) /L), lymphocyte 6.8 × 10(9) /L (0.5-13.1 × 10(9) /L), and monocyte 0.2 × 10(9) /L (0.04-1 × 10(9) /L) counts. Heterophils and basophils stained strongly positive with SBB, ANAE, and BG. Heterophils contained 2 types of granules, round SBB-positive and PO-negative granules, and electron-dense, large rod-shaped granules. Gamonts of Hepatozoon sp. were found in <1% RBC of 43 monitors. There was no significant difference between hematologic variables in Hepatozoon-positive and -negative monitors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Heterophils in Asian water monitors may also function as eosinophils based on cytochemical and ultrastructural features. The quantitative results may be used as base for further studies in healthy and diseased Asian water monitors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsaen, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand.
authors.forename: Chaleow
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Salakij
authors.forename: Jarernsak
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Salakij
authors.forename: Kreangsak
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Prihirunkit
authors.forename: Naul-Anong
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Narkkong
authors.forename: Pornchai
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sanyathitiseree
authors.forename: Kwanjai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kranjanapitukkul
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000662:veterinary; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D008116:Lizards / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins
keywords: Blood cells; Varanus salvator; cytochemistry; eosinophil; reptile